Creative direction advice for introverted or ND creatives
When you’re at a crossroads with your creative identity or project, wouldn’t it be great if there was someone who could offer honest perspective without pressure?
It would be great – that’s why I do it! I work with dedicated, self-directed creatives who want realistic strategies to reorient themselves in their work.
I’m a lifelong creator and have been a creative business owner for over 15 years, so I know what merging those two worlds is like. As a creative advisor, I’ll help you align your vision and goals in a way that fits your working style. You’ll understand what your creative energy is asking for now, and how to respond to it.
I’m not into hustle culture or high-pressure upsells. I’m an introverted HSP so my approach is ideal for creative thinkers who thrive on structure and calm pacing.
I’m a Creative Advisor helping you get clarity so you can move forward at your own speed
Not only am I a published fiction author, I also cut and paste zines, I dabble in photography, and I’ve been tinkering with websites and blogs since the Angelfire days of the late ’90s. I wrote a regular column for writers and creatives. I got my marketing experience in design agencies and even a ballet company. I’ve been a freelance creative advisor and copywriter since 2009, helping creatives uncover the heart of their stories.
My experience in both of these worlds helps me centre your artistic vision while taking a holistic view of your project and your brand. I give you clarity and strategy at a pace that fits your energy.
Why work with me?
- I’m not a co-creator – you’re free to do what you like with my creative advice
- I have years of experience in marketing and content creation
- I have even more years of experience with creative projects and creative people
- I’m a realistic daydreamer who’s passionate yet down-to-earth
- I value thoughtful actions and intentional strategy
- I’m honest and direct, but compassionate
- I’m organized and consistent
- I honour your creative vision and personality in all things
- I don’t promote growth hacks or pressure you into deadlines
- My process is introvert- and neurodivergent-friendly
Examples of the creative guidance I can give:
- Prioritizing a giant list of projects that all sound equally cool to you
- Assess your brand’s creative direction
- Talking through a creative transition that’s exciting but different
- Identifying the kind of work you’re actually meant to be doing right now
- Reviewing your project or creative service idea and identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Clarifying your artistic voice, themes, and constraints
- Deciding who your ideal audience is and how to connect with them
- Planning a creative self-care routine that honours your energy and lifestyle
My services: Creative advising without overwhelm
I help you work through ideas, clarify your creative direction, and plan projects with intention. There are no high-pressure upsells or deadlines. Whether you’re looking for a short creative alignment session or a deeper creative business strategy, there’s a way to work together that fits your energy and focus.
Choose what fits you best:
Creatives who want to quickly resolve a single roadblock in a project
Quick Clarity
60-minute troubleshooting session
A short, focused session that helps you pinpoint the core issue that’s getting you stuck in your project, and outline a manageable action plan.
How it works:
- I’ll reply to your contact form message, and we’ll have a quick email conversation to determine if I’m the right fit for you. If we agree to work together, I’ll send a contract.
- After the contract’s signed, I’ll send a pre-session questionnaire to identify your biggest challenge and learn a bit more about the project in question.
- 60 min Zoom or audio discussion to discuss the project and the issue you’re facing (agenda provided beforehand).
- Within 2 business days, I’ll send a follow-up email with key insights, recommended action steps, and proposed timing.
$350 CAD
Creatives who want structure and accountability without an overwhelming to-do list
Creative Strategy
Lightly-guided 3-month accountability
An extended creative compass to help you move forward confidently with accountability baked in. Flexible and designed for your energy and priorities.
How it works:
- I’ll reply to your contact form message, and we’ll have a quick email conversation to determine if I’m the right fit for you. If we agree to work together, I’ll send a contract.
- After the contract’s signed, I’ll send a pre-session questionnaire to identify your biggest challenge and learn a bit more about the project in question.
- 60 min Zoom or audio discussion to discuss priorities, pace, and project goals (agenda provided beforehand).
- Solo work: I’ll create a roadmap (PDF) of reflections and suggested next steps.
- Follow-up: I’ll send you a written summary to refine and answer questions.
- Tools and systems: Based on our conversation I’ll suggest some tools and systems that could help you move forward.
- Check-in: After the initial call, I’ll initiate three monthly accountability check-ins via email to discuss and refine the plan if needed.
$1,000 CAD
Creative entrepreneurs who want to grow their business without compromising their art
Creative Orientation Intensive for Brands
Deep creative vision & 2-year brand roadmap
A deep dive to clarify your vision and brand direction for the next two years. A roadmap back to clarity for creative entrepreneurs who feel lost in their business.
How it works:
- I’ll reply to your contact form message, and we’ll have a quick email conversation to determine if I’m the right fit for you. If we agree to work together, I’ll send a contract.
- After the contract’s signed, I’ll send a pre-session questionnaire to capture your ideas and get to know your creative brand.
- 60-90 min live session via Zoom or audio to discuss your creative brand vision for the next two years (agenda provided beforehand).
- Solo work: I’ll research your key competitors, your target audience, and evaluate your current brand compared to your vision.
- Deliverable: Within 10 business days I’ll send you a PDF document with my creative direction plan for the next two years of your brand, including: your creativity mission statement, proposed milestones, visual and messaging guidelines, notes on what to protect and watch out for in your creative life, and the results of my solo work research (Note: I do not create content or social media posts).
- Tools and systems: I’ll also send you customized material (like prompts, worksheets, and/or checklists) to help you get unstuck, support your energy and priorities, and inspire creative ideas.
- Follow-up: If you’d like it, we can have a 30-minute call (or an email discussion) to discuss your creative direction plan.
$1,800 CAD
Payment: Price includes tax where applicable. For all services, 50% deposit is due upon signing of contract.
Prefer self-guided creativity resources?
Creative Rhythms, Not Routines
A free 3-day mini-guide to identify your natural flow
The Creative Reset Workbook
A 7-day workbook to help you reconnect with your creative spark
FAQ
What do you mean by “creative entrepreneur”?
To me, a creative entrepreneur is someone who’s building a business around a creative pursuit. I’m not suggesting that every entrepreneur isn’t creative, but this refers to work in the creative fields. Here are some examples of creative entrepreneurs:
- Photographers
- Writers, including indie authors
- Bloggers writing about topics like art, travel, fashion, or design
- Vloggers, podcasters, or other content creators
- Visual artists, like animators, painters, and illustrators
- Graphic or web designers
- Performing artists, like musicians and dancers
- Filmmakers
- Makers selling their creations to the public
How are you different from a creativity coach?
Creativity coaches are fantastic for people who need them, but sometimes we don’t need quite as much as they offer. Here are a few ways my creative advising services differ from many coaching services:
- Most of my services are one-time sessions, or take place over a very short period of time.
- There are no regular, ongoing meetings. Some of my services include check-ins, but they’re not the main way we work together.
- Most of our work together is done asynchronously – I do my thing over here, and you do your thing over there. We touch base now and then, depending on the service you choose.
- I don’t offer courses or workshops.
- I diagnose issues and suggest next steps, but I leave the design and application of everything up to you. You can take my advice or not!
- My sessions are conversational and compassionate, but my involvement in your process is very light.
- My Creative Strategy package offers lightly-guided project accountability: three monthly check-ins via email. These are intended to refine your strategy or help you pivot. You can use this accountability to help you hit goals, but you don’t have to.
- My Quick Clarity and Creative Strategy packages are designed to troubleshoot a single project or a creative issue, not multiple components of creative life.
How is your process introvert- and neurodivergent-friendly?
Full disclosure: while I’m an introverted HSP, I’m not neurodivergent. However, many of my loved ones are, and I know the kinds of things they like and dislike. When we start working together, please feel free to tell me anything you’d like me to know about the way you work.
Generally speaking, here are the ways my creative strategy process leans towards introverted and ND creatives:
- All Zoom calls can be video-off.
- You can request shorter meetings if needed.
- All meetings are held in a low-stimulus environment where I can be clearly heard (without shouting at you!).
- All meetings are exploratory and reflective, not high-pressure.
- I send agendas before each meeting.
- I send recordings and summaries after each meeting.
- If follow-up meetings are part of your selected service, you can choose to have them by email rather than a call.
- My suggestions are just that – suggestions. Everything I propose will be sent in writing after our session for you to mull over in your own time.
- My calls are conversational but I ask clear and direct questions.
- I don’t pressure you with upsells or inflexible, quick-turnaround deadlines.
- All suggestions I make are tailored to your energy levels, supports, and creative vision.
- You’re free to do what you will with anything I suggest – I’m an advisor but you know your own rhythm.
- Overall I appreciate nuance and “weirdness.” I want you to be comfortable bringing your art into the world!
Can my brand-new business get a Creative Orientation Intensive for Brands?
Starting a small business is a major thing, one that involves many moving parts that can shift quickly in the early stages. The Creative Orientation Intensive for Brands is designed for creative entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least one year, and who have experience in the shifting nature of entrepreneurship. They can be more confident that the help I give them is truly what their business needs – and what they need.
I have had the pleasure of working with Samantha on a number of creative projects over the years. Her thoughtful suggestions helped me to clarify and effectively communicate why I do the work I do. Samantha’s friendly, encouraging approach and wealth of knowledge contribute to a working relationship that feels truly collaborative.
Catherine T
Designer, Artist & Business Owner
Samantha’s expertise lies in her ability to see beyond what’s on the page or in a current process and come up with ways to approach the work in a more aligned, thoughtful, and connected manner. Her suggestions are made from a place of understanding what creatives deal with on a day to day basis, and wanting to help us grow and nurture not only our work but ourselves.
Corinne C
Author & Creator
One of the most valuable assets to any creator is a trusted advisor. With over a decade of experience, Samantha provides clarity, compassion, and actionable guidance that empowers her clients and paves the way to fulfilling and sustainable creative careers.
Katie L
Author & Creative Writing Instructor