Coaching is dynamic, collaborative support for identifying and moving toward what’s 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.

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.

At each session, we’ll look at issues that are 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.

We’ll collaborate to–

• illuminate 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

• establish robust habits, so that you’re 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 actions that will bring your dreams nearer.

Here are just a few of the themes and desires that have brought my clients to coaching:

Time and energy management

• Finding balance
• Maintaining consistent production
• Creating systems for admin work
• Establishing a strategic vision
• Developing short- and long-term goals and planning
• Avoiding burnout

Inner conflicts

• Building confidence
• Changing old patterns of behavior
• Examining internalized narratives of the “successful artist”
• Staying grounded while being visible/feeling vulnerable
• Working with integrity, playfulness, joy, and/or other values

Interpersonal work

• Strengthening professional communications
• Amplifying outreach and creating new relationships
• Navigating ongoing relationships
• Collaborating on projects
• Cultivating a community of peers and growing their audience.

Coaching sessions are client-led: You decide what we’ll look at during our time together! And in advance of each session, I send optional prompts to help you figure it out.

In an age when the term “coach” seems to be everywhere, it’s important to make a clear distinction between coaching and other forms of support so that you can find the one that’s right for you.

One way to think about the difference between coaching and other services is that a coach supports you to bring forth your inner wisdom about your present and future, get clear on your goals and dreams, and design the authentic actions that will get you there.

By contrast, a consultant speaks to you based on their experience and knowledge. They will tell you what they think you should do according to their view and context.

A therapist or counselor will help you look at your past and interpret events in your life, so that you can analyze them and arrive at healing insights. Additionally, they may specialize in particular issues and modalities, like trauma or sobriety support.

There’s not one “right” way to get help; in fact, these modalities can sometimes be complementary. What matters most is that you get the support that’s right for you. That’s why I offer a free, no-obligation, no-sales-pitch Intro Chat (see next Q&A), so we can see if coaching is a good fit for where you are in your life right now.

In our Intro Chat, you can count on me to be focused 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 no-obligation, 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 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 50–60 minutes long.

Between meetings, the actions you undertake will be conceived and directed by you. 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 sliding-scale fees and scholarships. 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 (each client paying at this tier enables one partial scholarship)

• $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 don’t have the resources to pay at the rates above. If you’d like to learn more or apply, please fill out this short application form.

Whether you pay at the highest tier or apply for a full scholarship, I ask that you evaluate your financial circumstances truthfully, select the option that best reflects your situation, and consider coaching an investment in your future.

Yes! 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 money.

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

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.

My coaching is also informed by:

• a graduate certificate in Cognitive Science from the University of Colorado

• an MFA in Studio Art from the California College of the Arts

• ongoing education in 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, whose Code of Ethics and Core Competencies are central to my work.

Whether we like it or not, uncertainty and change are inevitable. Life is going to happen! And hopefully there will be many happy surprises—like residencies, fellowships, and visiting-artist gigs—along the way.

I work with my clients to determine a preliminary schedule for our sessions. Later, if we need to adjust our meetings to accommodate an opportunity (or an emergency), then that’s what we do.

In addition to artists, I’ve also successfully coached administrators, 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.

In coaching, a good fit is more important than labels. Progress flows when you feel like your coach gets where you’re coming from. 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’re welcome to schedule an Intro Chat no matter what terms you 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 the Arts Research section of the Resources page for more info).

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’s been 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!