How the Mentorship Helped Marième Secure a Dream Editorial Client at Foreign Policy

Marieme Ba is an illustrator based in London. The main focus of her mentorship was to develop work specifically aimed at editorial clients, and she now has a strong portfolio featuring a broad range of highly conceptual pieces that demonstrate strong storytelling and clear editorial thinking.

She has since worked with clients including Foreign Policy, and feedback from her commissioning editor highlighted how smooth and successful the collaboration was.

“Brilliant, thank you! It’s been so nice working with you + Marieme for the first time! So smooth and I love the final piece.”

To support this, I created tailored briefs designed to reflect the kind of commissions she was interested in, with a strong emphasis on conceptual thinking and narrative development. This is a key requirement for editorial illustration, as publications look for artists who can communicate ideas clearly and think conceptually, not just visually.

We also focused on building variety within her portfolio, alongside developing a clearer colour direction. She initially wanted to lift her work but was unsure how to approach highlights and tonal development.

I suggested introducing purple tones into her palette. Although she was hesitant at first, she chose to experiment and quickly embraced the result, which opened up a new visual direction in her practice.

“I was very set in the colour palette I had initially picked but Helen opened my mind and I now have a portfolio with pink and purple which are colours I was not even a fan of.”

Throughout the mentorship, she remained dedicated, focused, and committed to her development, which has directly supported her progression towards client work. 

She has now begun working with a number of clients, including Foreign Policy, marking a clear step forward in her editorial illustration career.

Heres what she says:

If you are wondering whether having a mentor is a good idea, I guarantee you it is. 

Whether you are a total beginner or more accomplished artist, having the input of an industry professional like Helen will add value to your illustration career. 

I started the mentorship with the goal to curate a professional portfolio but what I ended up gaining from it is actually so much more. Helen has guided me to step outside of my comfort zone with colours, composition, crops and angles… 

I was very set in the colour palette I had initially picked but Helen opened my mind and I now have a portfolio with pink and purple which are colours I was not even a fan of. 

This is what you get from a mentorship, not Google or a YouTube video, but someone who is invested in your own work and will dedicate time to make sure you will make your best work.

I really enjoyed each creative brief as I felt challenged enough and it also prepared me for what I would have to do in a real client scenario.

Not only Helen has worked as an agent and understands what clients are looking for but she consistently researches and informs herself on what is currently appealing in the art world. So you also get up-to-date relevant information. 

Outside of the technical and professional help I got, I also would like to mention Helen’s personal qualities which are as important, in my opinion. She has been so kind and supportive over the months of my mentorship, especially in times where I was not feeling my best. 

Helen is very accommodating, kind and patient. I feel so more much confident in my artistic journey, thank you so much Helen for all your help and guidance :)"

MARIEME BA https://www.bymariemeba.com