Project guidance & accountability for thoughtful creatives
Maybe you’re creatively stuck and want a strategy to move forward. Maybe you’ve lost the thread of your project and want gentle accountability without intensive coaching. Maybe you’re an introverted or neurodivergent creative who wants project support without overwhelm.
That’s where I come in! I work with writers, artists, designers, photographers, content creators and other independent creatives. I help them get unstuck creatively, clarify direction, troubleshoot stalled projects, and build realistic plans that fit the way they naturally 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. I’ll help you align your vision and goals in a way that fits your working style. You’ll understand what your 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 overcome creative stagnation
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. My work has included writing fiction, helping creative businesses clarify their messaging, and supporting independent creatives through long-form projects and creative transitions.
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. My goal is to understand how you naturally think, create, and make decisions, then build a strategy around that.
You might be here because…
- You’re thinking of making a shift in your creative practice and want someone to workshop it with
- You want creative support that’s not as intensive as long-term coaching
- You want to prioritize a list of creative projects that all sound equally cool to you
- You need help identifying the kind of work you’re actually meant to be doing right now
- Your project has lost momentum and you need help figuring out why
- You need short-term creative project planning advice, not a creative mentor
- You’re stuck on who your ideal audience is and how to connect with them
- You’d love to develop a creative self-care routine that honours your energy and lifestyle
Why work with me?
- I’m a second brain, not a co-creator – you always direct your project and process
- I have years of experience in marketing and content creation
- I have even more years of experience with creative people
- I’m honest and direct, but compassionate
- 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
- You’ll get tools to overcome stalled projects
- You’ll finish projects faster and reconnect with the joy of your craft
- You’ll preserve your creative energy
My services: Creative strategy 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. I’m a strategic thinking partner for long creative projects. Whether you’re looking for a short creative alignment session or a bit more accountability, there’s a way to work together that fits your energy and focus.
✔ Creative consultant for one-time or short-term support
✔ Strategic rather than therapeutic
✔ Most work happens asynchronously
✔ Designed for thoughtful, self-directed creatives
✔ Writers, artists, designers, photographers and creative entrepreneurs welcome
✔ Available worldwide via Zoom
Not sure which option fits? Choose Quick Clarity if you need help with a single creative roadblock. Choose Creative Strategy if you want short-term accountability while moving a larger project forward.
QUICK CLARITY
60-minute “coffee chat” troubleshooting session for creatives who want to quickly resolve a single roadblock in their project or process.
This session helps you pinpoint the core issue that’s keeping you stuck in your project or process, and outline a manageable action plan. I’ll give you a strategic roadmap to help you move forward faster and reconnect with the joy of your craft.
Best for you if:
- You’re stuck on one specific creative project or process
- You need a strategic second opinion
- You want project clarity without an ongoing commitment
What’s included:
- 60-minute Zoom audio or video session
- Pre-session questionnaire
- Session agenda beforehand
- Written summary with recommendations
- One follow-up email for additional questions
Timeline:
Typically done within one week from our initial meeting.
Investment:
$347 CAD
What happens after I inquire?
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 video 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 and recommended action steps. These action steps may include reflections that could help you get unstuck, checklists to support your energy and priorities, and worksheets to inspire creative ideas.
- This package doesn’t include any further sessions after this point, but I’ll be happy to answer any further questions in one additional email.
- Payment: Price includes tax where applicable. For all services, 50% deposit is due upon signing of contract.
CREATIVE STRATEGY
Lightly-guided 3-month accountability for creatives who want light structure without an overwhelming to-do list.
This is an extended creative compass to help you move forward confidently with accountability baked in. Flexible and designed for your energy and priorities. I’ll give you a clear, actionable roadmap. You’ll protect your mental health and creative energy, reducing the stress that comes with unfinished work.
Best for you if:
- You have a longer project
- You’d benefit from gentle accountability
- You want structure without intensive coaching
- You want guidance but a little room for flexibility
What’s included:
- Initial 60-minute strategy session
- Pre-session questionnaire
- Written strategy summary
- Custom prompts/checklists/PDF
- Three monthly email check-ins
Timeline:
Three months.
Investment:
$1,147 CAD
How the Creative Strategy process 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 video or audio discussion to discuss priorities, pace, and project goals (agenda provided beforehand).
- Follow-up: I’ll send you a written summary of our call.
- Solo work: Based on our conversation I’ll suggest some tools and systems that could help you move forward (such as prompts, worksheets, and/or checklists), and a PDF of suggested next steps that support your energy and priorities.
- Check-in: After the initial call, I’ll initiate three monthly accountability check-ins via email to discuss and refine the plan if needed.
- Payment: Price includes tax where applicable. For all services, 50% deposit is due upon signing of contract.
FAQ
What kind of creatives do you work with?
The types of creatives who work with me are the serious about building a career around a creative pursuit. Here are some examples of the types of creatives I can help:
- 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, or 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!
What’s the difference between the troubleshooting package and the accountability package?
My Quick Clarity troubleshooting package is a focused 60-minute session that helps you pinpoint the core issue that’s getting you stuck in one creative project, and discuss a manageable action plan. Then, I’ll send a follow-up email with key insights and recommended action steps – things like reflections that could help you get unstuck, checklists to support your energy and priorities, and worksheets to inspire creative ideas. I’m happy to answer any questions in one follow-up email after that, but basically that is when we part ways. You’re free to do what you will with my suggestions.
My Creative Strategy package is a little longer. It’s lightly-guided 3-month accountability for creatives who want to move forward on a more elaborate project, but don’t need intensive, long-term coaching. It starts with a 60-minute Zoom video or audio discussion to discuss priorities, pace, and project goals. After that, I’ll email you suggestions for tools and systems that could help you move forward (such as prompts, worksheets, and/or checklists), and a PDF of proposed next steps that support your energy and priorities. Then, I’ll initiate three monthly accountability check-ins via email so we can discuss and refine the plan if needed. Again, you’re free to do what you will with my suggestions – I don’t get involved with your actual process or project at all.
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
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