Frequently Asked Questions

» How are your services different?
» Why should I take your advice?
» Why artists AND alternative health practitioners?
» Why are you trying to sell us out?
» How do I know if this is for me?
» Will you give me a discount?
» Can I get a refund?

How are you different from other artist professional development services?

My services are different because I work with self-employed artists: artists who run a business related to their studio practice or the healing arts and those who consider their studio practice to be their business.

My clients are predominantly socially-engaged Gen-Xers, whose art school experience provided very little practical skills needed to LIVE as an artist. CV-building, half-hearted marketing, and portfolio development a real business strategy does not make. Add into the mix that we were the last generation brainwashed with the proverbial "all or nothing" art-star careerism, an anti-money mindset, a high tolerance for underearning in various art gigs, and one can see the benefit and need for educating creatives on proper business structures that don't compromise us artistically or politically, but rather supports us.

Why should I take your advice?

Because I've been there, done that, and I'm confident in what I know. I am a professional visual artist and writer who has over 15 years of working experience with artist-run centres, non-profits, small presses and independent film companies. I excel at communications and marketing, fundraising and sponsorship development, volunteer management and Web development.

In the early '90s, I started and ran my own non-profit arts publication from the ground up on virtually no money, but a lot of hard work, DIY resources and guerilla marketing, from which I acquired four distributors across Canada and the US within three short years. That said, I'm a relentless, methodical initiator who sees possibilities where others see problems. I am big on self-education, adapting to new technologies, and the DIY ethic in general.

I believe that progressive counterculture should be supported, and I keep abrest of marketing trends and free resources available, particularly on the Internet, so that others can also make it happen. My stubborn work ethic and persistence to see outside the box even enabled me to earn my recently acquired Master's degree (defended sans rewrite) without the crutch of a BA.

Why do you work with artists AND alternative health practitioners?

I work with both groups because I see them as one and the same: the majority of healers that I've encountered have all come from a strong arts background or are working artists as well. The emotional and social issues that impede artists gaining business savvy are the same ones that befall those working in the healing arts. Artists and healers' issues of social purpose, personal awareness, and spirituality are often in conflict with their inner dialogue regarding "service" and the value they place on it.

Your site mentions "marketing," but I don't think artists should get corporate. We make art, not product for a capitalist system. Why are you trying to sell us out?

I'm always amused at how many artists are anti-marketing, because our minds have a natural affinity to excel in it. Marketing thrives on being deeply creative, and artists naturally rock at it. Customer manipulation (as spewed in most advertising), on the other hand, is what it is, so don't confuse the two.

Marketing is, quite simply, the many ways in which you communicate what you do to the people who are, or will be, most interested in what you have to offer, who are in need of whatever solution you provide to a problem they have, or who desperately want to support you. It's about knowing who these people are and the best ways to connect with them. There is a reason why it goes hand-in-hand with "communications." I would argue that a marketing plan — or "your plan of action," if you prefer — is far more important than any business plan model could be.

And by the way: Capitalism is in no way remotely synonymous with small or micro business. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just trying to make you silly.

How do I know if this is for me?

The first thing I would suggest is to be clear on what you'd like to accomplish by working with me and in what timeframe. The self-assessment forms I request clients, both potential or otherwise, to fill out prior to an initial consultation enables me to get an overview of what's really happening with your business, where you are in the development of it presently, and what areas you may need to focus on.

Don't underestimate this step. When you're deep in the day-to-day operations of what you do, it's easy to think your problem is issue "A" when in fact it may really be issue "B" that's confounding the situation. Sometimes that alone can help you to refocus, and you may be able to solve the problem for yourself with the aid of resources found on this site.

But, if you're still overwhelmed, haven't the faintest idea of how to get to where you want to be, need help with brainstorming fresh solutions, need a little inspiration, would like a sounding board regarding a new direction you'd like to take, or would like my help with mapping out a plan of action, then by all means contact me and we can take things from there. If, however, you expect me to do ALL the work, are committed to seeing problems when solutions are offered a plenty, are a contrarian at heart, or are hellbound on doing things the same way you've been doing them, then working with me will not be a viable option for you.

I've checked out your fees and I think they're too expensive. Will you give me a discount?

I don't give discounts. On very rare occassions, I may give you less of my time or whittle down an offering to suit your budget, but note the words "very" and "rare." I will, however, direct you to the self-assessment forms easily acquired through this site, my Web pages of free e-books, on-line resources, recommended books and articles, which I have made available under the "Resources" submenu. I would also suggest perusing the great resources also found on the MorenaMedia blog, the Artist's Business Digest. You will not get the same personalized package of information in a shorter period of time, a starter Web presence in under a week, or the benefit of a consultant/mentor relationship, but you will have all the information and tools available to you in one spot on the Net. And nothing kicks ass like DIY.

Can I get a refund?

I don't give refunds for one-on-one consultations or for Web site development, but I do give refunds for courses. Please read my Course Cancellation & Refund Policy for more information.