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    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

    Every so often in the life of an artist, you meet people that knock you off course and inspire you to new realms. It was an honor and pleasure to bring my Fearless Genius photographs of Steve Jobs to an extraordinary collaboration with Ivan Barnett of Patina Gallery. It was an experience I will always be grateful for.

    Doug Menuez, Photographer, Portugal

    Ivan is a dot-connector, making events truly exceptional. We had one of the important jewelry artists, Peter Schmid, create a whole themes collection inspired by a particular opera that we chose. That’s what I mean by a dot connector, to make an event really something, as opposed to just another gallery opening. These were big events, every single season. Always out of the box ideas. Whatever he’s doing is something worth noticing. He has serious talent. I’m going to use a funny word, but Ivan has the ability to create cool.

    Linda Milanesi, CEO/President, Assistance Dogs of the West

    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 Barnett, former director of Patina Gallery, located in the competitive art scene of Santa Fe, New Mexico, found a way to stand out by creating unique experiences that go beyond traditional art openings. In collaboration with the Santa Fe Opera, he organized an event that blended art and opera, shifting the focus from selling art to engaging the community.

    Pam Danziger, Speaker, Forbes Journalist, Market Researcher