Career Coaching Services for Artists
Left Brain Skills for Right Brained People
You probably became an artist because of your "right brain" strengths.
Right brain strengths include thinking visually, seeing the big picture, finding innovative and creative solutions, creating art.
Left brain skills include analyzing and planning, defining goals, thinking through difficult problems, following through on a sequence of tasks.
You can use your strengths as an artist to help you do these "left brain" tasks. Learn how to make it easier and less stressful for you to make a living doing what you love!
Most career advice and career counseling is generic, and doesn't take into account how artists naturally think about themselves and their work. I focus my coaching practice on artists (and other creative people) who feel stuck and want to move forward.
I often work with artists "in transition" who are trying to decide what role their art will play in their lives and careers. The ideas, techniques, and programs I offer are designed specifically to help creative people.
My coaching is practical, personal, and hands-on. Each coaching program is customized to fit YOU. I don't just give advice, but actively work for you. I help you find opportunities, introduce you to galleries and other exhibition spaces, assist you with writing tasks or public speaking challenges. Through coaching you will learn key skills for "success", however you define it. You will grow in confidence as you achieve your goals.
Here are some of the benefits of my unique, artist-focused coaching:
Analyzing and Planning
Do you get stuck or overwhelmed when you try to move forward?
Through coaching you will master these skills:
- How to think through conflicting priorities
- How to identify goals and break them down into action steps
- How to take advantage of the wealth of internet resources available to artists
- How to write an effective business plan
- How to develop and implement an achievable marketing plan
- How to find and get funding to support your work
Marketing Yourself and Your Work
Do you love the process of making art but shy away from talking about it? Do you need to "put yourself out there" but don’t know what to do or how to do it?
These key strategies will move you forward in:
- Understanding your target market
- Writing an effective artist statement or press release
- Pricing your work to sell
- Finding the right exhibition opportunities for you
- Presenting yourself and your work to gallery owners and collectors
- Creating a strategy to become more visible as an artist
Career Coaching
Do you need employment in the arts but don’t know where to start? Are you in a job that doesn't satisfy you? Do you have a career plan but would like some support implementing it?
Through coaching you will find out:
- How to get objective feedback on career goals
- How to launch, or relaunch, your career
- How to analyze your skills and job history
- How to identify and apply for available jobs
- How to create a 2-minute "elevator speech"
- How to write an appealing resume and cover letter
- How to interview for a job
- How to negotiate a salary offer
"Here’s what I loved about career coaching with Mary: her enthusiasm, her knowledge of the art world, her extensive business experience, her ability to help me organize and write my resume, and her ability to keep me focused and help me with difficult situations."
Marguerite Elliot,
Artist (Fairfax, CA)
Local Marin County clients meet with me both in person and by telephone throughout the coaching program. I coach U. S. based and international clients by telephone and through Skype. Call now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation!
