Design Hotline Mentorship Program

We’re here to help you make the right connection and have someone to call when you need it. Design Hotline connects emerging designers with seasoned professionals who can offer advice, insight, and real-world experience when you need it most. It’s an open line to meaningful relationships, honest conversations, and opportunities for professional and personal development!

The program pairs professionals with at least 4 years of experience with college juniors, seniors, and emerging designers with up to 3 years of experience. Whether you’re looking to give back as a mentor or seeking guidance as a mentee, Design Hotline is a chance to connect with Kansas City’s creative community, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.

How it works:

• One-on-one mentor-mentee pairings

• 2 design studio tours

• In-person casual meetups

In addition, each mentor-mentee pair will be assigned to a larger group that can meet during our monthly meetups, further facilitating connection among peers.

Expectations and Timeline:

The program kicks off in September and lasts through December! Although there is no official time requirement, in order to get the most out of this experience, we ask that each pair try to communicate at least twice each month (roughly five hours total). Whether this communication takes the form of an in-person meetup, phone call, virtual chat, coffee break, or office meeting is entirely up to you. See our dates below, with more final details to come soon!

• Kickoff: Thursday, September 17, 6-7:30p.m., Johnson County Library - Oak Park

• Casual Meetup: October, Location TBD

• Studio Tour: October, TBD

• Casual Meetup: November, Location TBD

• Studio Tour: November, TBD

• Wrap-Up Party: December, Location TBD

Please complete the onboarding form here to help us best match you with
your mentor!

Please direct any questions to mentorship@kansascity.aiga.org