What Happens in an ITSme Mentorship? A Week-by-Week Breakdown

Imagine having a guide who not only understands the creative path an individual wants to walk, but also has the knowledge and tools to help them get there – successfully. That’s the core of the ITSme Learning Mentorship. Whether someone is a student, a young professional at the beginning of their career, or an artist looking to level up and establish themselves amongst dream clients, the ITSme Mentorship isn’t just another development program – it’s a transformational journey. 

But what actually happens inside an ITSme Learning Mentorship? Let’s pull back the curtain.

Firstly, it starts with the participant. From the very beginning, the Mentorship isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. The application form submitted helps the team understand each individual’s goals from the outset. This information is then used to pair them with the right creative expert, who will act as a guide throughout the 11-week program.

Once enrolled, the first week focuses on settling in and completing orientation. During this time, participants are officially introduced to their Mentor, initiating a dialogue and scheduling their first portfolio review. While the ITSme team works behind the scenes to gather helpful feedback and notes for the Mentor, participants already gain access to a series of video lessons via their portal. A pre-recorded Webinar is also available, covering topics related to the creative industry.

The second and third weeks are the most pivotal. During this time, participants access more video resources and meet with their Mentor for an in-depth portfolio review. This discussion sets the tone for the rest of the Mentorship, offering the opportunity to receive constructive feedback – identifying both key strengths and areas for improvement. It’s also a chance for the Mentor to understand what inspires the participant, what their interests are, and how they can be supported on their journey. The Mentor listens first, then collaboratively builds a path with – and for – the Mentee.

The portfolio review is recorded, so while the Mentor is crafting the participant’s official brief, the Mentee can revisit the conversation, especially since it includes a wealth of detailed insights. The brief outlines all key strengths and focus areas, with added visual references to guide the creative development process.

The creative phase of the Mentorship begins in Week 4, when Mentees receive their project briefs. From this point onward, they begin working on new, bespoke illustrations tailored to enhance their portfolios and help them meet their individual goals.

Although this stage can feel more independent, ongoing support is always available throughout the program. The briefs are designed to guide illustrations through several developmental stages, with built-in checkpoints along the way. These check-ins provide opportunities for Mentees to receive feedback from their Mentors, helping their work evolve and reach its highest potential. All of your feedback is from industry pros. We do not do any peer assessed work, because we know you are paying for top level advice.

This development phase spans Week 4 to Week 10. While creativity is in full swing, Mentees also gain access to additional resources and participate in a Live Webinar. Each webinar covers a unique topic relevant to the creative industry, offering insights into current trends and what the market is seeking. It also includes a live Q&A session with expert panelists carefully selected to match the subject matter, giving Mentees the chance to ask questions and engage directly with industry professionals.

As the program approaches its conclusion, each Mentee participates in a final portfolio review with their Mentor in Week 11. Unlike the initial review, this session focuses on the new work created during the program. Mentors provide constructive feedback, final tips, and actionable advice for continued portfolio development.

To close the experience, Mentees also receive a bonus one-to-one session with ITSme’s CEO, Ed Burns, who offers additional insights and encouragement that Mentees can carry forward as they continue to grow their creative careers.

ITSme have specifically created, built, and carefully structured the Mentorship this way, to not only help artists achieve their potential and see real growth, but to give live experience on what it’s like to work with clients in the industry. The program simultaneously prepares artists as they step into the Creative world, whilst giving them the knowledge they need to build a portfolio that is aligned to the type of work they want to be commissioned for in the future. 

This program is perfect for those looking to elevate their portfolios, no matter what stage they’re at in their careers. With programs running seasonally throughout the year, there’s plenty of opportunity to enrol, knowing that this is flexibility to plan schedules ahead of time, making the program more accessible for artists.

If you are interested in the mentorship programme and would like more information, please contact learning@itsmegroup.com. You can also apply to our fall mentorship here!