About Rockpool Coaching

Hello, I’m Dean Coates founder of Rock Pool. I’m a creative coach based in Bristol in the UK specialising in coaching people working the creative industries. I’ve spent most of my working life around learning, creativity, and people trying to build something that matters to them.

I started out in education, where I worked for 18 years in roles ranging from lecturing to managing Government educational contracts. It was rewarding work but I felt it was time for a change. In 2010 my partner and I began exploring the idea of creating a business together so I signed up with a coach to help figure out a way forward. A year later we set up our own business working with artists and makers and are still doing business 16 years down the line. It hasn’t been easy and we’ve had many ups and downs along the way but I have seen first-hand what it’s really like to build a creative career: the excitement, the uncertainty, the financial pressure, and the deep satisfaction when things click into place.

Alongside running the business, I completed a Master’s in Ceramics and work in my studio in Bristol. The combination of business owner and practicing creative means I understand the realities of balancing ideas, income, energy, and ambition.

In 2024 I trained as a coach with Animas and founded Rockpool in 2024 to support creatives who want a more sustainable way of working. I don’t believe in hustle or one-size-fits-all success. I believe in helping people build careers that fit who they are, and allow their creativity to thrive.

I don’t confess to being able to wave a magic wand, my coaching is based in reality and we will work together to get clarity and direction. For an informal chat to book a discovery call.