From creative directors to motion designers, strategists to illustration agents, we have the perfect mentor waiting to meet you.
Keep scrolling to read more about our legendary mentors, who’ve volunteered their time to nurture the next wave of creative talent 👏
Meet the mentors
Meet the mentors
Jasmine Hortop
Freelance Illustrator
-
Jasmine is a Cornwall-based illustrator who uses her award-winning artwork to advocate for sustainability, conservation, and accessibility to the ocean and its health benefits.
With 10 years industry experience working as a commercial illustrator, creating campaigns for the Scottish Government, and targeting policy makers at events such as COP, Jasmine used her MA at Falmouth University to specialise in using art to create positive change, specifically within environmental and ocean-based projects. Having previously collaborated with science practitioners, she developed a unique methodology that could be applied when working immersively over time within an organisation, to communicate their initiative and intricate values visually to the public realm and elevate their cause.
Lewis Clarke
Global Brand and Art Direction Lead
Clarks
-
Lewis is a creative leader and Art Director for globally renowned footwear brand Clarks.
With a focus on the Clarks Originals brand, Lewis' role is to concept, art direct and visualise the core seasonal marketing campaigns, lifestyle shoots and key product and collaboration stories.
Lewis, along with the award-winning in-house creative and marketing teams, uses Clarks’ incredible heritage and connection to culture to tell authentic and compelling brand stories, making the brand relevant for today’s consumer.
Vini Vieira
Creative Director
Common Interest
-
A Creative Director with more than 20 years experience, Vini’s focus lies in making ideas simple and impactful, but equally crafted. Vini has worked with global clients including Mondelēz, Diageo, Heineken and Avon, where he has been instrumental as the creative lead for some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Johnnie Walker, Toblerone, Cruzcampo, Grolsch, Green & Black’s and Kellogg's.
Vini's keen eye for detail and craft has seen him become a typography and lettering specialist, as well as a lecturer, currently teaching at the University of Greenwich.
His work has been recognised by awards bodies such as Clio, D&AD, Art Directors Club, Pentawards and Dieline.
Kulsum Karolia
Designer
Manchester United
-
Hi, I’m Kulsum, a tea-drinking Northerner. I studied Graphic Design at the Manchester School of Art and graduated from University in 2021. I have been working as a Designer for Manchester United pretty much since finishing University.
I love being able to work with people from various creative backgrounds and have a keen interest in analogue design.
Ari Liloan
Freelance Illustrator
-
Ari Liloan is a Filipino/Italian Illustrator based in Berlin.
Her work centers exploring timeless topics such as death, love, money, power and fried chicken through a surreal and lighthearted lens. Some clients include Facebook, XBOX Microsoft, Pepsico, The New York Times and Times Magazine.
She is represented by London-based Agency ROAR Artists.
Khush Savjani
Art Director and Designer (Graphic and Motion)
Self-Employed
-
Khush is a self-taught graphic and motion designer with 6 years of experience across the travel, academic and most recently music industry. She's worked on creative campaigns for the likes of John Legend, Nicki Minaj, Lewis Capaldi, Sam Smith, Jess Glynne and more. Whether it's creative directing a content strategy for an emerging artist, designing a vinyl case or animating a lyric video - Khush has a versatile skillset.
Josh Millard
Junior Designer
Mesh Marketing
-
Hello there!
I'm Josh, a Junior Designer based in Leeds and an avid lover of anything mildly 'geeky', which led me down the path of a creative career. Having been through The Arena's mentorship myself as a graduate, I wanted to pass on what I've learnt to anyone who just needs a bit of help reaching that next step, alongside any words of wisdom that I have picked up during my still-blossoming career. I have had experience in both freelance and full-time employment, so can hopefully help you out in both fields.
Catch up soon!
Yo Hosoyamada
Freelance Illustrator
-
Yo Hosoyamada is a London-based illustrator working across editorial, commercial, advertising and publishing projects.
After studying and working in the Architecture industry for several years, she delved into the world of Illustration and has since worked on numerous projects with clients such as WIRED, YouTube JP, ELLE Magazine, Monocle Magazine, and The Times. She attended the Bartlett School of Architecture and subsequently Camberwell College of Art.
Her work often explores playful compositions, set within dynamic cityscapes and architectural spaces. Drawing from the world around her, she loves to experiment with spatiality, storytelling, and bold colours.
Lauren Archer
Co-Host of The Arena
Creative Producer & Marketer
-
Hey, I’m Lauren - a professional multi-hyphenate. By day (Mon-Thurs) I’m a creative producer and marketer, by night (Fri - Sun) I run the Arena and write vocal toplines for dance music. If I’m not juggling one of these things, I’m probably baking something, petting a dog or running.
I’m a big believer in doing things a little bit differently, and finding the career path that’s right for you instead of following the crowd.
Poan Pan
Freelance Illustrator
-
I'm Poan, a Taiwan-based illustrator using a soft palette and coloured pencils as my primary tools. Through my illustrations, I continue to explore the harmony between the essence of awkwardness and the movement of the human body with a touch of the warmth of humanity. I want to inspire viewers to embrace their uniqueness and enjoy unexpected moments in everyday life. Selected clients include WePresent, Weekendavisen and The New York Times.
Franki Ward
Designer
Pearlfisher
-
With an enthusiasm for clever concepts and brand identities supported by strong strategy and an interest in motion, Franki has 4 years industry experience at some of London's most successful agencies, including Pearlfisher, DesignStudio and Jack Renwick Studio.
Shirley Wang
Freelance Motion & Graphic Designer
-
I'm a biologist turned motion & graphic designer based in London. With a conceptual and multidisciplinary approach, I specialise in motion, kinetic typography, graphic design, and art direction. I'm currently freelancing but I previously worked at studios/agencies like Pentagram, Youtube Creative Studio, and in-house for brand like Clinique. I was born in Melbourne and have lived in Hong Kong, New York, and now London.
Dave Rax
Creative Director & Designer
Self-Employed
Eva Hunt
Freelance Designer
-
I'm Eva, a (now Barcelona) but previously London-based multi-disciplinary designer. I create playful, vibrant, and colourful designs that make a difference. My curious nature drives my quest for creativity through a multitude of disciplines.
I’m self-taught and specialise in designing for education and social impact. I love to collaborate with organisations and individuals to create unique and meaningful designs that tell a story. I thrive off of bringing ideas to life, whether it be for a project, a product, or an event. I believe in the power of design to make an impact and I am committed to making sure that all of my work is meaningful, relevant, and impactful.
When I’m not working on client projects, I enjoy creating a mixture of digital and physical products for my online store. These range from phone wallpapers and phone cases, art prints, stationary and packing, and jesmonite homeware such as coasters, trinket trays and decorations.
George Simkin
Graphic Designer & Educator
Self-Employed
-
George is the founder of Simkin Studio, an independent design agency based in East London. Experienced in both design and illustration. Bringing a bold and playful approach to his design work, from branding, retail design, editorial, typographic work and also illustration.
He has been working in the design industry in London for over 18 years.
When not designing, George is mentoring students and is currently Lead Teacher at Shillington Education.
Sophie Lawrence
Designer
Jones Knowles Ritchie
-
My name is Sophie, and I am currently a designer at JKR. I have previously worked at agencies such as FutureBrand and Landor & Fitch, and I am super excited to be back mentoring a second time around!
Having spent most of my junior designer career during peak Covid, I understand how this major shift has affected young designers' mental health and the imposter syndrome we all face. I hope by being a mentor I can offer some comfort and friendly advice for those who are facing the design industry, and know you are not alone in this journey.
Jack Wimmer
Freelance Strategy Director
Rebecca Dell
Managing Agent & Producer
The Different Folk
-
Rebecca manages The Different Folk artists and takes care of everything client-side. Her decade as an agent has been varied to say the least, having worked in both Berlin and London on illustration, photography and CGI projects for brand giants such as Google, Mercedes-Benz and adidas. Now, she's focused on helping connect her roster of artists with an array of creative opportunities, all while keeping an eye out for exciting new talent to bring on board.
Megan Fry
Junior Designer
Mr B & Friends
-
Hiya! I'm Megan, a junior designer based in Bristol, currently shaping my creative journey at Mr B & Friends. My design adventure began at Falmouth University, where I delved into the world of graphic design and emerged as a graduate right at the start of the pandemic in June 2020.
Prior to university, I chose art college over traditional A-levels, which set the stage for my creative endeavours.
I've interned with various agencies in Bristol, Bath and London, both in person and remotely, big and small teams and lots of experiences along the way. Since graduating I've recovered from burnout and discovered the mask I'd been wearing to hide my neurodivergent/ADHD self.
This is an experience that l'm passionate about sharing in the hope that others might not feel so alone and empower them to unmask too. As I began navigating entering the industry, The Arena and many others within the design industry inspired and guided me in so many ways that I want to give back to young emerging creatives as a way to share all that I've learned.
Clara Marcus
Managing Agent & Producer
The Jacky Winter Group
-
As Lead Agent & Producer at the Jacky Winter Group's London office Clara's role involves seeking out opportunities for creative collaboration between artists and clients.
Mediating between the vision of the artist and the objectives of the client, she establishes thriving creative environments in which artists have the guidance, support, and security to deliver outstanding work.
Informed by ten years of experience working in creative production roles for creative studios, arts charities, and publishers, she combines negotiation and conflict resolution expertise with firsthand knowledge of the artistic process.
Chiara Vercesi
Freelance Illustrator
-
Chiara Vercesi is an award-winning Italian illustrator currently based in Amsterdam and specialized in editorial and advertising.
In a previous life, she worked as a designer and art director for four years in a digital agency, and, before that, for six years as an illustrator and concept artist for different boardgame companies.
In 2018 she co-founded Sail Ho Studio collective.
Selected Clients:
The New York Times, Scientific American, The Lancet, Harvard Public Health, Science Magazine, The Washington Post, Humanitas, WWF.
Liv Beresford-Evans
Culture & Brand Manager
Taxi Studio
-
I have been a Designer for 6 years at Taxi Studio, an independent brand design agency. Hired as a junior, I have seen things change pre- and post-COVID, as well as the challenges and learnings from progressing a career in design. I head up the Talent Team at Taxi Studio, which covers all things internships and helping young people become more informed about the industry before jumping into things! I am passionate about how important good culture and career development support are within the industry, which are a few of the things that have led me to my new role as Culture & Brand Manager.
Ryan Robinson
Graphic Designer
UnitedUs
Fabiana Fiamingo
Art Director
Woo
-
I am Fab, a designer and art director with a passion for creating innovative and visually lead brand identities and experiences. I bring a unique touch of playfulness and humour to every project I take on, alongside a strategic mindset and a focus on functionality.
Currently managing the design team at Woo (ITV), previously at Lazy Oaf, The Future Laboratory and Foreign Policy Design.
Gemma Ballinger
Managing Director
Studio Output
-
I am Managing Director and Partner at Output. Having experience throughout the business, I build our strategy, new business and client relationships.
With years of experience in broadcast, entertainment and Fintech, I’ve delivered branding, design and digital to clients including BBC, ClearBank, Cuckoo, CALM, Penguin, Monzo, Marshmallow, Octopus Money, UKTV and Warner Bros.
I’m particularly focused on ensuring we’ve set a strong vision for the future, have an engaged and happy team with a great work/life balance, and continue to build an agency people want to work with.
Alice Fraser
Mid-Weight Designer
Monday Nights
-
Alice is a creative practitioner, educator and skilled, multi-disciplinary designer based in Manchester, working across many physical and digital spaces.
She joined the team at design and typography practice Monday Nights in 2023, where she works as a designer on branding, UX/UI and typography projects. Alice previously worked as a designer at Manchester-based design agency Office of Craig, and co-founded Outside Directory in 2021 alongside Craig Oldham.
Chloë Morgan
Creative Agent
Grand Matter
-
I am a Creative Agent with 10 years experience of building strong client relationships and helping artists develop their portfolios to give them the optimum chances of achieving their goals and delivering the best business results. I have a keen eye for spotting talent, am passionate in championing the artists the we represent, and I am proactively seeking new opportunities for them within the industry.
Sneha Shanker
Freelance Illustrator
-
Sneha’s dreamy artworks place shapes and soft palettes together, highlighting elements of femininity. Her deep appreciation of diversity across ways of living, tradition and culture is reflected throughout her portfolio, where she strives to create a positive representation of different kinds of women living everyday lives.
Exploring themes of health, wellbeing and self-development, her colourful style is inspired by the richness of her own South Asian culture as well as others. Clients include: LUSH, Little, Brown Books, Harper Collins, The Guardian Weekend, BBC Three, Refinery 29, Stylist, Twitter, The Sunday Times Style, Holland and Barrett and Vice.