Designing with experience.
Mentoring with intention.
Over five years of designing with purpose, and countless hours
spent helping others do the same.
A 3 part guide
Angela Martin
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
From Daydream to Day Job.
This book is a compilation of answers to both common and unique questions I’ve received from students pursuing creative careers. Whether you’re a young artist dreaming about your future, a parent with questions, or someone ready to launch your career, we’ll explore art schools, portfolios, applications, and practical advice—everything I wish I had known when I started.
Angela Martin
Angela's debut book, a three-part guide to creative careers for students and starters. 7 years of mentorship advice written down.
Creative careers are possible—but they’re not always obvious, linear, or easy to navigate. This book is a practical, honest, and encouraging companion for anyone trying to build a meaningful life through creative work.
Whether you’re a student, early career professional, or someone pivoting into a new chapter, this guide offers clear, accessible advice on everything from finding mentors and preparing your portfolio to negotiating your first job offer or figuring out when to leave. You’ll learn how to manage rejection, set sustainable career goals, advocate for yourself, and stay grounded in your values—even when the job market isn’t.
Written with warmth, directness, and the lived experience of someone who’s been there, this book includes real talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, school, job hunting, networking, salary negotiation, and so much more. It doesn’t promise easy answers—it gives you the tools to ask better questions and move forward with confidence.
Full of personal insight, curated resources, and the kind of advice you wish someone had told you sooner, this book is here to remind you: your creative career is yours to shape—and you’re not alone in the making of it.
Part One
Part One:
Building a Healthy Creative Practice
Craft habits, mindsets, and systems that support sustainable, meaningful work.
For artists and makers at any stage, especially those just getting serious about their work.
Part Two
Part Two:
Making the College Decision (or Not)
How to choose your path—and what to do when you get there.
For high schoolers and their parents/mentors through early college students.
Chapters:
Choosing Your Path: What’s Best for You?
Deciding on a Major or Field of Study
Deciding on a School or Program
Surviving and Thriving in School
Continuing Your Education: Now, Later, or Not at All?
Part Three
Part Three:
Navigating Creative Careers with Confidence
From applying to day one, how to move forward with clarity and self-trust.
For college students, recent grads, and any early career creatives.
Chapters:
Critical Creative Career Skills
Mindsets That Matter
What to Have in Your Toolkit
How to Job Hunt (Without Losing It)
Jobs, Jumps, and Just in Case
Your First Few Years
Long-Term, Real Life Creative Growth
Mentorship is one of my favorite ways to give back to the design community—and to help others find their spark.
Since 2018, I’ve mentored aspiring creatives—students, recent grads, and career-changers alike—through portfolio reviews, resume feedback, interview prep, and honest, human conversations about starting out.
As a formal mentor with organizations like Disability:IN and a guest lecturer at SCAD, I also support creative students at the university and high school levels, and regularly mentor in national and international design competitions. I believe in helping people find their ikigai—the intersection of passion, purpose, and skill. That’s where the magic happens.
Bring me your portfolios and midnight questions. I’d love to connect.
Professional organizations I mentor(ed) with include:
A variety of professional organizations, non-profits, and schools ranging from middle school to college:
