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Mentoring services from critic Laura Robertson 




︎ Book a free discovery call (Zoom) with Laura Robertson today: laura[at]thedoublenegative.co.uk ︎
  • Arts industry focused
  • Neurodivergent friendly
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma informed 
  • Coaching informed
  • Special interest in adult ADHD, widening participation, and compassionate-led teaching in Higher Education
  • Calm, relaxed, goal orientated
  • Working with adults (aged 18+) at any stage in their creative career
  • 1 x 60 minute mentoring session (Zoom) = £125.00
  • One or multiple sessions, around your availability and needs: you decide ! 


About me

Hello! I am a highly experienced art critic (BBC, frieze, Art Monthly etc.) and award-winning lecturer, with over 14 years of experience as a mentor. I support and encourage individual artists and writers, students in secondary, further and higher education, and on behalf of charities and organisations across the UK and Europe (AimHigher, Arts Emergency, Finnish Art Agency, Tate, Writing on the Wall etc.). 

For my ‘passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject’ I am the 2024-25 Outstanding Lecturer, School of the Arts, awarded by and for the students of University of Bolton Student Union. Since 2010, I have taught at many universities, including Royal College of Art, Central St Martins, and University of Salford.

More about me here. ︎︎︎

Testimonials

THANK YOU!!! I've come away with so much to think about, and feeling very inspired!

Infectious, full of enthusiasm and hugely encouraging. Approachable and made the information accessible. Delivered with humour and personality.

The way you approach writing and storytelling felt like breath of fresh air to me. It really encouraged me to use words and writing more creatively and to do it with my own personal but honest way. I'm rejuvenated.

More testimonials here. ︎︎︎



A taste of how I work: my Mentoring Agreement and Expectations

What I ask from you:
  • do tell me about any learning needs or disabilities, so that I can shape our sessions accordingly.
  • you lead the mentoring session. We can have a 'fix it' or 'vent it' type of conversation on a variety of topics! 
  • do come prepared with one or two things you want to discuss or work on.
  • please arrive on time! An hour will whizz by, and we want to make the most of it.

What you can expect from me:
  • an empathetic interdisciplinary writer and editor. Do please treat me as a critical friend; someone professional you can ask for support, to simply listen, or to provide advice, prompts or suggestions to 'move through' a problem.
  • answers to silly questions (there aren't any silly questions).
  • I'll be in your corner throughout, to remind you that you have the ability to figure this out.
  • an experienced and outside eye on your goals.
  • a 'first reader'; to give feedback if requested on work-in-progress/drafts.
  • a safe space that allows your work-in-progress/drafts to have an infancy, to breathe, and to develop under your own steam.

Example session homework:
  • draft an action plan of your mentoring goals, focusing on specific areas that you want to improve or develop.
  • set out what you're working on or want to work on, and create a relevant routine (that suits you) in order to complete that work.
  • a text to read, film to watch, exhibition to visit, etc., that generates and enriches ideas.
  • a values exercise, to help separate ‘inherited’ values from what truly matters to you, your interests, and practice.

Costs and booking: 

1 x 60 minute mentoring session = £125.00. This includes my preparation, reading and thinking time, and also ensures that I do not overbook mentees; each person requires my full attention and research, and for that reason I don’t book more than two sessions per day.

Booking and payment is made via PayPal: secure, immediate, no extra fees. I will send you a calendar invite and Zoom link in advance.

Please request a free discovery call on Zoom call to discuss your needs and ask any questions. Email me: laura[at]thedoublenegative[dot]co[dot]uk.

General enquiries

To discuss hiring me (for mentoring groups, writing or editing commissions, guest lectures or workshops, visiting studios, etc.), do get in touch. I’m happy to discuss approaches, rates and availability:
︎︎︎ laura[at]thedoublenegative[dot]co[dot]uk
︎ +44(0)7854697434

Read my indie arts and culture magazine, co-founded with arts writer Mike Pinnington in 2011:
︎︎︎ www.thedoublenegative.co.uk

Tweet tweet:
︎︎︎ @doublenegativeL

Buy me a coffee ☕️️ :
︎︎︎ www.buymeacoffee.com/laurarobbo