The Way of Mentoring

My story

As the oldest of twelve children, I had few opportunities to study in prestigious schools. I was born in one of the most peaceful, resource-rich countries, Costa Rica, and still, my family was impoverished. In retrospect, even though I had the privilege of free education, I did not take full advantage of it. I went to school by obligation more than willingness and love for learning. I dreamed of studying at the prestigious House of The Artist Art School in San Jose, a dream that seemed too far because of a lack of financial resources. However, I needed someone to help me see the opportunity in my situation. If it weren’t for the people who took notice of my talents and went out of their way to either mentor me, explain things to me, or guide a path by helping me see it along the way, I would be a different person today.

One way or another, I remember everyone who observed my natural artistic talent and helped me by gifting me pencils, paper, notebooks, and knowledge, particularly my Uncle Jose, an artist himself. Without knowing, he began to mentor me even before he had agreed to teach me. I was about six years old when I would stand next to him, watching him draw a face or make a series of screen printing prints at a table. Little did he know that I was absorbing like a sponge knowledge that eight years later would launch a long career in the communication arts and my own business, which I held for eight years.

My uncle began teaching me the basics of drawing a face at my request. I remember how fascinated I was as he explained the face proportions and all the lines that had to be drawn to achieve an accurate likeness. Then he showed me how to shade, and I remember him showing me how to conceptualize and create a logo design. For me, sitting on his high chair at his inclined drawing table was a discovery adventure. Seeing my family struggle with finances when I was fourteen, I was determined to find something to make money and help my family. I thought of selling my art somehow. I remembered seeing my uncle print, so I replayed what I vaguely remembered him doing. With no knowledge whatsoever, I gave myself the task of creating a project in screen printing. The opportunity came when the local church youth group decided they needed a volleyball team and wanted a team badge. I was at the right place and at the right time. Eager to make something, I volunteered to design and create the badges at a meager cost.

The next day, I started the process of learning to screenprint. I found out who the local provider of screen printing materials was, a company called NazDar, and I needed more knowledge to buy some materials. I had seen my uncle use a film that he applied to a screen using a solvent. Later, I found out it was lacquer thinner. I got to NazDar with one objective: ask the clerk to help me gather all I needed for my first project. Luckily for me, I was the only customer then, so the attendant asked me questions. Within a few minutes, he said, “You don’t know anything about screen printing, don’t you? Have you done screenprinting before?” “No,” I answered, “but I know I can do it.” I would like you to give me the materials to do it for the first time. I explained that I had agreed to make the church’s badges and now needed the materials. “You are a courageous young man. I admire you for that”, he said. Then, he gave me some direction on how to use the materials.
Those words of empowerment helped me launch a business that lasted nine years until I left Costa Rica to come to the United States. Looking back, I see how those people greatly influenced my life, helping me chart a future career and a desire to create.

Why a mentoring website?

One of the reasons I created this site is that I want to mentor people who want to find their hidden talents, hidden ambitions, and life purpose. It is never too late nor too early. As I write this article, I am beginning my second master’s degree at the London School of Design and Marketing. You see, I still have this ambition to acquire new knowledge, explore new paths, and accomplish new projects. Being an educator at a higher-level institution for the past 25 years has inspired me to transfer that knowledge to younger and old alike. This site is for you if you are looking for a mentor to take you to the next level or help you along your chosen path.

I didn’t see myself as a tutor or mentor until I saw with my own eyes a young guy under my tutelage go from being a quiet and shy recluse to becoming a leader manager at a very well-known company. Daniel became my apprentice for about three years, learning woodworking. When Daniel started, he did not say a word for days. He would listen and perform the tasks with diligence regardless of how menial. A few years later, he got hired on the spot on his first attempt to get a job as a furniture maker. Later, he ascended from just a regular worker to a manager in just a few months during the pandemic. Today, Daniel communicates eloquently and with confidence. I am so proud of him. As I mentored Daniel, my desire is to mentor other people, too.

So, where do you start?

Today! The beginning can be any time; the earlier, the better. It is never too late. I needed more experience or mentoring to guide me when I began working as a freelance graphic designer. So, I went to the library, read as much as possible, absorbed as much imagery and information as possible, and trained myself to speak to people. It took a lot of courage and patience since English was not my native language then.
Recently, I had a moment when I needed someone to point a path for me. You see, I usually only have a little time in the day to do other things for myself, like playing music. I wanted to sharpen my guitar skills, so I found a guitar mentor, and I have been working with him for a few months. Some of the lessons included writing music. I started complaining to him about my lack of time to practice creating music. I went on and on about how I get up at 4 am and practice my guitar every day for an hour; I don’t have time for that, I thought. Finally, he responded with a suggestion I had not seen because of my focus on practicing only, “Why not practice five days and create music the other two?” I was astonished at the solution. The answer had been there all along; all I needed someone to point the way to me.

My intention with this site is to help people learn to see the hidden solutions or answers to problems, something I wish someone would have helped me growing up. I want to help teens find the ultimate purpose that will help them succeed in life. I want to help designers understand the ropes of freelancing, effective productivity, and, in the process, make more money. There has been a lot of discouragement in my approach to freelancing and a lot of exhilaration as well. I’ve had my failures but also many successes. I will always remember the first time I had a client sign a 30,000-dollar contract. I felt as if I had trained for that moment all my life. As we started the meeting, my client said, “Eddy, by the time we finish this conversation, you will want to kiss me,” I did not know what he was talking about until he signed the 30k contract in my presence. I felt compelled to tell him, “Are you ready for the kiss? ” He responded, ” No, I was just joking, but I am glad we will work together.”

I want you to experience moments like these. You don’t have to kiss anybody, but you can make the money you deserve. I also want to help you avoid the pitfalls along the way. I had many of them, so I will address them in the months ahead. Find someone to mentor or someone to mentor you; the rewards are in the weeks I write about those.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Keep checking back for more on mentoring, or if you need help with a project, I am here to help you along the way, answering your questions or with a design or website review. Please sign up for my site, post your comments, or ask questions; I will answer personally, in private, or publicly as you choose.

Mentoring was the way to learn in the past, and it is still the best and surest way to learn efficiently and quickly. I aim to grow this site into a mentoring center for children, teens, and adults where other mentors or I can help guide and tutor various subjects. If you would like to get involved in mentoring, please let me know using the contact form. I am excited to hear from you. Feel free to comment below. In the meantime, live with purpose.

Business, design, freelance, growing, learning, mentor, teaching