How do creatives get their start as professionals? I’m sure every burgeoning designer wonders how he or she gets a foot in the door at agencies, companies or nonprofits, sketchbook and ambition in tow.

Luckily, art and design community organizations like AIGA Chicago have free mentorship programs for budding creative types. And last week, the eight-session AIGA Chicago Mentor Program started meeting at Doejo Headquarters, the first real tenants of our newly built conference room. We couldn’t be more thrilled.

This portfolio-focused session is led by local lady-run design studio, Quite Strong’s Elaine Chernov. (You can check out some her work here or read about her travels at Design Vagrant by the way.) Quite Strong founding member Chernov will work with seven to nine designers of various backgrounds every other Wednesday discussing portfolios, doing critiques and listening to recruiter guests’ advice on improving said portfolios. Chernov also said she’s looking forward to setting up studio tours with agencies and firms around the city.

“I see it as a project criticism /brainstorm (kind of like school!) along with some guest speakers/reviewers,” she says. “[We’ll] talk about opportunities in the city and about the best ways to reach out for more opportunities.”

On behalf of the Doejo team, we wish Chernov’s class the best of luck!