The creative mentor
Having a “creative mentor” like Matt has helped shape me as an artist and guide my outlook on film-making. Both Matt and I produce videos full time at different churches and have relatively similar roles. Having someone to talk with outside of my church who does the same thing has been really insightful to hear their perspective and to talk about what things are or aren’t working. Every time I confer with Matt I come away with new ideas or am reassured that I’m not crazy for wanting to create films in my free time.
Just as Matt has been my “creative mentor” over the years, I have had the opportunity to be a “creative mentor” to numerous high school students over the years as they desired to grow in the craft of film-making and I was willing to invest in them. Often I would bring them on shoots or let them assist in editing a project I was working on. This is something I wish I had when I was their age because I had no one to look to when I first started out.
I don’t know if anyone can ever have enough “creative mentors,” however I do know that I never want to be without having one or being one my self. The tough thing about being or finding a “creative mentor” is initiating the relationship and being consistent. Most people will be glad to invest in you if you just ask and often times people are intimidated to ask for help so don’t be afraid to initiate a mentor relationship to someone you know is growing as a creative.
About the Author
Brandon Riley Has Written 44 Articles For Us!
Currently I work at Sugar Creek Baptist Church as a Creative Media Producer. There I am apart of the Creative Communications team as well as the LYF Student Ministry assisting with creating and strategizing video projects and interactive media needs for both departments. When I am not at work or volunteering with middle school students, you may find me blogging at Part of the glue or creating media projects for organizations and other churches/youth groups Radiant First Productions. In addition to these side projects, I am also the Director of User Experience for Tuggle a ministry management platform. You can follow me on Twitter
