My story
As a young artist, I had only one view in mind - pursue a life in the arts. There was no other way. Creative practice could never be a hobby, it had to be my life. Finance? No, I will admit that it didn’t cross my mind and no, I can tell you now that most of us will not make a living from selling our work only. I have made a viable path via connection and forks in the road. I still lead a multi facited career; in the past I have been Editor in Chief for a well known textile art website, I have most recently been known for publishing my first title with Batsford: Narrative Textiles: Tell your Story in Mixed Media and Stitch, held four solo exhibitions, written countless of articles for art publications and held my main income source via teaching and lecturing roles - always in the arts.
I will be clear - I have never had coaching myself, business or financial advice from a qualified source. I have learned on the job - quite literally. No, I will do not get it right - but I know a lot and sometimes experience is more worthy than a qualification.
To learn more about my experience, please visit my Career page.
What I offer / can provide
One to one creative mentoring
Talks
Workshops
One to one tuition
Writing
Contact me:
ailish.h.theartist@gmail.com
Creative Mentoring
Are you interested in pursuing a creative path, whether full time or as “me” time? Stuck to know where to start? Maybe you have been in the arts a long time and want to just have someone to listen to your thoughts.
As a practitioner myself, I have longed for such a service and have been grateful to many friends and those in the arts themselves who have gifted time to guide me. Now I am offering you the same.
I don’t do patronisation, so I will take you as you are and respect you as a fellow artist - no talking down - on a level.
What I offer
Creative and thought out advice, planning and direct tuition if asked for, based on your individual needs.
How it will work
To begin, I suggest a short free first contact, where you may wish to explain in detail what stage you are at and what you wish for. This can be by email to my artist address: ailish.h.theartist@gmail.com or via a pre-booked telephone or video call (lasting no longer than 20mins).
After we speak, you may wish to consider how you wish to proceed and I in turn will clearly proffer what I can offer.
Then, you can book your first session with me. This will be over video means unless stated by you. There is an in-person option too, if you live in an area where you are free to travel to my home studio, based in the North East (UK)
Each session will last approx 45mins, with a longer session available on request.
You may only need one session, however some clients may feel the need for ongoing guidance.
The outcome
Clarity of thought as to where your creative practice is heading.
A planned way forward for progression.
A foundation of support and education needed to fulfil your creative goals.
Ongoing support
If you decide to book on a regular basis, we can communicate in-between sessions via short emails, to answer any questions you may have.
The cost
The first short email/phone/video contact (lasting no more than 20 mins) is free of charge and will provide a taster of what I can offer. If I feel that in our call I need time to make a plan, I will email you within a few days following this consultation.
First booked session will then cost £100 with each session following at £70. Discount is available when several sessions are booked at once.