How Mentoring Jump-Started My Artistic Journey

A year ago, I announced the closing chapter of Blue Butterfly Studio—my former business name. Though heart-breaking and hard to let go of something so precious to me, I had no idea what awaited me on the other side of this decision. At the time, I couldn't continue growing my business while being the sole creator, managing marketing, and making enough income to avoid keeping my full-time job. Creating was very time-consuming, and juggling it with my 9-5 job was exhausting.

I had to let go and decided to pursue a career within my full-time job.

The universe looked at me from up above and was like, “No, no, no. This is not how it ends.”

The Acquaintance

Within a week of making this decision, I received an unexpected message. A high school senior student wanted me to be her mentor for her Senior Project. I was humbled and honored by this acquaintance. She discovered my work at Comic-Con, one of the last events I exhibited in September 2023.

She was full of life and passionate about the arts, wanting to pursue a career as a full-time artist! I was shocked; it was such an awkward realization that what she wanted to pursue was what I had given up just a few weeks before. Nevertheless, knowing the risks and uncertainties, we we decided to give it our all.

I had never been a mentor or teacher, at least not seriously. Imposter syndrome took over, and I felt responsible for this young lady’s journey.

The Realization

Our meetings became casual and enjoyable. Her enthusiasm and the sparkle in her eyes reminded of my younger self, back when I found out I could study art in college. It made me wonder:

What would it have been like if I started pursuing my art at that age?

What if I knew that art was a possibility when I was younger?

It would have been a different experience. Regardless, this mentorship wasn’t about me. I wanted to give my mentee the best chance to pursue art that I could.

She was helpful, willing, and eager in any task I requested. Her art was beautiful and whimsical—mirroring my own style. It was as if she was a reflection of me when I started pursuing art. I was soaked in nostalgia every time we spoke, and it made me miss that excitement and spark.

The Spark That Changed Everything

It was refreshing to have new conversations about art again. College was probably the time I was most involved with people who shared the same love and interest in art as I did. The type of art we wanted to turn into a business. The type of art we could live doing without a worry in the world.

And just like that, my creativity increased. I found myself more invested in painting and sketching and finding ways to make time for art. I started waking up earlier, trying to wake up at 6 am—6 AM!—just so I could have at least a full hour for art.

My 9-5 job might not have given me many artistic tasks, but it definitely funded my art supplies. I started exploring mediums again, buying new paints and brushes, and having FUN making art.

It was such an inexplicable moment; I felt so centered and at peace. I didn’t let the fact that I had a full-time job bother me as I romanticized my daily life with bits and pieces of the old me that I had forgotten.

Our mentorship ended in December 2023, with both of us feeling bittersweet, knowing we were both about to make a big leap in our careers. I could only hope that everything we reviewed and all the tools I shared with her were enough for her to embark on this journey much more prepared than I did.

With a brief hug, some holiday presents, and a heartfelt “good luck,” we parted ways, promising to keep in touch.

She has no idea how much this relationship would change my career and allow me to follow my own dreams of becoming a full-time artist.