Through the INsight Design Conference, various speeches we've given in college classrooms and getting to know people in the community, we know firsthand that there is a need in the design community for a mentor program. Not only have we identified the need for this program, we remember what it was like to be a student and young professional just starting out. The design industry can be really tough to ‘break into’ and networking is an underutilized tool these days.
Four11 Mentors is a one-on-one mentoring opportunity for those in the design/creative industry. There will be no set rules for anyone in the program to follow. Every person is unique, so all mentor/mentee relationships will be very different. We do require 1 to 2 in-person meetings with the mentor and mentee
throughout the session, because the face-to-face time is how the relationship develops. But in between those in person meetings, just keeping in contact through email would be key. The mentee will be expected to set the tone for the relationship and what they would like to learn and get out of the relationship. The mentor will set the ground rules for the relationship and be expected to share their experiences. Each session will run on a semester basis. The first session will run from September to December.
There is no denying that Four11 Mentors has been in the works for over a year now. We are both very passionate about mentoring, giving back to the community and helping the design industry. We look forward to the future!
Teresa Zorzi
I’m a passionate designer, enthusiastic wife, lifelong learner and mom to a four-legged munchkin. I believe in karma, love to eat and exercise. My mom always told me to do what I love and love what I do. Even though I followed the advice of my mom, I still live to travel and explore new places. I am loyal to my friends and family and am known for being honest.
A graduate of Marquette University and The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, I am a huge fan of NCAA basketball, in particular the Marquette Golden Eagles.
Currently, I hold the position of Front End Developer at Digital Target Marketing, where I translate my passion for design into websites, while I learn to get a handle on crunching code.
In whatever freetime I have left after all of that, I freelance under the name TZesigns, where I specialize in invitations and announcements of all types. Celebrating other peoples’ joys in life inspires me and reminds me that life is a true blessing!
Ryan Wake
I am a designer, artist, developer, father, husband and weekend warrior. I enjoy spending time with family and friends for cookouts, sporting events, watching movies, or just hanging out. As the father of two young girls, my free time is very limited. So when I can find the time I enjoy being outside working in the yard, projects around the house or just playing with my two girls.
After graduating from Ball State University, I started my career as a print designer living in Indianapolis with my wife. I have discovered that learning new skills is a passion, so my love for drawing as a child and photography in college has come full circle to web design & development.
Everything I do, I do it to the best of my ability. You will never hear my say "That's good enough". Nothing is just "good enough" when it comes to my family, my art, or my career. Do what you love and love what you do.
Currently I spend my time designing and developing new websites for the University of Chicago.
