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.)
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
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)
Structured development across 3 focused sessions
➤ Ideal for shaping a body of work, preparing for applications, or unlocking stuck points
Extended mentoring with space for evolution and depth
➤ Flexible scheduling, responsive to your progress and pace
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.
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
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.
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
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
Full payment is due at time of booking unless otherwise agreed
Sessions may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice
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
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