AADC Mentoring Program, AdVice with James Rickard, Gives Creatives "A Foot in the Door"

AADC (Adelaide Advertising Design Club) has launched AdVice with James Rickard, a new, in-person mentoring course designed to help the next generation of creatives sharpen their thinking, understand the industry and make better work.

The course is an in-person, hands-on experience built around feedback, real-world briefs and honest conversation. It’s part of AADC’s growing commitment to education, mentorship and professional development within South Australia’s creative community.

James Rickard, multi award-winning creative director, brand strategist and former AADC co-president, brings over three decades of industry experience to the program.

“This course is about what doesn’t always get taught – how to really think, push ideas and shape work that resonates,” said James. “I want people to walk away not just with better skills, but with more creative confidence.

“AdVice is about a foot in the door – giving early-career creatives access to the kind of mentorship and critique that accelerates growth,” said Luke Cussans, AADC education chair. “It’s a way to help the next wave of talent understand how the industry works, and how great work gets made.”

With a small-group format and a focus on live participation, the course is deliberately in-person only. Run over four weeks, with two-hour sessions each week, AdVice is designed to be immersive, practical and paced to fit around work and study. It’s also priced to ensure cost isn’t a barrier for emerging talent.

Paul Kitching and Sarah Luthaus, AADC co-presidents, added, “James has always been a powerful advocate for lifting the standard of creative work in this state and beyond. AdVice is a chance for the next wave of talent to learn from one of the best – up close and in the room.”

Applications are open until Wednesday, April 30 and the course kicks off Thursday, May 29. Spaces are limited. To learn more and apply please visit: aadc.com.au/advice​