Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know

Episode 035: Jeanetta Gonzales on Mentorship
Host: Amber Asay
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 035 of Women Designers You Should Know, host Amber Asay engages in a profound conversation with Jeanetta Gonzales, a seasoned surface designer, illustrator, and creative mentor. With over 25 years of experience collaborating with prominent brands such as Target, Adobe, The New York Times, and Crayola, Jeanetta brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for mentorship to the discussion. This episode delves into the transformative power of mentorship in the creative industry, exploring how guidance and support can significantly influence the trajectory of a designer’s career.

Background and Journey

Early Influences and Career Beginnings

Jeanetta traces her creative roots back to childhood, emphasizing the pivotal role her parents played in nurturing her artistic talents. From a young age, she was encouraged to explore various creative outlets, such as crocheting and drawing, without any discouragement or limitations.

Jeanetta Gonzales [05:13]:
"I wouldn't be the creative I am now if I didn't have that [support] from the beginning."

Her academic journey in the arts was further shaped by a supportive high school art teacher who encouraged her to pursue art school despite the limited opportunities available during the early 1990s—a time before the internet revolutionized creative careers.

Navigating Challenges in the Pre-Internet Era

Amber acknowledges the significant hurdles Jeanetta faced when carving out her career path in a time with fewer resources and networking opportunities. Jeanetta highlights the necessity of being resourceful, scrappy, and proactive in seeking out opportunities, such as door-to-door networking and attending trade shows like the Certex marketplace in New York City.

Jeanetta Gonzales [06:55]:
"It's like, you have to go door to door, knock on people's doors. It was hard to find careers back then."

The Power of Mentorship

From Being Mentored to Becoming a Mentor

Jeanetta’s journey into mentorship began during her participation in trade shows, where she noticed a glaring lack of minority representation. This realization inspired her to support emerging artists who might feel isolated or underrepresented in the industry.

Jeanetta Gonzales [10:11]:
"But the show has been going on for a very long time, but it was very gay cute back in the day. It wasn't really on the Internet. Nobody really knew about it."

Mutual Growth Through Mentorship

Jeanetta describes mentorship as a reciprocal relationship where both mentor and mentee benefit. She shares how coaching others not only helps her mentees gain confidence and navigate their careers but also reinforces her own insights and experiences.

Jeanetta Gonzales [11:51]:
"It's healing. It's everything, you know, it's just I can help them as I'm helping myself too, because I'm going through it at the same time."

Amber reflects on this mutual benefit, likening it to a parent-child relationship where both parties are essential to each other’s growth.

Challenges Faced by Creatives Today

Confidence and Vulnerability

One of the primary challenges Jeanetta addresses is the pervasive lack of confidence among creatives. She emphasizes that vulnerability is inherent to the creative process, especially when artists expose their work to the world.

Jeanetta Gonzales [07:46]:
"Anytime you're starting something new, and especially if you're an artist and you're putting your work out into the world, which is basically your heart and your sleeve, that's a scary position to be in."

Navigating Modern Obstacles

While the landscape for creatives has evolved, the fundamental challenges of self-doubt and the need for supportive guidance persist. Jeanetta advocates for proactive mentorship to bridge the significant gap where 67% of women consider mentorship crucial, yet only 20% have had a mentor.

Amber Asay [02:01]:
"Studies show that 67% of women consider mentorship to be crucial for their career success, and yet only 20% have ever had a mentor."

Advice for Aspiring Creatives

Finding the Right Mentor

Jeanetta offers practical advice for those seeking mentorship, underscoring the importance of referrals, compatibility in personalities, and alignment in creative goals. She encourages aspiring mentees to research potential mentors’ backgrounds and ensure their mentoring style resonates with their personal needs.

Jeanetta Gonzales [18:13]:
"Do you like their approach? Do you like their personality? Personality's big one. You have to be able to feel comfortable."

Developing a Unique Artistic Voice

For creatives aiming to break into art licensing and secure brand deals, Jeanetta stresses the necessity of honing a distinctive art style. She advises artists to identify what makes their work unique and to consistently develop their personal voice to stand out in a competitive market.

Jeanetta Gonzales [21:18]:
"What is it about your art style that is different? What are your techniques? Then you have to add your special sauce on top of that."

Amber concurs, highlighting the continuous journey of growth and adaptation essential for sustained creative success.

Mentorship as a Catalyst for Success

Jeanetta emphasizes that mentorship can accelerate a creative’s career by providing clarity, confidence, and actionable guidance, thereby preventing the stagnation that often accompanies solo efforts.

Jeanetta Gonzales [17:23]:
"Having somebody else's ear, having somebody's eye to guide you and help you get clarity is really important."

She recounts how collaborations and referrals within her professional network have been instrumental in securing significant deals, underscoring the importance of building and maintaining strong industry relationships.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Jeanetta and Amber reinforcing the invaluable role of mentorship in the creative industry. Jeanetta’s insights not only highlight her dedication to fostering the next generation of women designers but also underscore the symbiotic nature of mentoring relationships.

Amber concludes by directing listeners to Jeanetta’s social media and coaching services for those interested in further developing their creative careers.

Amber Asay [25:04]:
"If you're interested in working with Jeanetta as a mentor, you can reach out to her and explore her coaching services@janettagonzalez.com."

Key Takeaways

• Mentorship is Essential: Mentorship bridges the confidence gap many women designers face and provides the necessary support to navigate career challenges.

• Unique Artistic Voice: Developing and honing a distinctive art style is crucial for standing out in art licensing and securing brand deals.

• Mutual Growth: Mentorship benefits both mentors and mentees, fostering a collaborative environment where both parties grow and learn.

• Proactive Networking: Building a strong professional network through active engagement and referrals is vital for career advancement in the creative industry.

Notable Quotes

• Jeanetta Gonzales [05:13]:
  "I wouldn't be the creative I am now if I didn't have that [support] from the beginning."

• Amber Asay [02:01]:
  "Studies show that 67% of women consider mentorship to be crucial for their career success, and yet only 20% have ever had a mentor."

• Jeanetta Gonzales [17:23]:
  "Having somebody else's ear, having somebody's eye to guide you and help you get clarity is really important."

• Jeanetta Gonzales [21:18]:
  "What is it about your art style that is different? What are your techniques? Then you have to add your special sauce on top of that."

Further Resources

• Follow Jeanetta Gonzalez on Instagram: @netdesigns

• Skillshare Class: Jeanetta offers a Skillshare class focused on helping artists develop their signature style. Skillshare Link

• Coaching Services: For personalized mentorship, reach out to Jeanetta at coach@janettagonzalez.com

Stay tuned for future episodes of Women Designers You Should Know, now released bi-weekly. Join Amber Asay as she continues to celebrate and highlight the extraordinary contributions of women designers shaping our world.