Every artist reaches points where they need a second pair of eyes.
You may be developing a new body of work, preparing for an exhibition, building a portfolio, applying for postgraduate study, or simply feeling stuck and trying to work out what comes next. Sometimes a conversation with someone outside the work can make all the difference.
I’ve worked professionally in photography since 1985 and have spent over four decades as a photographer, artist and educator. Alongside my own practice, I teach Fine Art and Photography at BA and MA level and have mentored students, emerging artists and established practitioners throughout my career.
My role isn’t to tell you what your work should be.
It’s to help you clarify your ideas, identify strengths and weaknesses, challenge assumptions where necessary, and support the development of a practice that feels authentic to you.
Every mentoring relationship is different, but common areas include:
I work with:
We begin with a free 20-minute Zoom conversation.
This gives us an opportunity to discuss your work, what you’re hoping to achieve, and whether mentoring feels like the right fit for both of us.
Focused one-to-one sessions tailored to your individual practice, ideas, and goals.
Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and can be booked as a one-off conversation or as part of an ongoing mentoring relationship.
A focused in-person session (approximately 3–3.5 hours) at my Hackney studio or, by arrangement, at your studio.
Ideal for discussing physical work, portfolios, prints, books, exhibition plans, or developing ideas in greater depth.
An immersive day of discussion, critique, planning, and creative development.
Suitable for artists working on substantial projects, preparing for exhibitions or applications, or seeking intensive support and guidance.
For artists developing a significant body of work, preparing for exhibitions, postgraduate study, or navigating a major transition in their practice, longer-term mentoring can be tailored around your individual needs.
This can be discussed during our initial conversation.
Mentoring doesn’t always stop when the session ends.
For ongoing mentoring arrangements, I’m happy to answer occasional questions by email between sessions and review work in advance where appropriate.
The best mentoring relationships are collaborative.
I won’t provide a formula or tell you what kind of artist you should be. Instead, I’ll help you develop a deeper understanding of your own work, your own voice, and the direction you want your practice to take.
If that sounds useful, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Ian Phillips-McLaren
Artist • Photographer • Educator
I’ve been working professionally in photography since 1985.
Over the past four decades I’ve worked as a photographer, artist, lecturer and mentor, moving between commercial commissions, fine art practice and higher education. This breadth of experience allows me to support artists and photographers from a wide range of backgrounds, whether they’re developing personal projects, preparing exhibitions, building portfolios or exploring new directions in their work.
Today I teach Fine Art and Photography at BA and MA level while maintaining my own studio practice. My mentoring draws on experience gained through making work, exhibiting, publishing, teaching and supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey.
Mentoring Enquiry Form