Creatives often work independently, which can be difficult and impact their progress.

Whether you are a student, a professionally practising artist, or a personally practising artist, mentoring can offer a way forward if you are feeling confused about your direction and hindered in your development. Mentoring, unlike technical study with an experienced individual, can provide direction, answer niggling questions, and pave new ways forward.

A lifetime of careful observation through drawing and a career as a creative, self-employed individual have given Soula Mantalvanos valuable experience in self-representation, autonomy and business operations.

Soula’s advice spread over many aspects of my art and this was incredibly useful. She has a depth of knowledge and great ability to understand my questions, concerns and doubts, that I can only guess is given by her experience as an artist herself but also as someone who is directly in contact with the outside, as a gallery owner. I found this combination very unique. I received advice as an artist, in terms of my work, what to focus on, tips on practice, but also in terms of how to present myself professionally, in social media, website, face to face. Her comments are very honest but in a very nice and supportive way.

Very importantly my time with her gave me a clearer direction on how to continue with my practice, and gave me confidence and enthusiasm. It is the first time I have taken a mentorship like this and I am really happy I did. — L C

Consider mentoring if you are serious about a regular art practice, whether you wish to pursue a commercial career or simply enjoy creativity.

Soula can support you by:

  • helping you feel more confident about your creativity
  • bringing clarity to your ideas
  • helping with the evaluation of ideas, expression and catharsis
  • encouraging broader thinking and development
  • learning about various creative mediums
  • helping establish your brand
  • directing social strategy and advising how best to use social media
  • learning how to sell artwork
  • advising on building websites, and
  • assisting in the development of bodies of work for exhibition or portfolio presentation.

This mentoring is suited to:

  • art and/or design students
  • practising artists at any stage
  • beginners seeking to set up regular practice
  • creatives transitioning or reassessing their direction
  • artists with a professional personal practice
  • individuals who are curious and enjoy creative investigation
  • individuals seeking constructive feedback and criticism

Mentoring may include:

  • talking through work to gather greater confidence
  • clarifying artistic direction and identity
  • developing artist statements, bios, and personal narratives
  • navigating gallery representation, exhibition, grant and art prize opportunities
  • pricing, finishing, framing, editioning information, and commercial decision-making (where relevant)

Are you a teacher?

Feel free to contact Soula to organise a guest workshop day with your class. Soula has made greeting cards and bookmarks with prep schoolers and mentored Year 12 students as they embark on their final year and seek guidance on preparing their portfolios for the University they intend to apply to.

Time
Thursday to Sunday, hour sessions between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm

Cost
$180 per person (students receive 2 hours for the price of 1)

More about Soula Mantalvanos

Queenscliff Gallery (QG) Director, Soula Mantalvanos, has been working in the creative industry for over 20 years, designing successful creative solutions, exhibiting her artwork and since establishing QG, curating and working closely with artists and collectors as a gallerist.

View Soula Mantalvanos’s work.

Add your preferred day to the cart order. Soula will be in touch to confirm the dates available.