What is a Creativity Coach or Art Coach? What do Creativity Coaches do? And why do we need them?
“Support is often in terribly short supply in a creative person’s life. There is no one to talk to about the work. There is no one to talk to about the struggle. There is no one to talk to about the enormous gap between the dream the person had and the reality the person is living. Indeed, many creative people have been looking their whole life for one single advocate, for one person who will say, ‘You have it in you and I will help.’” – Eric Maisel
Art Coaches and Creativity Coaches are simply mentors that help us grow as creators of art, or of whatever it is that we want to get good at creating. Way back in the good ol’ days, it used to be the case that someone who had the creative itch would find a master, or mentor, and study under them for a number of years, doing their grunt work – bringing them coffee, stretching their canvasses, and working closely with them with whatever they needed in order to learn their skills and process. That custom still exists today but is no longer so common.
The Flawed Art College Model — Are Creativity Coaches Better Than Art School?
More commonly we see the art college model, where we pay, or our parents pay, enormous sums of money and we go to an art school and learn from salaried teachers who may or may not be qualified to teach us what we think we want to be taught. I have personally found that college instructors are often artists who have struggled a lot and finally found some stability with a university or college teaching gig. Teaching positions are often filled by people who lack real world knowledge about the art world and about how to keep going as an artist – how to fight the good fight and how to maintain a daily creative practice. They also often lack experience in selling their work and in getting their work seen by potential patrons or buyers, because they have embraced the world of academic art, and not the world outside of the university or college, which is where most great art is produced (in my humble opinion, and also historically it seems).
This, I believe, is a failure of the modern university system. It is a system that is run by the top-down model, where academic distinction often outweighs substance and hard work; where the intellectual and conceptual so often takes precedence over the ability to feel, and the ability to be authentic, which are indispensable to self exploration and creating art that helps to evolve a culture as well as an individual artist.
So those of us who come out of the art college or university are subject to this flawed (IMHO) didactic model. They often appear to have no direction, because the college doesn’t teach creative direction. They appear to have no real world skills, because the college doesn’t teach those either.
The good thing about most Art schools is that, given the right instructors, you can learn how to precisely and passionately spread paint on a canvas, or how to achieve highly technical body movements in dance – in other words, how to immerse yourself in your desired medium. If that is what you want out of a higher education Art institution, then I would say go for it.
But that is usually the extent of it. You are normally not taught about other things like how to stay in your Flow when you’re not in the studio, and when you’re not selling work. You are not taught how to maintain your mental and physical well-being while trying to keep a job waiting tables for pocket change and starving while giving all of your hard-earned tips to the landlord. You are not taught how to find and approach potential patrons, and how to present your work to them, and how to talk about yourself, and how to ask for money or write a grant for an upcoming show.
You are simply not taught the things that creativity coaches and art coaches teach – the essentials you need to survive and thrive as an artist. But why? From my own experience with Art colleges and friends who have attended them over the years, my guess is that the instructors teaching you do not know, and they’re not being paid to find out.
Creativity Coaches or Art Coaches — what’s the difference?
What Does a Creativity Coach Do?
A creativity coach specializes in helping individuals unlock their creative potential. Unlike traditional teachers or mentors, creativity coaches focus on removing creative blocks, overcoming self-doubt, and helping artists and creators develop sustainable artistic practices. They work with painters, writers, musicians, photographers, dancers, and all kinds of creatives to help them develop confidence in their work and creative process.
A creative art coaching approach might involve structured exercises, mindset shifts, and goal-setting techniques that guide artists through periods of stagnation. These coaches are particularly valuable for those struggling with procrastination, perfectionism, or creative burnout.
What Does an Art Coach Do?
An art coach works more specifically with visual artists to develop their skills, refine their artistic voice, and build a career in the arts. Whether you’re looking for technical improvement, portfolio development, or guidance on marketing your artwork, an art coach can provide the necessary support.
For students looking to get into prestigious art programs, a college art coach can offer specialized coaching to help with portfolio preparation, application essays, and interview techniques. Many aspiring artists struggle with presenting their work effectively, and working with a college art coach can increase the chances of getting into a top-tier program.
How Creativity Coaches and Art Coaches Support Artists
Both creativity coaches and art coaches help artists:
- Overcome creative blocks
- Gain confidence in their abilities
- Develop a consistent creative practice
- Explore new techniques and styles
- Set achievable goals
- Navigate the business side of art
The Benefits of Creative Art Coaching
Working with a creativity coach or art coach can provide invaluable support for creatives at all levels. Whether you’re preparing for an art school application, looking to build a full-time career in the arts, or simply wanting to explore your creativity without self-doubt, creative art coaching offers personalized strategies to help you grow.
Expanding the Role of Creativity and Art Coaching
As creative industries continue to evolve, the demand for creativity coaches and art coaches is increasing. Artists today face unique challenges, from navigating the digital landscape to building personal brands. Creative art coaching helps address these modern challenges by providing guidance tailored to each individual’s needs.
For artists seeking entry into competitive programs, a college art coach can make a significant difference in how they present their portfolio and showcase their artistic strengths. Similarly, seasoned artists looking to shift careers or expand their creative practice can benefit from the expertise of a creativity coach who specializes in professional transitions.
Choosing the Right Coach for You
Finding the right creativity coach or art coach depends on your personal goals. Some artists may need technical guidance, while others benefit more from mindset coaching and motivation. If you’re looking to apply to an art program, a college art coach might be the best fit. If you’re struggling with creative blocks, working with creativity coaches focused on mindset and productivity can be transformative.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, investing in creative art coaching can lead to significant personal and artistic growth. Whether you’re a beginner seeking structure, a professional artist refining your craft, or a student preparing for a career in the arts, the support of a coach can help you navigate your path with confidence and clarity.
If you’re looking to be coached as an artist or creative person, have a look at our artist coaching page.
For more information on creativity coaches and coaching, and how you can reach your goals as an artist, get the Infinite Artist book.
