Creative Compass | Mentorships for Artists

Creative Compass: Career Prep Mentorship
For Emerging & Returning Artists Ready to Take the Next Step

You’ve been making art—but now you’re asking: what’s next?

Maybe you’re:
-In art school and wondering how to bridge class assignments with the real art world.
-Freshly graduated and feeling overwhelmed about how to actually market your work.
- Picking your creative life back up after years away and unsure how to “go pro.”
-Already creating for yourself but craving guidance on how to share, sell, and grow.

👉 Without direction, it’s easy to spin your wheels: wasted hours Googling contracts, stressing over pricing, or second-guessing every bio and Instagram post.
👉 Without accountability, it’s easy to stall out: projects half-finished, portfolios outdated, opportunities slipping by.
👉 And without insider guidance, it’s easy to feel invisible in a crowded creative world.

That’s where Creative Compass: Professional Prep comes in.

Meet Your Mentor

Hi there! I’m Andrea Gianchiglia, and I’m honored to walk alongside young artists as they begin shaping not just their portfolios—but their professional paths. I’ve spent the past 20+ years working in a wide range of creative roles: from commissioned animal portraits to gallery exhibitions, from teaching workshops to painting large-scale murals, and from publishing illustration work to running my own online art education business.

I earned my BFA in Illustration with a minor in Art History from the Hartford Art School in 2005, and since then I’ve followed a winding, fulfilling journey through the arts. That path has included navigating freelance life, building a client base, developing products, and teaching at respected institutions like the Visual Arts Center of NJ, The Center for Contemporary Art, and the Hunterdon Art Museum.

I live in New Jersey with my husband—also an artist!—and our three energetic boys. Juggling family life and a full creative career has taught me how to be flexible, resilient, and inventive in pursuing what I love. That’s what I bring to this mentorship: real-world experience, creative strategy, and genuine support. Whether you’re looking to land your first creative job, start commissions, or figure out how to turn your passion into a profession, I’m here to help you build the skills, tools, and confidence to make it happen.

Here is a small collection of some examples of my artwork. For my full portfolio visit andreagianchiglia.com

✏️ What We Work On (Custom to you):
Every mentorship is tailored to your goals, interests, and style. But here are just a few of the areas we dive into:

🎯 Portfolio Growth (Beyond the Classroom or Studio)
-Build real-world pieces that connect with clients: portraits, illustrations, book samples, merch designs, brand mascots, and more -Create client-ready mockups using tools like Procreate, Photoshop, or Canva
-Learn how to adapt your unique style for freelance or commercial opportunities

💼 Commission & Client Prep
-Set up a pricing guide you can actually stand behind
-Learn how to manage revisions, timelines, and contracts with confidence
-Write bios, intro messages, and emails that open doors—not close them

📱 Branding & Online Presence
-Build or refine your online portfolio (Squarespace, Canva, or Kit)
-Create a clear, consistent Instagram strategy that highlights your voice
-Get support starting an Etsy, Wix, IG, or small shop that feels manageable

🧭 Career Exploration
-Research and apply to internships, freelance gigs, and assistantships
-Practice outreach, networking, and interview skills without the overwhelm
-Connect with new creative communities and industry-specific circles

🛠️ Ongoing Support
- Weekly or bi-weekly 1:1 check-ins (two per month, 1 hour each)
-Group Zoom session each month with your cohort of 6
-Feedback and critique on your newest work
-24/7 access to me for questions, ideas, or motivation
-Personalized creative challenges that keep you moving forward

Portfolio assessment, Career exploration, branding, and more

Individual lessons to create work that will help complete strengthen your portfolio via Zoom.

Access to me via text/ email.

What you will receive each month
This mentorship isn’t just a few calls—it’s full access to everything I offer, bundled into one high-impact experience.

Portfolio Growth with Purpose

Each month, you’ll create portfolio pieces that speak to clients and employers, not just professors or friends. Real-world projects—tailored to your style and interests—showcase your versatility and help you stand out.

Branding, Social Media & Online Presence

Together, we’ll shape how the world sees your art. From tightening your Instagram strategy to building a simple site or commission form, I’ll help you present your work clearly and confidently. This isn’t about being “salesy”—it’s about being ready.

Confidence, Direction & Career Exploration

We’ll explore different avenues—commissions, freelancing, internships, shows, illustration niches, and more—so you don’t just “wonder what if.” You’ll gain the courage to try, refine, and find the right fit for your creative path.

You also get - "All Things Andrea"

-Access Membership to The Creative Journey (all courses + community included while you’re in the program) Over 100 hours in lessons - Value of $240 a year
-Access to every digital product and workshop I’ve created- Value of $450 and growing
-Invitation to my weekly live Zoom art class - Value of $150
-Unlimited support: I’m in your corner, every step of the way - Priceless

Limited Availability: Session Spaces are highly limited to ensure each artist receives personalized attention and guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity—secure your spot today!

Breakdown

This program is packaged in a way to help you thrive. Additional lessons, customization, and in person elements can be added on at an additional cost.

Planning and Critiquing

-Initial consultation -30 min portfolio review of current work and discuss your goals
-A strategic game plan to accomplish goals on a timely manner
-Access to all things Andrea

Lessons and development

-Two, 1 hour Virtual live lessons to create new work step by step with me or to discuss strategies and challenges
-Check ins and support throughout the month, Live Cohort , group and individual accountability , invitation to other classes / critiques, creative journey membership and more

Support, office hours and more

-Access to me via text and email
-Exploration of various job and experience opportunities
- Growing your brand with confidence
- Devloping you voice as an artist

Building Confidence That Opens Doors

Choosing to invest in professional mentorship during art school is a powerful way to help an artist bridge the gap between classroom learning and a creative career. With over 20 years of experience as a working artist and instructor, I offer personalized guidance rooted in real-world experience—supporting students as they build confidence, sharpen their skills, and begin navigating the professional art world.

This program is about more than just preparing for a summer job or internship. It’s about developing a clear direction, creating work that reflects their unique voice, and learning how to share it with the world. With tailored lessons, creative challenges, and encouragement every step of the way, we’ll help turn their passion into a pathway forward. Let’s make this next phase one that truly builds their future.

"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet."
Bobby Unser

Monthly Fee

$500.00

Billed monthly

1:1 instruction, group lessons and more
Support and confidence building
Goal setting, plan creation, critiques

Sign up now