A beautiful November night was the proverbial “icing on the cake” for this year’s Mentor Matchup kickoff event hosted at Village Tavern. This three-month program pairs students and emerging designers with local industry professionals where they will receive one-on-one mentorship based on the mentees’ specialty and career objectives.

Breakout sessions were preceded by camaraderie over appetizers and choice beverages. Overall, the event was a huge success and mentees left the premise with newfound confidence and smiles on their faces.

In actuality, mentors also benefit from Mentor Matchup. Todd Aldridge, AIGA Charlotte Education Director, nailed it when he exclaimed in his speech, “It’s special for students and emerging designers looking for insight into their chosen path … it’s also special for area professionals to reflect on their career and the knowledge they have acquired to help guide the next wave of Charlotte creatives.”

Emerging designers are equipped with a plethora of ideas they are ready to share and emanate an unfaltering optimism that is so refreshing. It’s like a friend whom you haven’t seen in awhile that gives you call out of the blue to see how you’re doing. It’s a nice feeling for veteran designers; we are reminded why we have been in this business for over a –well, a long time!

We are excited to see what the next few months will bring! And to our amazing mentees and mentors…from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! Without your dedication this event would have not been possible.