It only takes One, Santa Fe, NM. Image by Ivan Barnett. “The way you do anything is the way you do everything.”— Martha Beck In a world that feels like it’s spinning faster every day—where economies shift, markets contract, and…
By Ivan Barnett Arthur, Georgia, and Carl who showed me the way, image by Ivan Barnett “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”— Winston Churchill When I was younger, I…
This happens in most studio practices more times than not. Every conversation between artist and mentor, gallerist and collector, a question that hovers silently over the table or sometimes echoes in the middle of the night when you stare at…
Ivan, the consummate professional in the studio “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius We toss around the words professional in the arts as if they have…
Dear Friend, Welcome, I hope you’re doing well! I have some exciting news that I think you’ll really appreciate. You know how passionate I am about the unique blend of creativity and strategy. These are some things that guided my entire journey as an artist and gallery owner here at Serious Play. Over the years, I’ve had the chance […]
What does the art of PLAYING SERIOUSLY have to do with releasing one’s creativity? The concept of “playing seriously” is integral to releasing one’s creativity. It involves approaching creative work with a sense of playfulness and openness, while also giving…
Ivan Barnett, a maestro of creative vision, left an indelible mark on the world of opera. He did this through his unparalleled passion for staging and event organization. Over the past decade, in Santa Fe and beyond, Barnett wove his…
Why do we cherish the spontaneity of live performances or the raw charm of a sketch over a polished masterpiece? In this piece, Ivan Barnett explores the transformative power of play in creativity. Explore how embracing experimentation, uncertainty, and playful curiosity can ignite innovation, fuel artistic breakthroughs, and foster commercial success.
Ivan Barnett offers arts consulting and creative coaching services, combining strategic business advice with personal development. As a consultant, he enhances studio management, marketing, and presentation strategies, while his creative coaching approach focuses on professional growth, fostering creativity, and business acumen. His dual expertise ensures clients achieve success without compromising their artistic integrity.
This coaching approach focuses on six key topics designed to help artists navigate the commercial aspects of their careers. Whether you balance art with a day job or seek gallery representation, our goal is to equip you with essential tools for long-term success.
Networking is an art, and at Serious Play, I leverage decades of connections in art and business to support my clients. With a trusted circle of advisors and a reputation built on care and collaboration, I bridge the gap between good and great—turning ideas into success.
Drawing from 25 years of experience as Creative Director of Patina Gallery, I understand the unique challenges arts organizations face—balancing creativity, financial goals, and evolving market demands. My role as your advisor is to offer fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and essential support.
