In my Queenscliff studio.
Hello! It’s me, Soula – Your Art Mentor.
I’ve been in the creative industry for a while now, designing successful creative solutions, exhibiting my artwork and over the past decade, curating and working closely with artists and collectors as a gallerist and owner of Queenscliff Gallery.
What makes my offering as a mentor unique is my combination of a lifetime of careful observation through drawing and my position as a creative, self-employed individual.
Working independently can get tricky. But as a director of creative thinking, I’ve been guiding people to their intended outcomes for decades while managing my own self-employment through even the most complex of situations.
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.
Soula’s depth of experience as an artist and gallerist of many years and her generosity in sharing her knowledge have been instrumental in my re-engagement with a studio practice on hold during a period of full-time employment. Soula’s unique position brings insights that have enriched our wide-ranging conversations and reignited my enthusiasm for my own art making. Our exchanges have been invaluable in introducing me to new resources that relate to my practice along with references to the studio practice of relevant artists. Soula’s support has enhanced my deep dive back into life as a maker, with a rekindled enthusiasm for collecting and appreciating art and the work of artists.
Soula is exceptionally generous with her knowledge and insight.
She leaves you feeling very inspired.
As your mentor, I can bring clarity to your ideas and help you find a way to express them – catharsis. You just need to be serious about a regular art practice, whether or not you wish to pursue a commercial career.
Throughout my career as an artist, designer, and gallerist, I have worked with small business owners with creative project needs, exhibiting artists, independent creatives and art students.
I’ve helped them establish their brand, directed their social strategy, taught them how to use social media more effectively, built websites for them and with them, and helped them develop bodies of work for exhibition or portfolios for presentation.
This is not teaching or critique; sessions with me are private conversations to help you develop your practice, expand your ideas, and bring them to light.
Are you a teacher?
Feel free to contact me to organise a guest workshop day with your class. I’ve 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.
Soula sketching in the Piazza in Verona
As your mentor, I can bring clarity to your ideas and help you find a way to express them – catharsis. You just need to be serious about a regular art practice, whether or not you wish to pursue a commercial career.
Throughout my career as an artist, designer, and gallerist, I have worked with small business owners with creative project needs, exhibiting artists, independent creatives and art students.
I’ve helped them establish their brand, directed their social strategy, taught them how to use social media more effectively, built websites for them and with them, and helped them develop bodies of work for exhibition or portfolios for presentation.
This is not teaching or critique; sessions with me are private conversations to help you develop your practice, expand your ideas, and bring them to light.
Are you a teacher?
Feel free to contact me to organise a guest workshop day with your class. I’ve 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.
Soula sketching in the Piazza in Verona
In my Queenscliff studio. Sketching in Verona, 2024
Mentoring with Me is for you if:
mentoring with me is not for you if:
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, editioning information, and commercial decision-making (where relevant)
Structure & availability
I only work with a limited number of mentees at a time. Sessions need to be via video or local to the Queenscliff area.
Mentoring is offered as:
— Single sessions
60 minutes — $180
— 3 sessions over 6–8 weeks
60 minutes each — $510
— 6 sessions over 3–4 months
60 minutes each — $960
All sessions must be paid upon booking. All prices inclusive of GST.
Structure & availability
I only work with a limited number of mentees at a time. Sessions need to be via video or local to the Queenscliff area.
Mentoring is offered as:
— Single sessions:
60 minutes — $180
90 minutes — $250
— 3 sessions over 6–8 weeks:
90 minutes each — $720
— 6 sessions over 3–4 months:
90 minutes each — $1,350
All sessions need to be paid for at booking time.