Hello there! I’m Lisa, The Designer Coach®, and I’m thrilled to share my story with you. My journey from graphic designer to creative coach has been a winding path of self-discovery, challenges, and ultimately, profound purpose.
The Spark of Change
For over two decades, I immersed myself in the world of graphic design, riding the waves of creative highs and navigating the occasional lows. But it wasn’t until I became a mother that my perspective truly shifted. As I held my newborn daughter, I found myself exploring coaching as a way to find renewed purpose in my design business.
However, I quickly realised something was missing in the coaching world—a voice that truly understood the unique challenges faced by designers. It was a lightbulb moment. With my natural communication skills, my interest in psychology, and my deep understanding of the design world, I knew I could fill this gap.
Bridging the Support Gap
Looking back on my design career, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of specialised support. I longed for someone who could understand the nuances of being a designer—the creative blocks, the client pressures, the constant need to innovate. This experience shaped my coaching philosophy profoundly. I committed to becoming the coach I wish I’d had when I was starting out.
A Journey of Continuous Transformation
My transition into coaching has been nothing short of transformative. The training to become a Certified Creative Coach, Life Coach, and NLP Master Practitioner was a journey of continuous discovery. Each new skill I learned, each technique I mastered, added another layer to my understanding of how to unlock creative potential.
From the Potteries to the Pastures
My journey as a creative has been shaped by an intriguing blend of environments. Born and raised in the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, I grew up surrounded by the rich industrial heritage of ceramics and creativity. This background instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and design from an early age.
Now, life has taken me in a new direction. When I’m not coaching, I find myself living and working on a farm – a far cry from the urban landscape of my youth. This contrast between my roots in the Potteries and my current rural lifestyle has added a unique dimension to my perspective on creativity and design.
The rhythm of farm life, the connection to nature, and the tangible results of nurturing growth all bring fresh insights to my coaching practice. They remind me of the importance of patience, perseverance, and the beauty of organic growth in the creative process. This blend of industrial heritage and rural living allows me to bring a diverse range of experiences to my coaching, helping designers find inspiration in unexpected places and appreciate the value of both tradition and innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Creative Coaching
As I embark on this new chapter as The Designer Coach®, I’m filled with excitement for the future. My vision is to make creative coaching an integral part of every designer’s journey. I want to bring a fresh perspective to the field, one that truly understands and addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that designers face.
I see a future where having a creative coach is the norm, not the exception. Where designers have the support they need to navigate their careers, overcome creative blocks, and truly flourish in their craft.
A Piece of Advice
If there’s one piece of advice I wish someone had given me when I was starting out as a designer, it’s this: Find a coach and a mentor! The right guidance can make all the difference in your creative journey.
Join Me on This Journey
While I’m at the beginning of my coaching career and eagerly anticipating my first clients, I’m ready to bring all of my experience, insights, and passion to support fellow creatives. Whether you’re just starting out in design, feeling stuck in a creative rut, or looking to take your career to new heights, I’m here to help you unlock your full creative potential.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of creative discovery? Let’s connect and explore how we can transform your creative path together. The adventure awaits!