F.A.Q.

Coaching is a dynamic, collaborative process of identifying and moving toward what is important to you. In coaching, we focus on principles of success to bring out your innate strengths and develop your skills so that you can produce concrete, measurable results.

As your coach, I’ll support you to go past the point where you usually stop or give up on a goal.

If you’ve ever experienced imposter syndrome, professional envy, scarcity thinking, deprioritizing creative work, anxiety around pursuing professional opportunities, or feeling stuck—all those typical “day in the life of an artist” issues—coaching can help.

In each session, we’ll look at an issue that is relevant to you in the moment, whether that’s dealing with a short-term roadblock or preparing for the next step in a long-term goal.

Throughout our time together, we’ll –
• illuminate and center your core values so that you can stay grounded
• craft goals that move you forward with integrity
• develop skills that build confidence and resilience
• find additional supports to strengthen your connection and community
• celebrate all the big and small wins that get you a little freer
• establish useful habits, so that you are able do all of this independently.

You can count on me to be 100% present, supporting you with compassion to see what you want and take the authentic actions that will bring your dreams nearer. You can read more about the type of coaching I practice here.

Coaching is concerned with your present and future. In coaching, we’ll look at what you’re here to contribute, and how you can take action toward your goals and dreams.

In contrast, the purpose of therapy is to discover healing insights about your past by analyzing and interpreting the events in your life. Consulting is the process of implementing an expert’s advice. Training is completing a predetermined curriculum. Mentoring is applying another person’s experience to your life.

In coaching, we will focus on your values and intentions so that you can move forward in ways that are authentic to who you are.

Let’s find out! Sign up for a free, zero-sales-pitch Intro Chat. In the span of 45 minutes–

• I’ll ask you where you want to go next with your practice and career, and what might be getting in your way.
• You’ll ask me all your questions about coaching, so you can get an idea of whether coaching is the right support for what you've got going on.
• If you decide that you want to move forward with coaching, we’ll talk about how to make that happen.

Every part of coaching is confidential, including an Intro Chat. Your creativity deserves support!

To begin, we’ll meet twice per month for five months so that you can develop meaningful progress; each session is 50 minutes long.

Between meetings, the actions you undertake will be conceived and directed by you as a result of our conversations. We’ll confirm that you’re setting yourself up for success by looking at your available time and resources in conjunction with the proposed action. Whatever you choose to work on may be challenging, but it will never be impossible!

I want to be part of a world where all artists are supported, so I offer scholarships and sliding-scale fees. My sliding-scale fees are:

• $200 per session if you’re financially stable (this is the base tier)
• $250 per session if you’re financially robust (this tier supports partial scholarships)
• $300 per session if you’re financially fortunate or if your organization is paying for coaching (this tier supports full scholarships).

Thanks to those who pay at the higher tiers, I'm able to offer scholarships to artists who need support but can't afford to pay at the regular rates. If you’d like to learn more, please fill out this short application form.

Whether you pay at the highest tier or apply for a scholarship, I ask that you select the option that best reflects your individual circumstances. This is not a "pay what you wish" scenario; rather, it's "pay what your situation allows," evaluating your financial circumstances truthfully and considering coaching as an investment in your future.

Most artists have never experienced what becomes possible when you have someone 100% in your corner. It can be hard to imagine what that’s like!

Consequently, I offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with our work after the first two sessions, completed within 30 days, I’ll happily refund your payment.

My training is based in the science of neurobiology (how and why the brain works as it does), and anchored in ontology (the study of being). Compassion is an important part of this work; it allows us to observe and gently shift the thoughts that drive our behaviors.

I am certified as a professional coach through:
• the Academy for Coaching Excellence
• the International Coaching Federation.

My coaching is also informed by:
• an MA in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from the University of Colorado
• an MFA in Studio Art from the California College of the Arts
• ongoing coach education that includes trauma-informed coaching, coaching for liberation, and working with neurodivergent clients.

Additionally, I have a wealth of professional experience in the arts. I’ve been:
• an art critic for almost twenty years
• an instructor, an academic coach, an alumni mentor, and an MFA advisor at several art schools
• an arts-advice columnist
• a professional arts editor
• a guest lecturer on art writing, professional practices, and art research.

I am a member in good standing of the International Coaching Federation; its clear Code of Ethics and Core Competencies are central to my work.

In coaching, a good fit is more important than labels. Progress flows when you feel like your coach gets where you’re coming from.

While I have facilitated pivotal sessions with visual artists, musicians, writers, and actors (to name just a few), I’ve also successfully coached executive directors, activists, and tech workers. Creativity is an essential part of moving toward our goals in every field, and often our internal stopping points are similar even if the context around them seems disparate.

What’s more, many folks struggle with the notion that you’re only a “real artist” if you have blue-chip gallery representation or you make 100% of your living from your artwork; you may have your own version of this “real” rule — whatever it sounds like, you deserve support.

I offer a free Intro Chat to see if we’re a good match before you make any commitments. If the information on this site resonates, you are welcome to schedule an Intro Chat no matter what terms you currently use to describe your professional identity.

YES. Extensive research shows that artists’ labor has a profound positive impact on the wellbeing of their communities, neighborhoods, and cities. When artists are free to make art, the people around them experience many vital benefits (see “Arts Research” under the Resources tab for more info).

Thus, helping artists move forward with their work catalyzes a ripple effect: When artists energize their practices, challenge old patterns and systems, and envision—as well as enact!—new models, coaching becomes a liberatory practice that can help build a better world.

As an artist, you’re here to make an important contribution, and it’s my privilege to support you.

Sign up for a free Intro Chat!

This is a 45-minute, no-obligation meeting to talk about where you want to go next with your practice and career, and what might be getting in your way. I'll answer your questions about coaching, and you can get an idea of whether coaching is the right support for what you've got going on. Easy peasy!