Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned professional, some supportive guidance in your career path is always helpful. We are grateful to offer free, volunteer-based mentoring sessions from our SGCI members. 

Apply during the conference registration period!

Session Logistics & Structure

• Duration: 20 minutes per individual slot.
• Cost: Completely free; registration requires an active SGCI membership.
• Availability: Limited spots, first-come, first-served at registration
• Format: In person meeting 
• Sign-up location/method: can be added to cart when registering for the conference, be sure to note what topic you are interested in discussing.
• Preparation: Wi-Fi is not guaranteed at mentor tables — download digital portfolios or documents (like PDFs) locally to your device beforehand.
• Physical portfolios are encouraged, where appropriate to your medium.

Common Mentoring Topics

• Artist portfolio reviews
• Career advice for emerging and mid-career artists
• Navigating tenure and academic advancement in higher education
• [Add any others: grad school applications, grant/residency applications, navigating the job market, studio practice/business, etc.]

You can indicate on the conference registration form which topic(s) you’re interested in discussing. This will help pair mentors and mentees.

Obligations of the Mentee

• Arrive early — check in a few minutes before your slot begins.
• Come prepared with specific questions or goals for the conversation.
• Show courtesy to your mentor, who is volunteering their time.
• Respect the 20-minute time limit to avoid delays for the next mentee.
• Bring a way to exchange contact info (business card, phone, etc.).

Obligations of the Mentor

• Arrive on time for each assigned session.
• Stick to the timeline as closely as possible, out of fairness to mentees waiting.
• Bring your best professional practices and honest, constructive feedback to help the next generation of printmakers.
• Please wear your conference badge or bring a sign so your mentees can find you.

Continue the Conversation!

After the mentor sessions continue the conversation at the Confluence closing party following the Keynote and Awards ceremony
Come prepared to swap contact information professionally.