Evaluate and Elevate
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Whew, if that isn't the truth, I don't know what is, and it applies perfectly to how you should look at advancing your creative skills.
But I am not talking about it in terms of a client-artist relationship.
Almost every artist at some point has at least one mentor,...
...but choosing a mentor can be a difficult task. So, here are some key things to look for to make sure that individual is as invested in your growth as you are!
1) Connection: Do the two of you connect on a personal level? Not a "how's the family," but a "I care about you. Let's tackle this." You can usually (and your brain will do it automatically) make a judgement in the first few seconds of interaction with the individual.
2) Position: Is the mentor constantly standing in front of you or beside you? You don't need a lecture every single time. You need a demonstration, a helping hand, and a skilled teammate in the struggle.
3) Diction: Are the words being used vague? If your color palette isn't quite right, well....why not??? It can't be left at that. There need to be details on how to correct and master the skill that you're trying to learn.
4) Direction: What is the measuring stick being used? You can't just have "I want to become a Photoshop Artisan" as the goal. It is too broad and vague, and, honestly, will leave you frustrated more than fulfilled. Instead, you need to have set points that let you see your progress and check off the necessary tools you need to master along your way.
5) Separation: Do you get pushed outside of your comfort zone? Activities, lessons, and practices should push you just a little beyond your reach each time extending your abilities and leading to mastery.
6) Gumption: Are you encouraged to take the reins? Mastering skills isn't about staying under the tutelage of a mentor forever. It is about learning to become independent and your own artist.
Well, were those what you expected?
Is your mentor acing these areas or falling short? Evaluate your mentor, and elevate your art.
#CreativeHeart
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