One-On-One

The result: what once was your dream career turned into a soulless-boring routine of predictable, and unrewarding series of days. You are surrounded by other unhappy designers and the "horror stories" of uncertainty "out there" make you stay small and "safe" right there in the known. You keep thinking, why should I even try and allow the fear of uncertainty keep you where you are.

Know this: you are not alone, and this happens to almost every designer I have spoken with at all levels and segments of the design industry. Most of the time designers come to me when they start getting worried about losing their job or have been laid off. In some rare instances, I get to work with courageous creatives that put themselves first and take action to take charge of their career path on their own. Because they told themselves: "You know what, you are right! You do deserve to enjoy your workday, and you do belong in the segment of the industry that you desire, and I will do whatever it takes to get there"

Take action: I can truly relate to that overwhelming feeling because I too spent many years wondering what do I truly enjoy doing on a daily basis. I tried many different jobs and learned to say yes to projects that I had never done before. I trained myself to know that I can find a solution and figure it out. However, I said yes to learning and growing. Taking action is as easy as saying yes to yourself.  

Here is the best part of what lifelong learning has given me. I can now pick and choose what projects I want to take on and with whom to work. I get to share what I know with people in my creative tribe and keep encouraging others to keep growing and changing as much as they want to. There is a confidence and peace in knowing my skills are where they are today. I negotiate fees at a much higher level than I did years ago and can say no to "gigs" that seem too bothersome.
I want this for you — an unshakable trust in yourself, your decisions, and your design skills.

Love the lessons!

I've learned a ton but taking it slow and love that I can go back and re-watch things if I forget stuff. Someday I'll be better!

- Natasha Stiles | Director of Merchandising | Kate Quinn

DIGITAL design doubts:

• I feel like a fraud because I don't know the shortcuts, latest updates in the design software I am using, and I haven't changed the way I worked in more than five years
• I am self-taught and have huge gaps in my know how
• I think they are going to fire me because I am too slow
• I think they fired me because they think I am too slow
• I am highly creative and love coming up with silhouettes and put the fabrics and trims together, but I don't know how to communicate the technical part (or reverse the technical and creative)
• I have been stuck in junior (or insert any other fashion market) and want to cross out and over into temporary design, but I don't know how and that I speak that market's design language and don't have the confidence
• I have thought about starting to go freelance, but I think it is too difficult
• I've been interested in textile design for a while, but I do not know where to start

MENTAL BLOCKS:

• I'm not happy with my design work, but it pays the bills
• My frantic and negative attitude effects everyone I come in contact with
• As soon as I take decisive action toward my goals, something happens that holds me back.
• I feel restless and have no time to take care of myself.
• I am attracting clients that take advantage of my time and serenity.
• I know I am under-earning but am too afraid to ask for what my work is worth.
• I am scared that I have reached my maximum potential.
• I am exhausted all the time.
• I feel unsupported by my immediate circle of friends and family.

DIGITAL design And MENTAL skills:

• Unshakable trust in your digital design skills (of course)
• A re-inspired you
• Enjoyable workflows
• Willingness to try (and want) to launch yourself into new opportunities
• Establish and keep new habits

MENTAL skills:

• Self-permission to play and recharge your creative cells
• Recognizing and distinguishing productive from destructive self-talk
• A daily practice to bookend your day in positivity
• A feeling of grounded-ness and trust in your options
• A re-established belief in yourself.
• A strong sense of meaningful living
• Practiced letting go of what no longer serves you
• Valuing your time deeply
• Commitment to self-development
• Set goals from a place of trust instead of fear

What to expect:
In summary: All sessions after the on-boarding process are held online in my online classroom. Here we communicate via voice through our WIFI connection. We can screen share and elect to video conference as needed. You will receive handouts and video courses that further deepen you ongoing practice.

FOR DIGITAL DESIGN TRAINING AND MENTAL COACHING:

ON-BOARDING AND SELF EVALUATION:
Before we meet for the first time, you will fill out a digital questionnaire and set your goals, expectations, and hopes for the coaching period. From that, we will set a time to meet over the phone to customize the work ahead of us.

Customized sessions:
Your training will focus on the main areas that are troubling you. Through the on-boarding practice I will have a clear picture of what you think your needs are. Because of that I will provide you with workflows, and inspiration to take your skills to the next level.

Accountability levels:
To me, your Coach:
We will stick to a schedule that is manageable and realistic. The flow of it will be pushed along by me to create new habits and a sense of accomplishment for you. You will be able to use online tools to record daily thoughts and use printable and online checklists to record and review your daily habits. Examining these by yourself and with me will show an accurate picture of what areas are improving efficiently or need more attention.

To yourself:
The tools that are introduced to you during the coaching will be there for you to continue to use for life. You will be able to maintain them, adjust as your needs evolve, and keep for as long as you decide. Because you will receive life time access to one of the Studio's video courses you will be able to keep practicing your skills and use the accountability tools long after the live training is completed.

To the public (optional):
It is sometimes highly effective to announce via social media or to your trusted friends and family that you are documenting your training and are going to share a result with them by a specific date. The result you wish to share can be a finished product, a new portfolio, or a final assignment. The details of how and with whom to share this will be discussed beforehand to make sure that you are not going to get discouraged by knowingly choosing negative input.

Live DIGITAL DESIGN SESSIONS:
During these sessions, I will demonstrate a workflow/ tools by designing artwork that relates to the area of design that you would like to transition into. The desired field of design could be a textile design in the junior market or a denim pant in the contemporary market. There is flexibility here from week to week. Moreover, you are free to change your mind about the market as we go along. We will focus on one design software per coaching bundle. 
After I demonstrate the steps, you will do this, and I will guide you, and you can ask questions.

Homework DESIGN SESSIONS:
At the end of each session, we will determine a realistic time frame and inspiring goal for a homework assignment. You will submit the assignment to me via a shared folder online. This ties into your accountability, because a completed assignment is required before we meet for the next session. The sessions are precious in time and investment and the completed assignments ensure that we get to move on and maximize our time together, instead of repeating what we already practiced during a previous session. You will have video training access to help you with the homework as needed.

Flip the inner dialogue (Mental coaching session Only): During the first session each week I will introduce a new exercise to you. Initially, you'll answer questions that we discuss together. From the discussion of your answers, we will determine troubling priorities. Then I will create and guide you through how to apply one new habit until you have a new mindset- toolset. Examples of these tools could include custom meditations, reframing thought prompts (practiced daily at agreed intervals), journal prompts, and other practices to reach a renewed outlook on your career and life.

Homework (MENTAL COACHING SESSION ONLY): The homework will include the use of a new mindset - tools as well as filling out a worksheet to track the top 4 most helpful daily activities (10 min each) that will bring more meaning and clarity to your life.

My overall compassionate creativity coaching philosophy:

I consider working with you as a gift to both of us, and I appreciate and value you, your courage, and commitment to improving your life tremendously. I am on your side and am 100% committed to you, to give my best, to encourage you with kindness when you struggle, and with gentle firmness when you give up on yourself to follow through.

#1 DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING ONE-ON-ONE (learn either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop):
10 hours total $770, divided into 2 hour sessions in 2 months, access to 1 course of choice after deciding what is most beneficial

#2 COMPASSIONATE CREATIVITY COACHING & DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING (learn either Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop):
15 hour total $1200, divided into two 1 1/2 hours sessions twice per week for 5 consecutive weeks.

#3 Pick my brain session:
1 hour total $150, scheduled after on-boarding questionnaire is completed.