MENTORAPDG

The MENTORAPDG Program matches and connects mentees with potential mentors, providing a flexible structure to set clear goals and inspire interconnectivity between generations of designers and their associates in screen, live performance, events and digital production across Australia.

Australia is a multicultural country with people from diverse backgrounds living and working on Aboriginal lands. We encourage representative Australian stories to be on our screens and stages, hence we are encouraging the next generation from diverse backgrounds to join us in participating in MENTORAPDG.

The 2024-25 MENTORAPDG Program is now open for applications.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 19 SEPTEMBER 2024

In 2024 program is open to the following specialisations:

• Live Performance; Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Video Design, Make-up Design, Event Design, Set & Costume Design.
• Screen; Production Design, Costume Design, Art Direction, Hair and Make-up Design, Set Decoration, Props Master, Costume Supervisor and VFX Design.

The relationship between each mentee and mentor will be unique and will evolve over the mentorship. The program will consist of four in-depth meetings over a 12 month period. These meetings will set career goals, provide feedback and discussion of the mentee’s approach to design and provide general career advice. Free-flowing conversation is encouraged at all times along the lines of the following suggested topics:

FEEDBACK ON MENTEE’S BODY OF WORK TO DATE:

• A review of the mentee’s selected portfolio to establish what is working well/less well.
• Discuss employment opportunities that come up and current work in progress.

SKILLS (COLLABORATIVE, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL):

• Identify design skills that may need improving, such as – drafting, visual communication, illustration, graphics, time management, budgeting and scheduling.
• Working with contracts, agents, producers, and running a freelance business.
• Collaboration skills such as the director/designer relationship, designer/DOP relationship, working effectively with Production Managers.

PHILOSOPHICAL:

• What is “good design”?
• The creative process – how do other designers practice?
• The role of documentation – what are the expectations of companies and directors?
• Responding to new technologies and work methods.

Potential mentees will apply using the application form below. Please indicate your preference for Screen or Live Performance mentoring; although many designers’ practices are common to both industry sectors the career paths can be quite distinct. Graduates of tertiary training intuitions are encouraged to apply. Two years professional experience is a pre-requisite for applying to the program. The program is open to emerging and mid-career practitioners.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Mentees will be selected on the strength of their application and whether an appropriate mentee/mentor match can be established. Mentees are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Training and skills achieved to date.
2. A minimum 2 years professional experience working in the discipline/department you are applying for a mentorship in.
3. High standard of design thinking, realisation of ideas and/or capacity in support roles (Costume Supervisor, Art Director, Set Dec., Props Master)
4. Career aspirations.

SELECTION AND PAIRING

MENTORAPDG co-ordinators will endeavour to make an appropriate match, taking into account mentee and mentor preferences.
Mentors are typically based in capital cities, however mentees living regionally are encouraged to participate as the mentorship can take place via email, Zoom and phone as well as some face to face meetings.

Please note that the mentorship is an association between individual practitioners and is not affiliated with stage productions, film projects or employment opportunities.

INFORMATION FOR MENTORS

This is a voluntary, unpaid scheme in a structured format, with guidelines from APDG.

Mentors are established designers (at least 15 years professional experience).

APDG will provide support and management of the mentor program throughout its one year term.

It is expected you will be prepared to answer questions, offer advice and guidance in the creative and professional steps that your mentee can take to realise their goals.

We invite you to participate in this opportunity to share hard-earned knowledge and to experience the fulfilment in helping a younger practitioner. This is an exchange both ways!

SUBMISSION MATERIALS FOR MENTEES

Completed online Application Form (below)

Please note that all documents are required otherwise the application will be disqualified.

Upload the following documents in the application form:

1. Resume/CV: PDF (Max. 2MB)
2. Selected Portfolio: 4-10 pages, PDF (Max. 5MB)
3. Written Reference from an industry professional: director, designer or producer. Word or PDF format (250 words Max. 2MB)
4. Statement of Intent: A clear and specific Statement of Intent that includes why you would like to participate in the MENTORAPDG Program, and what you would like to gain from the opportunity. Importantly, please outline in this statement your experience in the discipline/department that you want to be mentored in. (250-500 words Max. 2MB)

Current full or emerging designer membership of APDG is a prerequisite. Student membership will need to be upgraded to emerging designer membership.

Application Fee: $50

Join now or upgrade at www.apdg.org.au/membership

MentorAPDG strongly encourages applications from First Nations Australians and people with lived experience of diversity.

FOR MENTEES:

Complete the online APPLICATION FORM now.

FOR MENTORS:

Potential mentors are invited to email the co-ordinator applicable to your industry.

Email: mentor.liveperformance@apdg.org.au

Live Performance Co-ordinator: Tobhiyah Stone Feller

Email: mentor.screen@apdg.org.au

Screen Co-ordinator: Lien See Leong

Please note that the co-ordinators are professional practitioners working in a voluntary basis. APDG facilitates the program but the success of the program is reliant on both Mentor and Mentee committing to the suggested guidelines and setting dates for meetings.