Spotlight on Small Businesses in the Arts: Blank Canvas Coaching

This week we have been chatting to Jade Mitchell, who runs Blank Canvas Coaching. Given the situation we find ourselves in, we thought this might be useful for some of you who are perhaps at a crossroad, out of work, or just needing a bit of career guidance in these unprecedented times.

Jade set up Blank Canvas Coaching after 20 years helping individuals in the arts realise their vision and achieve their potential. She’s managed some of the world’s best-known artists, and curated exhibitions with international museums and galleries to raise artists profiles and commercial value.

What is your experience in the art industry?

I’ve spent years working with artists, helping them gain international recognition and commercial success. At Haunch of Venison gallery in Mayfair I was Head of Artist Relations, and then I worked for artists directly, as a Consultant (for Joana Vasconcelos, one of Portugal’s best-known artists) and as Director of Jonathan Yeo’s studio, amongst many others. I’ve personally experienced different sides of the art world, and I understand the pressures, challenges and rewards, which informs my coaching practice. Through lockdown I’ve been really heartened to see inspiring collaborative initiatives emerge like @isolationartschool and #artistsupportpledge. I hope this is the new spirit that the art industry can continue to build upon.

Why did you decide to go into coaching?

I’m a very positive person and I think one of my strengths is the ability to see opportunity even when faced with adversity. I’m a bit obsessed with making the most of every second, and coaching is about maximising potential. Coaching attracted me because it’s about being a trusted partner on a journey to achieve results, be that enhancing work performance, improving life experience or a mixture. I like helping people find solutions and being a coach is very rewarding as I get to create a space for people to open up, share fears, identify where they’d like to be, and look at ways to get there. I’m passionate about the benefits of coaching and it’s a pleasure to help clients see results on a personal and professional level.

What are the benefits of coaching?

Coaching can be life changing, and I’m finding especially now during these precarious times, it is really helping people tackle the challenges they’re faced with, by equipping them with focus, confidence and clear goals. Dealing with uncertainty starts with being in control of yourself, and coaching offers you a calm, non-judgemental and confidential space amidst the turbulence of life, where you can reflect and be coached to think clearly. It can be a powerful tool for accessing untapped reservoirs of potential. With my background in the art world, I am especially equipped to offer more specialised mentoring too, helping creatives navigate the changing art market landscape. From identifying issues and making positive changes, to achieving goals and setting clear long-term objectives, coaching can help you succeed.

Jade is an accredited Relational Dynamics 1^st coach and her background is working with creative people and arts organisations. If you would like more information, please visit https://blankcanvascoaching.co/ or contact jade@blankcanvascoaching.co