Creative coaching

Jocelyn Montoya. Claire Kahn Jewels. Courtesy of Patina Gallery.

One-on-One Coaching

Serious Play’s one-on-one coaching helps you grow both creatively and professionally. Working directly with Ivan Barnett, you’ll receive tailored guidance to refine your vision, strengthen business skills, and build a financially sustainable career while fostering personal growth.

“Where people aren’t having any fun, they seldom produce great work.”

— David Ogilvey

Benefits for Creatives

Serious Play’s one-on-one creative coaching for artists provides a holistic approach. Ivan Barnett’s relationship with you is rooted in empathy, support, and a shared goal for your success. Barnett works to create a safe space for honest conversations and genuine growth.

  • Gallery Representation & Portfolio Reviews

    Artists will develop out-of-the-box professional strategies to distinguish themselves in a crowded market. By refining their unique artistic voice and professional presence, they become more memorable to galleries and collectors.

  • Story Meaning & Concept Ideation

    Artists seeking representation or exhibition opportunities can leverage their unique story to make a lasting impression. A compelling narrative can set them apart from hundreds of other artists vying for attention.

  • Branding & Identity Development

    Instead of forcing a self-conscious “brand,” this approach helps artists uncover their authentic self and how to communicate it naturally. By exploring personal history and influences, artists can articulate a genuine narrative that resonates with collectors and galleries.

  • Curation & Innovative Exhibitions

    Beyond prestige, these exhibitions can significantly improve an artist’s or gallery’s bottom line. When an event captures the imagination of collectors and art lovers, demand for the work increases.

  • Pricing Strategy & Market Analysis

    Artists often struggle with pricing because it involves both emotional and logical considerations. This service helps navigate both aspects, ensuring prices reflect value while remaining attractive to buyers.

  • Mentoring & Professional Practices

    Every artist has a unique journey, and this service ensures that guidance is customized to their specific needs, aspirations, and challenges.  Artists receive individualized support that helps them stay true to their vision while also making informed career decisions.

Creative Coaching Services

Serious Play equips artists with tools to balance creativity and financial stability. Ivan Barnett offers guidance, support, and feedback across all disciplines to elevate your journey.

Coaching Case StudY

This case study shows how Ivan Barnett collaborated with artist Claire Kahn to overcome challenges, achieve results, and create meaningful change. It highlights his ability to motivate, support, and transform creative careers and organizations.

Creative Coaching Testimonials

Ivan has a real attachment to old Santa Fe because he’s been visiting here for a long time. He has a deep interest in design and a genuine interest in New Mexico history. His creativity and respect for the region and its cultures are evident in his work.

Carmella Padilla, Author

Thank you, Ivan, for your vision, your book, your magic! Go, go, go!

Seth Godin, Author, Entrepreneur

We feel incredibly lucky to know extraordinary people like you. To celebrate our anniversary and show our gratitude, Peter and the Atelier Zobel team made a special pin just for you. Without your support, we couldn’t do what we love. Thank you Ivan for over 21 years of partnership, friendship, and inspiration. We are deeply grateful for the memories, special moments, and continued encouragement you’ve given us.

Peter Schmid, Goldsmith

Ivan became a friend because of the depths of conversation we could go to, based on beauty, art, design, and aesthetics. Seeing things in context is important. I became a trusted friend. Ivan would run certain things by me. He has an impeccable sense of the importance of beauty and design, a beautiful friendship when it comes to art and adornment, the things that we now call neuroaesthetics.

Ivy Ross, USA President of & Head of Design for Products at Google