Creative Compass | Mentorships for Artists

Creative Compass: Career Prep Mentorship

For Emerging Artists in Art School Ready to Take the Next Step
You’ve made it into art school—now what?
Whether you're in between your freshman and sophomore year or halfway through your program, this is the moment where real-world experience starts to matter.

Maybe you’ve tried landing a summer assistant job or looked into internships and felt stuck. Or maybe you’ve been creating amazing work in your classes—but aren’t sure how to turn that into paid opportunities.

That’s where Creative Compass: Career Prep comes in. This mentorship is designed specifically for college-level artists who are ready to build a career foundation while still in school. You’ll get personalized guidance to grow your portfolio, market your unique style, and gain the confidence to pursue commissions, freelance work, or creative jobs—using the tools and voice that already make your art shine.

This isn’t just about prepping a portfolio. It’s about prepping you—as an artist and a future professional.

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:
Each mentorship is customized based on your goals, interests, and style—but here are just some of the areas we can dive into together:

🎯 Portfolio Growth (Beyond the Classroom) Develop real-world pieces: stylized pet portraits, avatars, brand mascots, packaging art, comics, or children’s book samples Create client-ready mockups using Procreate or other digital tools Explore how to adapt your style for freelance or commercial work

💼 Commission & Client Prep Set up a pricing guide and understand what to charge Learn how to manage custom orders (revisions, timelines, contracts) Practice writing bios, emails, and intro messages for future clients

📱 Branding & Online Presence Build or refine a simple online portfolio (Canva, Squarespace, or Kit) Create a clean, consistent Instagram strategy to show your work Get guidance on starting an Etsy, Ko-Fi, or small shop

🧭 Career Exploration Research and apply to internships, assistant positions, or illustration opportunities Practice interview skills and outreach communication Connect with new creative communities and industry-specific groups

🛠️ Ongoing Support Weekly or bi-weekly check-ins Feedback and critique on new work Text/email support for questions, ideas, or motivation Personalized creative challenges to build confidence and momentum

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

Portfolio Growth with Purpose

Each month, we’ll focus on building out your portfolio with real-world projects that go beyond class assignments. Whether it’s stylized pet portraits, character sheets, merchandise design, or digital illustration mockups, you’ll create work that speaks to clients and employers—not just professors. We’ll tailor the projects to your style and interests, using tools you already love while stretching your versatility and problem-solving skills.
By the end of each cycle, you’ll have new, polished pieces that elevate your portfolio and reflect your unique creative voice.

Branding, Social Media & Online Presence

Together, we’ll shape how the world sees your art. From tightening your Instagram strategy to building a simple online portfolio or commission form, you’ll learn how to present your work professionally and clearly.
I’ll guide you through everything from writing a great artist bio to setting up pricing sheets, so you feel prepared and proud of what you’re putting out there. This isn’t about being “salesy”—it’s about showing up with clarity, consistency, and confidence in what you do and how you do it.

Confidence, Direction & Career Exploration

Art school teaches technique—but it doesn’t always teach you how to find your path. That’s where this mentorship shines. Each month, we’ll explore different career avenues together: commissions, freelance gigs, assistantships, internships, illustration niches, and more. You’ll get encouragement, accountability, and permission to experiment—because figuring out what fits is just as important as building skills. I’ll be here to help you research opportunities, prepare outreach emails, and stay inspired as you carve out your next steps.

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
-A strategic game plan to accomplish goals on a timely manner
-Access to all tutorials and demos on Create & Inspire site for 20% off.

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

Support, office hours and more

-Access to me via text and email
-Exploration of various job and experience opportunities
- Growing your brand with confidence

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
Support and confidence building
Goal setting, plan creation, critiques

Sign up now