Artist Mentoring for Creative & Professional Growth
Practical guidance for artists seeking both creative fulfillment and professional growth.
Helping artists build meaningful, sustainable careers while deepening their creative practice.
Whether you're preparing a grant application, refining your artist statement, seeking gallery representation, developing a marketing strategy, or navigating a creative transition, I provide practical guidance informed by over 40 years as a professional artist, educator, and arts leader.
Experience includes:
• Chair, Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance
• Former Director of Programming, Front Porch Gallery
• Former Executive Director, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project
• Nationally exhibiting professional artist
• Grant writer, mentor, educator, and speaker
Artist Career Strategy
Practical guidance for artists navigating exhibitions, grants, galleries, pricing, marketing, portfolio development, and professional growth.
Artist Statement & Bio Consultation
Develop a compelling artist statement, bio, exhibition statement, and professional narrative.
Grant & Proposal Review
Feedback and support for grants, fellowships, artist residencies, exhibitions, and public art proposals. Recipient of California Arts Council Grant, California Coastal Grant "Explore the Coast", San Diego Artist Incubator Grant 2025. Recent projects include Artists Count, SDAI, Individual Artist Fellowship applications, exhibition proposals, public art initiatives, and gallery submissions.
Creativity Coaching
Reconnect with inspiration, overcome creative blocks, develop a personal visual language, and build a more meaningful relationship with your creative practice.
Grow With Clarity, Confidence, and Creative Momentum
Whether you are evolving your style, preparing for exhibitions, or seeking direction in your creative practice, my 1:1 Creative Coaching provides focused, compassionate guidance. As a Color Expressionist painter, art institute and workshop educator, and Chair of OMA’s Artist Alliance, I help artists unlock their authentic expression and build a joyful, sustainable creative life.
Vision & Voice
Clarify your artistic purpose, core story, and authentic expression.
Creative Process
Color, composition, technique, and the emotional energy in your work.
Body of Work Development
Identify themes, cohesion, archetypes, and opportunities for stronger visual consistency.
Professional Guidance
Navigate artist statements, grants, exhibitions, pricing, marketing, portfolio presentation, and gallery opportunities.
Creative Momentum
Overcome creative blocks, strengthen studio habits, and sustain an inspired artistic practice.
Portfolio
Review
Evaluation and feedback based on your individual goals, artistic direction, and career aspirations.
Practical Guidance for the Creative Journey
Creativity is a force of renewal—and when nurtured, it has the power to transform both the artist and the work. My coaching blends deep listening, professional guidance, emotional support, and practical next steps. I meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you grow into the artist you’re becoming.
How It Works
How 1:1 Creative Coaching Works
60-Minute Sessions
Zoom or in-studio meetings tailored to your goals.
Personalized Guidance
Review of artwork or materials plus clear, actionable next steps.
Optional Accountability
For package clients: email check-ins and support between sessions.
Areas of Expertise
• Artist Statements & Bios
• Grant & Fellowship Applications
• Portfolio Reviews
• Exhibition & Gallery Preparation
• Marketing & Professional Positioning
• Creative Development & Studio Practice
Coaching Investment
Pricing List:
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$225 per 60-minute session
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4-session package: $800
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8-session package: $1,500
(Priority scheduling + optional check-ins included with packages)
“Your creativity is powerful.
Let’s help it shine.”
Let’s Work Together
Cathy Carey
Art Studio San Diego
Oceanside, CA
E-Mail: cathy@artstudiosandiego.com