CREATE
WHAT YOU WANT,
WHEN YOU WANT,
FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WANT IT MOST.
Unlock your unique creative style and build lasting confidence with Sylessae’s mentorship program. Overcome the challenges holding you back and start creating with purpose.
Conquer self-doubt and imposter syndrome
Develop a signature style that stands out
Learn the business side of creativity with ease
Build a sustainable income doing what you love
Take the first step toward creative freedom—financially and artistically.
Harness your creativity to thrive, not just survive
If you're reading this, you're someone who is:
- wanting to fall in love with making art (again) but are constantly knocked down by the inability to keep the promise to yourself of "I'll start drawing tomorrow"
- looking to improve your art skills and develop consistency and confidence in your creativity
- someone who wants to start building a business around their art but are feeling overwhelmed with all the steps of getting startedSometimes, trying to tackle any one of these (or maybe even all three) can lead to a whole lot of frustration. It can also be difficult to spend years developing your passion, only to feel that you've dedicated time without the results you're looking for. You might even be second guessing your creativity or think that it's just to late.If you're wondering if you're even cut out to be an artist, it might be time to talk with someone who has been through it.
Guidance from someone who understands your stuggle
Our stories are probably similar.I wasn't always making a living as an artist. Like most eager-to-learn young adults, I was told art is not a career. Some say there's no money in it. Unless you’re lucky or talented (ugh), you're better off getting a real job.Maybe you're already working hard to build toward a career, but others can't see the weight of your effort. To them, the career you're building towards looks like too many hours in front of a screen and it feels difficult to convince them that it will go anywhere.Sound familiar?It's one thing for the people around you to doubt your effort. It's another when that doubt starts to take hold in your own mind.How will others believe in you if you don't believe in yourself?Let me be your guide. I will be the voice of reason that lifts you up when you're low and levels with you when expectations are skewed. I will be the compass on a dark night when you feel lost.You don't have to face this journey alone.You may doubt yourself now, but I believe in my students—and sometimes the belief from one person is all we need to keep going.
01. SELL YOUR WORK
Save yourself the hassle of learning how to run a creative gig all on your own. I've experienced the ups and downs of running a freelance career for nearly a decade and I'm ready to share my secrets.
02. CREATE WHAT YOU WANT
Ideas will no longer live rent free in your head. Nothing is cringe, nothing is too out there. It's time to draw what you love, with your own unique spin, and find the audience who resonates.
03. RISE UP WITH YOUR PEERS
Not only will you feel safe sharing your work among artists in our close-knit discord community, but you'll also stand beside your peers in confidence. No longer feel the need to hide, comparing yourself to others—give and get feedback that elevates everyone.
04. LEARN THROUGH CURIOSITY
Most artists will tell you how important it is to study but not HOW you should be studying. Learning will be driven by curiosity and applied to your passion projects so you can get right into drawing what matters to you most. No more "putting it off until you're ready."
your path to success
What's available in my mentorship?
This isn't just your usual how-to-draw mentorship. My strengths come from developing a lifestyle around creation that fits me. Because of this, my teaching is versatile. If you have multiple topics you wish to cover, I recommend meeting with at me at least 2x a month.
Art critique with personalized feedback so you can overcome creative challenges
Effective study methods that can be replicated with every project to continue learning with confidence
Social media strategy & business planning to create step-by-step plans without overwhelm
Lifestyle design with art-making at the core so you never sacrifice what's important to you
Customized creative roadmap to help reach your goals
Creative discussion to help you better understand yourself to overcome art block, burnout, and other common mental hurdles
Individualized drawing lessons to progress you through important projects
Technique building around time management, learning to prioritize, and what to expect when working with clients
Development of teaching skills for established artists who may want to create new opportunities for connection and income
Monthly group meetups to get your questions answered in real-time and form connections with artists who get you
Discord channels for live drawing so you can connect with your peers
Alongside art, I have skills in self development, copy & business writing, marketing, product launching and lifestyle design.
An exclusive, tailored-to-you education
There is no one size fits all. I'm sure you've tried lots of lessons and advice out there, only to still feel like something is missing.My job is to help you find what's missing. Whether it's consistency, your confidence, or the depth of your reasoning behind making art—together we will uncover it, all while developing your skillset.You will experience a series of these methods in my art teaching style:
Fundamental education based in curiosity, project-based learning
Developing patience, self-acceptance, and self awareness
Breaking limiting beliefs around art
Cultivating a healthy relationship with art
Celebrating strengths and nurturing weaknesses
Confidence-building through a series of action we take together
WHAT THE MENTEES ARE SAYING
CROWINATOR
Before meeting Sylessae, I hadn’t picked up a pencil to draw since I was a kid. Starting from 0, she helped me improve at a rate I didn’t think possible and now I love my art! Sylessae is extremely reliable as a mentor, making every session productive and personal. Every bit of feedback she gives opens my eyes to new ideas and encourages me to try things I wouldn’t have even thought of before. It’s been a pleasure to work with her for the past year and I can’t recommend her enough!
artofjoenni
My mentorship with Sylessae lasted for nearly a year, and I’m still shocked at how much I’ve developed as a working artist during that time. I initially came to her with concerns about my fundamentals, as I began working professionally over the pandemic and had to set aside my learning in order to make ends meet. I had a strong grasp on anatomy and character design, but artistically I felt stagnant and my incomplete foundations had become a creative thorn in my side.As Syl and I worked together, we addressed these points of weakness. She showed me new techniques, and had many study materials and exercises to help me practice new skills. We also worked on finishing techniques, efficiency, and workflow, so that I could handle projects in a more timely manner and avoid overworking my pieces.Over the course of my mentorship, we also tackled underlying issues of burnout, disorganization, and perfectionism that were holding me back artistically - even more than fundamentals. No video or tutorial could offer the practical, meaningful, and empathetic advice Syl offered. She is professional yet kind, and able to deliver actionable critique while encouraging my artistic strengths.I feel that my art has improved visually, but I also learned how to be creative again. Post-mentorship, I find myself using my time more effectively, and I’m less restrained in my creativity. My pieces continue to improve using the methods that Syl introduced me to, and those close to me have noticed my progress.As a result, I’ve begun to love my art and the process of creating again, and I think that’s been the most invaluable part of this experience. I can’t thank Syl enough for her time and effort, and I’d recommend her teaching to anybody looking to improve both their skills and their mindset.
Mithlista
I have been mentoring with Sylessae for over a year now, and have seen so many improvements in my understanding of art, and have been able to dive deeper into what being an artist means to me. The amount of encouragement, beneficial critiques, and advice that has been given over my time with Sylessae has been more valuable than I could have anticipated. She will push you, inspire you, and do everything she can to see you succeed. Whether you are an artist looking to improve on your skills and understanding of your craft, or you want to take the next step and make art your career - she will be your biggest cheerleader.As someone who works a full time job on top of doing freelance artwork, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to fully utilize mentoring to its fullest potential. Sylessae took time to create schedules, goals, and plans that aligned with my needs to make sure I was getting all the benefits! She takes time to know what you as a person and an artist need to thrive, and I’m incredibly thankful for it. I’ve looked into aso many resources on managing your own business, college classes, and more to help me reach my goals as an artist. And while those can be beneficial, I gained so much more knowledge and saw my skills flourish once I was working on a mentorship program that was designed for me, and I’m so grateful for it.When I started mentoring, I had the goal to dip my toes into the book industry, and expected that to be years down the line. Within the first year with Sylessae, I designed my first published book cover, worked with NYT best selling authors, and worked with numerous indie authors who trusted me to bring their characters to life. I have taken risks and have gone far out of my comfort zone, and I can say that a lot of this is because of her encouragement and the skills that I’ve gained during my time with her.
RITCHIE
DeviouGnomeNeji
Before I signed up for Sylessae's mentorship program I was working a job I hated and feeling extremely frustrated with art. I was unsure of where I wanted to go and I believed that even if I figured it out, I had no idea how to make it happen. I felt overwhelmed by the amount I needed to learn and defeated at my skill level at the time. My artistic skills were nowhere near where I wanted them to be and it felt like my growth had stagnated. It seemed like my art, potential artistic career, and my enjoyment of art were all over before I had even really started.I signed up for Sylessae's mentorship program because I wanted to be a better artist and I wanted to learn how to love art again. I was unsure of what direction I wanted to go and I wanted some help figuring out what I wanted from my art. And, I wanted some practical steps on how to make my career goals happen.What I have gained from this mentorship has been so far beyond what I expected! Her art critiques and lessons have made me a better technical artist, but she has also helped me think and see like an artist too. My skills have improved beyond what I thought they ever would and I am able to draw what I truly WANT to draw! She helped me work on my weaknesses and see my own strengths in my art. Since working with Sylessae, I have yet to feel stagnate in my artistic growth which has always been a big problem for me. Sylessae has also helped me cultivate a healthier and more sustainable relationship with my art. This has helped me draw more consistently and allowed me to enjoy drawing again. Even more than that, Sylessae has been such a comfort to have on my personal journey. She has helped me uncover what I truly wanted in an art career, taken my jumbled mess of goals, and set me on a track to actually achieve them. She has talked me through self-doubts, fears, and my own expectations. Whatever scary new journey I'm on, she has supported me 100% and helped me believe that I can achieve my goals - no matter how big they may seem. We artists spend a lot of time working alone and having someone like Sylessae in your corner can truly make all the difference! It certainly has for me!Since I started working with Sylessae: I have managed to quit the job I hated. I am pursuing my art career with more confidence and trust in myself than I ever thought I could. I love and enjoy the time I spend drawing, painting, or animating. I feel confident that I can take on the challenges ahead, and I am discovering what art I truly want to make.
Making art will change your life
Many of my students begin mentorship with expectations for themselves. Through the journey, it's not uncommon for goals to change, confidence to be found in unexpected ways, and challenges to become something embraced, not avoided.Art is the ultimate catalyst for growth and development.Whatever encouraged you to sign up, I'm certain you'll walk away changed—closer to that creative person you've always wanted to be.I'm so excited to be on this journey with you.
group
$49
Feel safe sharing your work among peers in a closed and close-knit Discord community of artists. We will continually push your creative limits in encouraging ways.
monthly live calls to connect with other creatives
discord channels for giving and receiving feedback
first dibs & discounts for upcoming limited classes and courses
1x/month
$199
Single monthly sessions are great for those who prefer less structure but often need help overcoming periodic creative hurdles.
1x/month 1:1 video call with Sylessae
access to group material
2x/month
$379
Quick results even on a busy schedule. Bi-monthly sessions are the most popular and recommended of the four-session options.
2x/month 1:1 video call with Sylessae
access to group material
4x/month
$699
This plan is for those who are serious about their art progression and want maximum results in the least amount of time. This plan works best if we have a lot of ground to cover or you have ambitious goals.
4x/month 1:1 video call with Sylessae
access to group material
direct message support
FREQUENTLY ASKED questions
General Questions
What is the goal of this mentorship?
My aim with each student is to provide actionable steps that reduce overwhelm and overthinking when it comes to developing your creative skills or business.Who is the ideal candidate for this mentorship program?
I can work with a wide range of students based on my expertise, from total beginners to professional artists who may want to monetize their skills via content creation.How long does the mentorship last, and what is the time commitment?
The length of mentorship will depend your starting point, the size of your goals and how much time you are willing to dedicate. Someone who is learning from scratch may experience a different timeline from someone with creative experience, and need entirely different lessons. This will be determined during our initial session.How is the mentorship structured? Will there be regular one-on-one sessions or group meetings? Sessions are structured based upon the individual needs of the student. These will be developed early on with a roadmap to make sure we reach your goals in a dedicated amount of time. Both group and 1:1 sessions are available. All mentorship tiers have access to group events, but 1:1 mentorships are exclusive to the corresponding tiers. Each tier has different amount of monthly sessions.
artistic development
Will this mentorship help me if I’m a beginner with little experience?
Absolutely! There is no mimimum requirement to start mentorship with me and we can spend time developing your drawing skills before we dive into anything else.Can the mentorship help me develop my personal art style?
Without a doubt. I'm a firm believer that style is developed with good education and exploring the topics you love, but I also have study techniques to help you discover the style that's right for you.What kinds of drawing techniques will be covered in the program?
I focus on developing a student's fundamental skills through project-based learning. This includes improving your visual library with a series of 6 different study methods.Will I get regular feedback on my art?
Yes! This is one of the many topics we can cover in our sessions.
business development
How can this mentorship help me turn my art into a sustainable business?
Building a business (creative or not) requires many steps and skillsets. Much of that requires learning how to manage your time, what to prioritize, and challenges you may have to overcome. I'd like to be your guide in navigating these things—something I wish I had when I started my journey!What specific business skills will I learn (e.g., marketing, pricing, contracts)?
We can cover a range of topics based on your needs. I have experience monetizing my art in the form of entertainment, educational content and physical products. We can cover how to price your work, who your audience is, and a business strategy for developing your online presence.Will I learn how to price my artwork or services effectively? Absolutely. This is a topic that's often nuanced and specific to each artist. We will find a price that is suitable (and fair) for you!Will the program cover how to handle commissions, licensing, and contracts? Yes! This includes how to manage and organize clients, how to write contracts and invoices, and what to expect on the job.
personal growth
How will this mentorship help me build my confidence as an artist? Confidence is borne from action. But sometimes, taking that action alone can be scary. We will tackle new challenges together, to reduce overwhelm and mitigate your worries.What if I struggle with motivation or self-doubt during the program? This is likely to happen, and that's okay. One of the benefits of having a mentor means you have someone who can help you see things clearly through your doubt. When the journey is difficult and uncertain, doubt is a natural response. But I've been through it before and I'll know exactly what our next step is.How can this mentorship support me in overcoming creative blocks? Creative blocks can be difficult to overcome, but even harder to overcome when you're not sure what's blocking you. Having a mentor means another pair of eyes on your situation. I've worked with students with all sorts of blocks and we have yet to stay stuck.Will I receive advice on time management and balancing artistic practice with business tasks? Through a series of techniques and apps, I can share what I've used to balance the busiest of creative schedules. And if you know me and my work, you know I'm able to balance art-making with social media, community building, releasing education content and teaching.How can I develop a stronger mindset to stay focused on my goals? Motivation comes from understanding ourselves and why we create. The clearer this becomes, the easier it will become to follow through. Together we will also develop methods of building intrinsic motivation so that you're drive doesn't rely only on external validation.
program details
What’s included in the mentorship?
Mentorships include group meetings, 1:1 meetings, and a tailored roadmap for your learning. You can find many of the topics we can cover in the sections above. There are also educational resources available in the discord and past recorded group sessions.Is the mentorship conducted online, or do I need to attend in person? The mentorship is entirely virtual. If you are looking for in-person mentoring, please email Sylessae directly. Rates will vary based on location.Are there any prerequisites or prior skills required to join the mentorship? You may start at the very beginning of your journey.How do I communicate with my mentor during the program? We will host our meetings and text chat via Zoom.Is there a refund policy if I decide the mentorship isn’t right for me? If after our first session you feel we are not a good fit, I will refund you in full. :)
accountability
Will I be given specific assignments or goals to meet? Yes, these assignments will be designed based on the roadmap we've developed for your progress.How will my progress be tracked and measured during the mentorship? Every 3 months we will assess your progress.How often will I need to check in with my mentor or provide updates on my work? Updates will be expected due by our next meeting. That may include sharing your struggles, your progress, or any new challenge that has popped up on the journey. If homework was given, we will discuss the results. If you are unable to complete the work, we will discuss what may have held you back or how we can better prepare for the next attempt.
getting results
What results can I expect by the end of the mentorship? You will develop your fundamental drawing skills, nurture your relationship with art, and have the skills to continue education on your own so you never feel lost.How will this mentorship help me in the long term after it’s completed?
My goal, alongside keeping your needs in mind, is to give you the tools to improve and continue improving, even after you graduate from my mentorship. Most approaches teach you how to draw while also nurturing your curiosity for learning. I want you to feel empowered even when you're navigating this journey on your own.Will I have the tools and confidence to continue growing on my own after the program ends? My study methods and creative mindset mean you'll feel confident trying new things, even if you're uncertain of the outcome. Being able to take that action will allow you to continue your education even without direct guidance (but you're always welcome to come back if you ever need extra help)!
feedback & support
Will I be able to ask questions and get personalized feedback throughout the program? Yes. You may ask questions during our calls or leave questionsin our chat & discord between sessions.Is there a community or group where I can connect with other mentees? All mentees gain access to a group community. You will be able to connect, draw, and give/receive feedback from other students. Everyone is on the same journey, so it makes connecting very natural and easy.How responsive is the mentor if I need support or clarification on something? If it pertains to a previous meeting, I will respond ASAP during working hours! If you have a question in between sessions, I will respond within 48 hours. I recommend taking the time to write a thorough question to give me an opportunity to provide as much information as possible.
Thank you
Thank you for signing up for the mentorship waitlist. Check your email to confirm your sign-up - we don't want to miss you!