Sue (Printmaker)
“After several years of struggling with lack of direction and low confidence in my artistic practice, I needed help to re-engage and re-energise. Dean’s gentle questioning, patience and creative insight soon shifted my thought process, and convinced me to be open to an alternative narrative. Dean helped me make connections to positive creativity in other areas of my life which I'd never have made on my own, and after three sessions I once more felt confident enough to trust in my abilities and begin making art again.”
Dan (Editor)
“I can’t thank Dean enough for helping me to start painting again. I hadn’t painted for over three years but after a few coaching sessions with Dean I found a new confidence to start again. I had no idea what made me stop in the first place but found Dean’s questions really made me think deeply about why I stopped and how I could move forward. I still check in with Dean once in a while when I need to get clarity”
Julie (Designer and coach)
“Dean’s creative approach made a real difference. He listened carefully, created a safe and open space, and asked insightful questions that encouraged me to think more deeply. The session was impactful, fun, and engaging, making the whole experience even more valuable. His thoughtful way of working helped me gain clarity and make meaningful changes with confidence. As a coach myself I can be picky about who I work with. Dean exceeded my expectations, and I would encourage anyone thinking about creative coaching to book a call. Your future self will thank you.”
Lorna (Designer)
”Before my coaching sessions with Dean I was struggling to find my voice in meetings at work, which was really causing me stress and embarrassment. Dean provided a comfortable space where I could talk freely, and I really did talk! The questions he asked enabled me to identify reasons for my lack of confidence and I found a simple solution that I’ve been using ever since. I call it the 90% factor!
I was also desperate to find a practical way of finding more time for myself but it transpired that I’d actually forgotten who I was outside of my caring for others. The sessions allowed me to touch base with myself and awakened my need to be creative and rekindle my love for designing and making clothes”
Joanne (Actor)
“I had no idea how I would benefit from coaching to start with but I know I was struggling with making the change I needed, trying to balance my acting and teaching career and my own wellbeing. Having the time and space to really think with Dean helped me think about my values, priorities and goals. After 6 sessions I had a greater understanding of myself, needs and desires and have a clear action plan to move forward. Working with Rock Pool was a really positive experience ”
Arinder (Actor)
“It has been great working with Dean and getting recalibrated with my values, goals and direction. Dean is very good at listening and asking the right questions for me to resolve and plan what is right for me and my work/life balance. I've been able to push the noise of changing and ever demanding pressures to the background and focus on what is important, to create forward motion for my career as a creative. I come away with so much clarity on what I'm doing in between sessions. As a result I'm establishing new habits which can build on old ones that I'd forgotten and lost sight of”
Louisa (Textile Designer)
I have struggled making a living out of my designs, sometimes I get lots of work all at once and other times its very quiet. Working with Dean made me realise that my anxiety stems from stressing about money and how this stress affects my creativity and general well being. We talked a lot about what was really important to me as a creative and how that aligned with my other needs. As a result of coaching I decided to get a part time job in a local school for two days a week and take the pressure off, the rest of the week I am in my studio being much more creative without the stress. It seems like a simple solution but I couldn’t work out what to do on my own.
Sharon (Performance Artist)
“I thought I was looking for coaching about the business side of art. After a number of sessions Dean and I fell upon the deeper reason behind my interest. Feeling completely safe with him, I started talking about food and self care. He never pushed me or gave me his answers to my inquiry. He asked questions that led me to my answers. It has been life changing. Do not hesitate to reach out to him as he is sensitive, brilliant, inquisitive and open minded.”