Creative Business Mentoring for Visual Artists & Craft Makers
Feeling lost or stuck in your solo creative business journey? Running a 'me, myself, and I business' as a visual artist or craft maker can be overwhelming. As a specialist mentor with 20+ years in the creative world, I've guided over 100 artists and makers, from startups to established ventures.
Drawing on my experience mentoring with creative businesses at organisations like the Crafts Council, UAL, and Cockpit Arts, I help creative entrepreneurs untangle their thoughts, clarify their direction, and overcome the unique challenges of turning artistic passion into sustainable income.
I'm here to help your creative business thrive through personalised, one-to-one mentoring that addresses your specific needs as an artist or maker. We can't do it all alone!
“It has been brilliant having Emma as a mentor on the University of The Arts (UAL) Incubator programme for the past six months. Emma’s breadth of expertise meant we matched her with a wide range of graduate businesses, and we regularly received excellent feedback from our participants about the support and advice that Emma provided. I would highly recommend Emma, and look forward to working with her again.”
- Imogen Lawry, Programme Manager, Graduate Futures, University of the Arts London
Your creative mentor
With a diverse career spanning roles at the Crafts Council (UK) and coaching at Cockpit Arts, alongside experiences in studio ownership, licensing, research, global exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations, my 20+ years within the creative industry enable me to offer holistic mentoring across the creative business spectrum.
Grounded in listening and strategic questioning, my approach guides you to reveal insights and confidently advance in both your creative practice and business goals.
How I Help Visual Artists & Craft Makers Grow Their Business
My mentoring for creative ‘s covers some of these key areas essential for artists and makers:
Creative Business Strategy/ roadmaps - Develop clear plans that align with your artistic values and commercial goals
Marketing for Artists - Create authentic marketing approaches that connect your work with the right audience
Pricing & Selling Handmade Work - Build confidence in valuing your creative skills and products
Exhibition & Commission Opportunities - Navigate the world of galleries, shows, and client commissions
Product Development & Creative Direction - Refine your offering while staying true to your artistic vision
Digital Presence for Artists - Establish an effective online presence that showcases your unique work
Other areas I can help…
Applications | Business Modelling | Career Confidence | Commercial Collaborations | Commissions | Creative Brainstorming | Exhibitions | Idea Development | Income Activity Generation | Marketing | Photography | Pricing and Selling | Product Audit | Project Management |Workshops
The Creative Business Mentoring Process
My approach to mentoring independent artists and craft makers is built around these principles
Building Trust & Understanding Your Creative Practice
Creates a safe space to explore your strengths, values, and artistic practice
Listens deeply to understand your specific challenges as a visual artist or craft maker
Strategic Guidance for Creative Entrepreneurs
Acts as a critical confidential sounding board offering insider guidance from 20+ years in the arts and craft sector
Provides flexible, collaborative approaches tailored to your specific artistic practice
Practical Business Support for Artists and Makers
Explores key business drivers, recurring themes, and strategies to improve sales
Addresses specific obstacles stopping you from moving forward in your creative business
Discussion Topics
Covers work review, sales, exhibitions, business operations, goal assessment, barriers, opportunities, new tools/methodologies, and roadmaps and action plans.
Explores key drivers, recurring themes and strategies to improve communication and sales.
Anything else you want to discuss that is stopping you moving forward. What do you want to Stop, Start and Continue with?
Structured Mentoring Journey
Typically begins with four sessions to establish trust and address core challenges
Clear focuses (goals) and action plans developed specifically for your creative business growth
Pricing
1 hour Package £150
4 hour Package £600
6 hour Package £850
Clients must schedule a 1 hour package session initially as a strategy session before booking a package. Sessions take place on google meet and are recorded.