Mentorship in Focus: Vanessa Ma’s Journey with Metro Imaging

Now in its eighth year, the Arts Student Union x Metro Imaging Mentorship Programme is back, providing one UAL student with tailored guidance from industry professionals as they develop their portfolio leading up to graduation. This year, the selection panel—featuring Metro Imaging’s Creative Director Steve Macleod and Arts SU’s Union Affairs Officer and multimedia artist Daniela Commey—chose Vanessa Ma, an MA Photojournalism student at London College of Communication, to receive this mentorship. I met with Vanessa at her favourite close-to-campus coffee shop to chat about her practice, her background, and her hopes for this year’s mentorship.

Vanessa tells me that she was drawn to the programme because of the unique opportunity for one-to-one feedback and personalized guidance. “Sometimes at art school, peer feedback is a big part of the course structure, and it’s valuable, but it still has to follow the curriculum,” she explains. “Having a mentor offers more flexibility around the specific support you need as an individual.”

It’s easy to see why this mentorship is so highly sought after. Vanessa was selected from a shortlist of seven, rising above a competitive field of applications. “The interview process was surprisingly relaxing,” Vanessa recalls. “It didn’t feel like a competition; it felt more like a genuine conversation about my work. Steve and Daniela’s comments were incredibly insightful, and I got so much valuable feedback just from that 15-minute interview alone.”

As Vanessa embarks on her mentoring journey, I ask her how her practice is developing under Steve’s guidance, especially with her graduation show around the corner. She shares that with her mentor’s support, she’s preparing to experiment with different installation and production methods that showcase her dual interests—using urban design principles from architecture alongside the storytelling power of photography. “Steve’s feedback has already helped me define this balance in my portfolio. He’s also offered advice on grant applications and exhibition opportunities, which will be so helpful as I work to showcase my practice post-graduation.”

For students considering applying to the mentorship in 2025, Vanessa shares some advice. “Be open about your interests,” she says with a smile. “The panel isn’t just looking for perfection—they’re looking for potential. They genuinely want to help you navigate your passions and turn them into something real.”

As Vanessa navigates this transformative mentorship, her practice will no doubt evolve in ways that are as exciting as they are unexpected. The Metro Imaging Mentorship Programme continues to be a crucial bridge between UAL students and the wider creative industry, giving emerging artists the chance to grow in a way that is both personal and profoundly impactful. Keep your eyes peeled on our opportunities page for more mentoring opportunities coming in the future 👀

Metro Imaging "is one of Europe’s leading professional photographic labs for art printing, film processing, retouching, mounting, framing, and exhibition services. With over 40 years in the photographic industry, this pro-lab is run by a flexible workforce of multi-disciplined and skilled professionals, ensuring a level of expertise second to none". The mentorship opportunity is open to 2nd and 3rd year UAL students. The photography medium must be a strong feature within your work. However, the mentorship is open to ALL courses, and applicants don't have to use photography as their main practice.