Artist Mentoring /
Work With Me – Artist Mentoring
Whether you’re developing a new body of work, returning to practice after time away, or building towards an exhibition or application, my artist mentoring offers thoughtful, tailored support.
As both a practicing artist and educator, I’ve worked for over three decades across photography, painting, installation, and mixed-media practice. My mentoring helps artists shape ideas, clarify direction, and build momentum — supporting creative development at any stage.
Alongside my own practice, I lecture on BA and MA Fine Art and Photography at London Metropolitan University and Cambridge School of Art. I was artist-in-residence at Glasgow School of Art in the early 1990s, where I taught photography and darkroom techniques to fine art students — part of a long-standing commitment to critical dialogue, experimentation, and education.
I’ve also been the subject of the BBC documentary A Style of One’s Own, now archived as part of the UK’s national art education collection.
➤ Watch the Film via the Educational Recording Agency
(Note: access may be limited to educational institutions.)
What Artist Mentoring Offers
Artist mentoring is built on dialogue, reflection, and critical support — whether you’re navigating a project, preparing an exhibition, or seeking to reconnect with practice.
Common focus areas include:
Project & Practice Development – shaping ideas and building coherence
Exhibition & Portfolio Preparation – practical and conceptual planning
Artist Statements & Writing Support – developing clarity and voice
Reflective Critique – in-depth discussion of work and context
Reconnecting with Practice – navigating blocks, transitions, or returns
Career Direction & Professional Guidance – across disciplines and stages
Hybrid & Interdisciplinary Practice – combining photography, painting, print, sound, or installation
Support for Graduates & Emerging Artists – post-degree mentoring and next steps
Session Formats & Pricing
Mentoring is available online (via Zoom) or in-person at my Hackney studio.
A focused one-to-one for feedback, critique, or planning
➤ Special introductory rate Single Session – £90/hour (normally £120)
3 hourly-Session Bundle – £250
Structured development across 3 focused sessions
➤ Ideal for shaping a body of work, preparing for applications, or unlocking stuck points
5 hourly-Session Bundle – £400
Extended mentoring with space for evolution and depth
➤ Flexible scheduling, responsive to your progress and pace
Half-Day In-Studio Session – £200 (3 hours)
Work together in person with space to bring and discuss physical work
Full-Day In-Studio Session – £350 (6 hours)
Work together in person with space to bring and discuss physical work.
A Practice of One’s Own
Mentoring Programme – £1,200
4 sessions over 4–6 weeks + support between sessions
A deep-dive mentoring experience tailored to your evolving practice. Includes:
Full review of current work and direction
Strategic planning and next steps
Conceptual and reflective conversation
Ongoing contact between sessions
➤ Ideal for transitional phases, project breakthroughs, or preparing for exhibitions/residencies
Shared Artist Mentoring
Want to work alongside a friend, peer, or collaborator?
£160/hour for two people (online or in-person)
Shared mentoring supports collaborative projects, peer feedback, or creative dialogue — with structure and guidance.
Who Is Artist Mentoring For?
Fine art photographers, painters, installation and mixed-media artists
Artists returning to practice or navigating transition
Graduates developing post-degree direction
Those preparing for residencies, exhibitions, or MA/PhD applications
Anyone seeking space to reflect, discuss, and evolve their work
How to Book
Use the enquiry form or contact me directly. Let me know:
What you’re working on
What you’d like to focus on
Whether you’re thinking online or in-studio
Mentoring Terms
Full payment is due at time of booking unless otherwise agreed
Sessions may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice
- Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable but may be transferred to a later date (a rebooking fee may apply)
All mentoring content remains the intellectual property of Ian Phillips-McLaren and may not be recorded or reproduced without written permission
You retain full copyright over any work you share during sessions
➤ View Full Terms & Conditions
Why Work With Ian
Over 35 years’ experience across fine art, photography, and teaching
Featured in Studies in Photography, The Lancashire Times, and Artists & Artists
Artist-in-residence at Glasgow School of Art
Subject of the BBC documentary A Style of One’s Own
Studio-based in Hackney, with flexible online mentoring available worldwide
Mentoring Enquiry Form