Creative Coaching

Below you will find examples of topics and projects I have worked on with my clients. These are by no means exhaustive.

• Developing a naturally cohesive body of work, or how to find your voice in an authentic way.

• Prepare for an exhibition: practical considerations paired with creating work you can be proud of.

• Develop, adjust, or organize your studio practice to help you level up in your technique, creativity, productivity, or authenticity.

• Getting perspective- We will observe and test theories about your work, tastes, desires, and trajectory. Then formulate a plan to get you moving in your desired direction.

• Carving out time for creativity, no matter what your current situation is.

• Consulting on your website, bio, artist statement or cv.

• Assisting in the preparation of an application.

• Working through your artist block. This can be a deep dive into fears and outdated but entrenched beliefs about yourself and the world.

• Transition from a student mentality to a professional artist mentality - individuation.

• How to rest without fear that it will all pass you by, or that you will lose “it”.

• Pivoting on your creative path.

• Discussing how to start an independent teaching career.

• Are commissions a good fit for you?

• Imposter syndrome.

2 Online Creative Coaching Options

• You may now also apply to arrange alternate meeting frequency for the Coaching Series if once a week is not best for you!

• And I’ve created a “ 30 minute add on” option to extend single sessions of coaching. You may choose this option as you book.

Testimonials

“Signing up for Felicia's coaching series was everything I hoped for. She kept me accountable to my goals, and brought a softness and care with her critiques and questions. I feel like together we were able to carve a path forward through the brambles of my next project, and she was very quick to shine a light on areas where I shy away or project insecurities. I also really appreciated that even when I was not able to progress on something we had planned to talk about at the next session, we were able to pivot and address other areas of my creative practise.” Bronwyn Schuster, Canada, 2024, (Coaching Series)

“It was incredibly refreshing to hear Felicia talk about moving through difficult times as an artist. It’s a very special experience to have your insecurities carefully inspected and challenged in a way that leaves you feeling encouraged to grow and move on. Felicia was honest about what’s necessary in order for me to develop as an artist, and she provided wisdom and practical steps towards doing this that were tailored to what I want out of my practise and how I currently feel. I especially loved the insight into the way she applies astrology to creativity. If you’re feeling a bit lost or stuck in a loop, Felicia will help you navigate the chaos of your mind to find strength and clarity!” Michael Boyd, Brighton, England, 2024, (Single Session Coaching)

“Talking about the coaching, here is a small update on our session: The last month and a half have been very wonderful and transformative! I have drawn so incredibly much from our conversation! I could write a whole essay on that! For the sake of brevity, I'll include only three aspects:
First and foremost, I have started drawing and painting for my own enjoyment / exploration again. This alone means so, so much to me. Secondly, I feel much less pressured to define myself or the work that I am working on - and feel much more open hearted in getting excited about so many things. Things I had previously forgotten that I already knew excited me and might be directions to explore have come back up and new things that resonate with me have shown up. I feel like my life has become even more nuanced and deeper and more exciting!
Thirdly, I have started a new smallish illustration job. At first I didn't really think too much about creating works from within myself for this project (designing and illustrating a mascot for a website). But I have actually come up with many more ideas and images than I had expected (that is without much reference-driven research). And I am really, really happy with the first sketches and the process itself. I have managed maybe for the first time to try out concepts and ideas that I found fun and felt right for the brief, without feeling the need to including concepts or versions of sketches that I imagined would make the client happier and myself unhappier to work on. And since I had a first presentation with the clients today, I was very surprised that they were actually very happy with the concepts I come up with as well! In fact, I think I haven't actually managed to positively surprise a client like this before. Now, I know this project is in its very beginning and much can still happen to make either me or the client not be as happy as we are right now, but I am still so elated with how the project is going right now. I know before our call I wouldn't have felt able to only go for the sketches and concepts that I would like to explore and that I found right for the brief to work on even in this experimental stage of the project. I would have included stuff that I would have thought was „cooler“ or more expected but that would have made the project much less rewarding to work on for myself and possibly also worse as a result.” Julia Bonge, Germany 2023 (Single Session Coaching)

"I like her and her perspective - it's unique and non-conformist and genuine and honest and thoughtful - where other people tend to give feedback based on what they think other people will think which is not really helpful. She's also really intuitive and connected spiritually in a magical way. I feel like she knows me without really knowing me - I felt this way in our first session and this has made me really trust her and her wisdom. She's strategic and super-creative. She's also really experienced in the painting world and what's been done and not done before - and what seems truly unique. She has this strange combination of optimism, pessimism, pragmatism, exploration, acceptance, cynicism, and DGAF mentality. I’m not just using big words here to use them, it’s honestly a really unique perspective that resonates with me deep down. She seems to have such clarity despite the pulls in different directions. If I no longer had access, what would I do? I'd hang a big note on my wall that says: WWFD? and include some big quotes or questions that she's helped me to ask or acknowledge when deciding what to do next.”  Sarah C. Raleigh, NC 2023 (Multi Session Coaching & Alumni Circle)

“These talks with you have been such a huge help, and more than that—I feel like you’ve put a solid foundation of support, confidence, and knowledge under my feet.” Janice Chuang, San Francisco , CA 2023 (Coaching Series & Single Session Coaching)

“While I know there will be more coming my way in the several weeks to come, my first impression of working with you has been a bit mind-blowing. It’s all very simple, but it’s a new and fresh way of thinking about my work, and also, thinking about myself. I really like that there are no definitive right or wrong answers — there’s only what feels right or wrong to me. That is really freeing - like SOOOO freeing. I feel like I’ve been given the permission to unapologetically do the things that I want to do and say no to the things that I don’t want to do — and, that setting that boundary is furthering me to my individuality, to knowing who I am as both an artist and person. I’ve always felt like I need to conform my art to what’s expected, not just of me, but what’s expected in society. Through therapy, I’ve already begun learning how to unapologetically be myself in my non-painting-life and now, with this coaching, I’m learning ways to bring this into my painting practice. I’m very inspired and intrigued about what’s next, but also, have no idea what will come! I think it will only be a good and worthwhile journey. Thank you, Felicia.” Sarah Calandro, Austin, TX 2022 (Coaching Series)

“My creativity coaching experience with Felicia Forte was helpful and thought-provoking to say the least. Felicia’s wisdom is deep and she has walked the walk with her own spirituality to learn more about herself and her art. Being able to spend one-on-one time with her while she thoughtfully and generously shared her insights into my work was transformational. The session led me to seek reasons for beliefs and actions that inspire me or hold me back .. Creativity Coaching with Felicia is one of the best decisions and acts of self-love I have offered myself. I have taken classes from Felicia for over a decade and have collected her amazingly gorgeous paintings. I deeply respect her skill and her sincere approach to her life and work. Felicia’s coaching gets my highest recommendation to every artist who wants to raise the level their authentic work and gain self-knowledge in the process!” D. Shapiro San Francisco , CA 2022 (Single Session Coaching)

“I had a coaching session with Felicia, last week, and came away with some suggested artists to research and a framework for approaching new bodies of work. She sensed my unnecessary urgency about getting to somewhere, and provided some tips for observing subjects and capturing ideas. Felicia's advice was just the right thing for this directionless phase I seem to be in. Would love to return for a check-in some time. Thanks Felicia!” Aprill Allen, Melbourne, Australia 2022 (Single Session Coaching)

“Words cannot describe how awesome my experience with Felicia Forte was, she is a terrific coach! I learned a lot during my Multi-Session Coaching, especially about how to develop my own body of work. Her exercises were effective and a good way to grow as an artist not only in terms of technical stuff to improve my craft, but to learn how to listen to my images and get along with the process, my own process. Each session felt almost like talking to the magician card, she really knows how to connect the world of ideas and the material world. Felicia is also really generous about her knowledge and very open-minded about the artistic process. I'm so grateful because after my sessions it's been easier to cope with the overwhelming task that being an artist is. I hope to be back soon!” Juan Astudillo, Columbia 2022 (Coaching Series)

“I was so excited to have an opportunity to work with Felicia - I first saw her on an Art Chat and immediately felt like so much of what she said resonated with me. I opted for a Single Session Coaching because I felt at a crossroads in my creative journey. (Although I wish I did tarot as well - would be fascinating, I think.) Her suggestions were SO helpful and I look forward to trying them. Felicia is clearly a very intuitive and wise person - completely open, non-judgmental, kind and empathic. She is so very easy to talk to! For me, the session meant more to me than what I was expecting and I wouldn’t hesitate to do again. From the bottom of my heart, I am so very grateful.” Trish Jemison, Palo Alto, CA 2022 (Single Session Coaching)

“I really enjoyed the coaching session with Felicia! Talking with her was a creative breath of fresh air, and we came up with several actions I could take to connect more with my intuition and grow my art practice. It was also helpful to get her perspective on practical matters in the art world, including the pros and cons of working with galleries.” -Christina Kent, San Francisco, CA, USA 2022 (Single Session Coaching)

“I just wanted to follow up to say THANK YOU!!!! ♥♥♥♥♥ My mom RAVED about how much she enjoyed her 1-on-1 session with you. She just showed me some of the drawing exercises that you encouraged her to train with... very cool! She also really appreciated that you recorded the session so that she wasn't distracted by notes and could watch it later. To directly quote her: "I have no idea what you spent on this session, but it was worth every penny to me.” I believe that her session with you was exactly what she needed to level-up with it and feel rejuvenated to keep forging ahead.” Matt W. Seattle, WA USA 2021 (Single Session Coaching)

“Thank you for this uplifting shot in the arm. I feel like I had a meeting with my better angel. It’s very special to be able to hear something that rings true in your heart from someone you respect. Somehow in my life, I grew up associating criticism with love. It helped me to excel in some ways, but not to trust myself. And the feast and famine we experienced in my family with head of household as illustrator, made me run from getting the fine arts education that might have served me. To this day, money gets so deeply entangled with feelings of self worth. Its like a really distracting odor throwing me off the scent of authenticity and excellence. It will be deeply challenging to confront my fears in this process, but being able to turn again to the recording of our meeting is a real comfort.” Chrissanth Gross, New York, USA 2021 (Single Session Coaching)

“Having admired Felicia’s work through Instagram for years,  I finally decided I should learn from her approach to oil painting and I’m so glad I did. She not only tailored the assignments to what I specially needed to learn, but she was more than generous in helping me understand her processes. I highly recommend her.” -Mike L. USA (Private Online Instruction)

"For struggling artists such tutoring is invaluable. Felicia's assignments and feedback provide a solid and direct problem-solving approach which helps not only to make better paintings but also to have much more fun during the process. She knows very well what an aspiring painter should focus on and she clearly sees individual capabilities of her students. After 4 weeks of studying I have found myself standing on the solid ground of confidence - ability to analyze and comprehend your own process and find out the solutions of the problems is a very precious tool to have. I am looking forward to study with her again."  -Arthur G.  Thailand and Russia (Private Online Instruction)

"I really enjoyed studying online with Felicia. The assignments were tailored to my skill level and goals, and she developed challenging and meaningful exercises. Felicia's instruction and feedback was clear and practical. I greatly advanced my skills and knowledge through my time working with Felicia and I look forward to the opportunity to do so again. "     -Melissa B, Canada (Private Online Instruction)

"Felicia's Online Tutoring was one of the best opportunities I have had in a long time. She provided a solid base and understanding of the fundamentals in which I need to grow as an artist. But not only that, I learned how to critically think as an artist. I can now confidently give myself assignments to work towards goals, instead of painting with no purpose. That in itself is one of the most freeing, self-satisfying attributes of Felicia's guidance."   -Ethan A, USA (Private Online Instruction)

“Felicia always brings up a new challenge on every new assignment, and it is really rewarding to face it every week and get all the valuable and precise comments from her. She’s totally teaching me how to think and work on an organized and independent manner. This is powerful knowledge that will stick for good.”     -Rodrigo G, Brazil (Private Online Instruction)

"I have been in a number of Felicia’s workshops and regular sessions in SF. Her demos were the most invaluable part of those sessions: when she paints and talks out loud (rather softly) in a stream of consciousness about what she sees, what she intends to do, and how to solve problems that she sees. When she moved to Detroit, I thought it was the end of my good fortune, learning from and having access to the insights of this amazing artist, but I am now in my second month of her online course. Each 30 min. Skype session has exceeded my expectations of what an online studio class can offer. For an uninterrupted half hour, Felicia gives feedback specific to my work and, more importantly, we have an unhurried dialogue about the topic at hand. When I am in class with a model, I tend to be very task-oriented. But during these Skype sessions, I don't have any work-in-progress that requires urgent care, therefore I can be more thoughtful in listening to what she says and in asking questions. I then have the rest of the week to practice and contemplate what I've learned. The one-on-one attention also ensures that assignments are very much catered to my learning needs."      -Yi S, USA (Private Online Instruction)

"I just wanted to say thank you for teaching me how to properly paint. You've taught me more than my entire college education."  -Cedric C. USA (Private Online Instruction)

"The 4 weeks of online tutoring I had with Felicia were hugely beneficial to my progress as an artist. I feel that I learned a lot in a short time because the lessons were perfectly tailored to my goals. Felicia's critiques were very thoughtful and specific. I now have a set of exercises that I can repeat to continue improving my skills. Felicia is a rare gem in that she is as talented a teacher as she is an artist! I'm looking forward to studying with her again."   -Ashley C. USA (Private Online Instruction)

"Taking Felicia's online class was invaluable to me. The assignments and personal critiques were tailor precisely what I needed. Many of her responses to my questions were eye-opening. I look forward to taking her class again."   Marlene L.  US (Private Online Instruction)

“I had a great time taking [Felicia’s] online classes. She is easy going, explains great and makes sure that you understand. Gives honest critic and explains how to work with your weakness. I highly recommend her online class.” -Frank F.  Sweden (Private Online Instruction)

"I completed 8 online lessons with Felicia between July 2017 and February 2018. When I look back on the way I drew and painted before these lessons, I realize I truly had forgotten a lot of what I learned in college, and even then, had not learned much. I feel inspired to continue painting more often than I ever have, and Felicia gave me many tools that will help me continue practicing and improving on my own. She is an excellent teacher who designs lessons based on her students’ needs and interests. I really appreciated that she was both encouraging and honest, and that she guides her students to ultimately find their own preferences, process, and interests in painting."   -Christy K. USA (Private Online Instruction) 

“My coaching session with Felicia was enjoyable & informative. She had taken notes on what I wanted to address & she had a plan; so there was no rambling on about unrelated topics. Felicia is well spoken, able to verbalize abstract concepts so that they are understandable. She gave me steps that I should try to advance my skills as an artist. I felt it was an hour well spent & would highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their art.” Cindy Wojciakowski Grand Rapids . Mi. USA 2020 (Single Session Coaching)

“Felicia is a breath of fresh air to listen to and learn from. I saw improvement in my painting within the first week thanks to her guidance. She is a thoughtful, well-spoken and vigorous teacher. She is not only extremely talented in painting but in communication as well. I really enjoyed her lessons and hope to continue.” - A Chang, Paris, France 2020 (Private Online Instruction)

"Felicia's Online Tutoring was one of the best opportunities I have had in a long time. She provided a solid base and understanding of the fundamentals in which I need to grow as an artist. But not only that, I learned how to critically think as an artist. I can now confidently give myself assignments to work towards goals, instead of painting with no purpose. That in itself is one of the most freeing, self-satisfying attributes of Felicia's guidance."   -Ethan A, USA (Private Online Instruction)

“Felicia has honestly been one of the best art teachers I've ever had. What sets her apart from so many is her ability to critique your work effectively and help you. Felicia is able to clearly articulate areas that need work and she does this in a way that is positive, honest, non-judgemental and completely accurate. Her comments, questions, tips, critiques and assignments have helped me become a much better artist.” - Jane Love Elliot Dubai, 2020 (Private Online Instruction)

“Felicia was tremendously helpful in improving my art skills and helping me get through a bit of an art slump. Her lessons were thorough, relatable, and tailored to my needs. The way she teaches is not only helpful in a practical way, but also very insightful and fun. Her passion for her work shows in the philosophies she shares about art. Loved all the conversation during the lessons. Definitely would recommend Felicia as an instructor!” - Melissa McCracken, New York 2020 (Private Online Instruction)

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Felicia for a period of 4 weeks, and let me start by recommending it wholeheartedly. Besides being an inspirational and experienced artist, Felicia is also a gifted, patient and generous teacher. The weekly assignments are personalized to fit the student’s level and for me personally they were well outside my comfort zone. The assignments were challenging, but during our weekly online session Felicia meticulously addressed the stumbling blocks I had faced and suggested actionable steps I could take moving forward. She also shared many illuminating notions and ideas based on her years of experience. I would recommend Felicia’s online teaching to anyone wanting to advance in their painting careers, improve their abilities and be inspired by her approach and unique visual style.” - Roy Hermelin, New York, September 2020 (Private Online Instruction)

“My experience with Felicia was positive. In particular I thought that she had a good variety of assignments with excellent directions for assisting with self study. Her instruction is always clear and pertinent to the assignement. Finally, there was a good balance of postive comments and things to work on. Thanks for the lessons :)” - Arie Dalleis, San Francisco, CA 2020 (Private Online Instruction)

“I am so appreciative of the time and attention Felicia took in my painting! Her exercises and feedback were both challenging and motivating. I left with some new discoveries in how I want to approach paintings in the future, and an awareness of things I had not seen before, both in subjects and in approaching painting in general. I am really looking forward to continuing my studio practice with these conversations in mind. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and attention with me!” - Kristin Cronic, Florida (Private Online Instruction)

"Felicia's Online Tutoring was one of the best opportunities I have had in a long time. She provided a solid base and understanding of the fundamentals in which I need to grow as an artist. But not only that, I learned how to critically think as an artist. I can now confidently give myself assignments to work towards goals, instead of painting with no purpose. That in itself is one of the most freeing, self-satisfying attributes of Felicia's guidance."   -Ethan A, USA (Private Online Instruction)

“This was a terrific experience learning from Felicia! Being new to oil as a medium, I knew that her method of alla prima painting was how I wanted to learn and was excited when I had the opportunity to take her online lessons! Each week’s lesson was well curated to my strengths and weaknesses, Felicia has a great eye and can pinpoint the things I needed to work on almost instantly. She has a clear and easy to understand way of explaining techniques, color theories, composition, how to make correct marks etc. I also really appreciated the economy of our chats. Felicia comes prepared, and it is 30 minutes of focused dialogue about that weeks lesson, expectations, Q&A and things to work on next, all in a very down to earth, friendly way. I look forward to taking more lessons and visiting one of her workshops!" -DJ S. USA (Private Online Instruction)

“My experience with Felicia's online instruction was a breakthrough moment in my practice. Felicia's dedication and patience was the key to open visual spaces in me. I admire her work and I felt very excited when listening to her advice being so clear and on point. The love for strokes, the deep study of color palette, the sensitivity in proportions and composition, all those elements that allowed me to deepen and expand my possibilities as a painter and for that, I am very grateful. Felicia is an amazing teacher because she is humble and shares, her knowledge is a platform from which her sudents can jump from beyond ourselves, that's priceless. I hope to be able to take more online courses with her since she is one of my favourite contemporary artists.” -Mariela A. Argentina (Private Online Instruction)

“I was a bit nervous about studying with Felicia, as I admire her work so much and didn’t really know what to expect. However, I needn’t have worried as she is very down to earth. She is a great teacher, who really showed me where I could improve and taught me to slow right down and look properly. The best compliment I can give is that every time I paint now I think about what Felicia would say! I feel a much more confident painter now and am having my first solo exhibition in a week’s time.” -Kristin R. UK (Private Online Instruction)

"When I asked you about finding my voice, you told me to paint what I love. I hear that in my head regularly now. I guess I always have been, but now I feel more confident about doing it and it's bringing me more joy while I'm doing it. Thank you for that."  -Michelle S. USA (Private Online Instruction)

"What? My drawing "flabby!!!”  Of course Felicia was right.  I admired the clarity of her vision and the power of her deceivingly simple method, so I was willing to take it back to the floor boards and re-examine my technique. Through her purposeful homework, the root of my errors became alarmingly clear, while her step by step method helped me to redirect my efforts in a more productive way.  I am so grateful for her direct, no-nonsense, muscular assessments and focus. Just four lessons gave me plenty of grist for the mill, which I will endeavor to keep running on a timer with FOCUS and intention.  Thank you Felicia!".   -Chrissanth G. USA (Private Online Instruction)

"Felicia's brilliance as a teacher matches the mastery seen in her work. She is incredibly insightful and tailored exercises to help me with my weaknesses. I will definitely continue to study with her even though she has left me with years worth of inspiration and guidance."  Seabastion T. Australia (Private Online Instruction)

“I was a bit nervous about studying with Felicia, as I admire her work so much and didn’t really know what to expect. However, I needn’t have worried as she is very down to earth. She is a great teacher, who really showed me where I could improve and taught me to slow right down and look properly. The best compliment I can give is that every time I paint now I think about what Felicia would say! I feel a much more confident painter now and am having my first solo exhibition in a week’s time.” -Kristin R. UK (Private Online Instruction)