Mentor Hour
Mentor Hour with Amy Jobes and Louise Minnaar
Thursday 12th March, 1pm UK time – Online (45 min)
Developing a successful and sustainable art practice requires clarity, confidence and access to expert guidance. In this Mentor Hour, we invite you to join artist mentor Amy Jobes for an open Q&A session designed to support artists at every stage of their career.
This session offers an opportunity to ask your artistic and professional development questions directly to an experienced mentor who has worked across galleries, auctions, consultancy and artist representation. Whether you are building momentum, navigating challenges, or planning your next steps, this hour will provide practical and grounded support.
Artists are invited to ask questions on topics such as:
- Strengthening your artistic direction and confidence
- Developing a portfolio and preparing submissions
- Pricing your work and increasing sales
- Approaching galleries and seeking representation
- Creating sustainable creative habits
- Planning exhibitions or building a collection strategy
- Understanding the art market and positioning your work
- Staying accountable and progressing towards your goals
Please come prepared with any questions you would like to discuss. The session will be guided by the topics you bring.
Amy Jobes – Artist Mentor
Amy has been an artist for over 20 years and is a graduate of the University of Exeter. She previously worked in communications whilst building her practice and has been a full-time professional artist since 2012.
She is an experienced arts marketing professional and has completed two years of the VAA Mentorship programme, under the tutelage of Shirley-Ann O’Neill who holds 25 years of Arts Marketing experience, MA in Marketing, and FCIM (fully chartered). Amy has also undertaken several CPD courses at Imperial College London, as well as other institutions, covering High Impact Writing training, Content Management System Web Publishing, Social Media, and Small Project Management Training.
Amy has secured Gallery Representation with several galleries. She has a highly profitable art business and a loyal client base. Her work has been featured on the BBC, Devon Life (Luxury Magazine) as well as regional press and with Artists & Illustrators Magazine. She also teaches oil painting workshops and undertakes Portfolio reviews for artists across several genres.
Amy’s areas of arts marketing knowledge include Getting Gallery Ready, Limited Edition Prints, Branding, E-marketing, Websites, Partnerships and Charities, Artist’s Collectives, and Artist Residencies.
Louise Minnaar – Artist Mentor & VAA Events and Partnership Coordinator
Louise brings over eight years’ experience in the international art industry, from global art auctions to commercial galleries. She has supported collectors from emerging buyers to those acquiring major works by artists such as Picasso and Miró. Drawing on her background in arts education and gallery practice, Louise facilitates supportive conversations for artists and will also introduce the VAA Mentorship Programme during the session.
Join us for this opportunity to receive expert guidance, ask your questions directly to a mentor and gain valuable insight into strengthening your artistic and professional journey.
This session is free and open to both VAA members and non-members.
Booking is essential. If you experience any issues, please contact events@visual-artists.org.
