Consultations are for project and professional development (they are not artistic critiques or creative feedback) and are offered no- or low-cost to artists in Minnesota thanks to Springboard’s underwriting partners.
If you are stuck on a professional milestone, want feedback on a next step, or have a lingering question about your creative career, book time with an Artist Career Consultant today.
Building a creative career can be a lonely endeavor, but artists don’t have to go it alone. The Artist Career Consultant roster is full of practicing artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals who offer one-on-one support to artists, based on their expertise and experience.
We work with over 20 consultants to ensure a deep base of knowledge and a responsive, productive experience. The ACC roster covers a broad array of disciplines and professional expertise like marketing, grant and project development, web presence, technology, publishing, and more, with consultants based across Minnesota available for virtual and in-person consultation
Springboard would like to thank BTAP, and Elevate Business Hennepin County for underwriting free Artist Career Consultations for artists and creative businesses across Minnesota.
Header Image Credit: Artist Career Consultant Anitra Budd and workshop co-facilitators. Photo by Thaiphy Phan-Quang.
she/they
“I can advise artists on web design and development, advocacy and navigation of art institutions like museums, curation, MFA programs and/or other educational pathways, grant writing, artist/organizational statements and other copy editing advice.”
“I can advise artists on web design and development, advocacy and navigation of art institutions like museums, curation, MFA programs and/or other educational pathways, grant writing, artist/organizational statements and other copy editing advice.”
Web Design/Development, Arts Advocacy, Curation, Education, Grant Writing, and Copy Editing.
Anniessa is a software engineer, educator, and cultural organizer. She has worked at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Saint Catherine University, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and with organizations such as Mizna, Confluence: An East Lake Studio for Community Design, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and the School for Poetic Computation. Her practices center on the power of creative, playful, and collective work to confront and heal systemic oppression.
she/her
“I advise artists on navigating traditional publishing and self-publishing pathways; design workflows, productivity, and time management systems; uncover, track, and analyze business metrics; organize physical spaces, including desks and studios; create content calendars for websites and social media platforms; design and execute brand strategy; write and edit artist statements, grant applications, and other kinds of copy.”
“I advise artists on navigating traditional publishing and self-publishing pathways; design workflows, productivity, and time management systems; uncover, track, and analyze business metrics; organize physical spaces, including desks and studios; create content calendars for websites and social media platforms; design and execute brand strategy; write and edit artist statements, grant applications, and other kinds of copy.”
Publishing, Productivity, Organization, Brand Strategy, Artist Statements, and Grants.
Anitra Budd is an experienced freelance editor, copywriter, consultant, and public speaker whose clients include Fortune 500 corporations, literary publishers, marketing agencies, universities, and local and national magazines. Over the course of her career, she’s presented workshops on publishing, editing, and organization for artists at a variety of venues. She holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Minnesota. Visit her website at www.colfax wordsmiths.com.
she/her
“I can advise artists on lesson planning and curriculum, meeting MN educational standards for teaching artists, developing multiple income streams, navigating and networking in the local arts scene, recording, performance, and artistic collaboration.”
“I can advise artists on lesson planning and curriculum, meeting MN educational standards for teaching artists, developing multiple income streams, navigating and networking in the local arts scene, recording, performance, and artistic collaboration.”
Curriculum Development, Songwriting, Performance, Recording, Event Hosting, Teaching Residencies, and Bio/Artist Statements.
Desdamona is an international, award winning poet & hip hop artist. She has traveled the US & abroad touring and leading workshops, working in over 300 schools and prisons. She co-founded B-Girl Be, a celebration of women in Hip Hop, that took place in Minneapolis between 2005-2011. Des has been featured on 8 French releases and has toured France as well as collaborating with international Grammy award winners, Sly & Robbie. In 2014, Des was chosen to feature in a national “Back to School” campaign for Kmart, as a rapping lunch lady. She’s created commissioned work for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s as well as lyrics for the WNBA Detroit Shock theme song. Desdamona’s 2016 release No Man’s Land features an all woman cast of singers, poets and emcees from the Twin Cities. Des currently works as the Poetry Ambassador for TruArtSpeaks and leads the Re-Verb Radio on WFNU and Re-Verb Open Mic at Flava Cafe in St. Paul. www.desdamona.bandcamp.com
they/them
“As someone passionate about supporting artists, there are various ways I can lend a helping hand. I can advise artists on promoting their work by leveraging social media platforms, organizing exhibitions or events to showcase their art, grant writing or connecting them with potential clients and art communities. Additionally, I can offer my skills in areas such as graphic design, photography, or writing to create compelling visuals and descriptions for their portfolio or promotional materials. My genuine appreciation and active engagement in their artistic journey will undoubtedly provide valuable encouragement and motivation. We can make it happen, If you dream it, We can Create it.”
“As someone passionate about supporting artists, there are various ways I can lend a helping hand. I can advise artists on promoting their work by leveraging social media platforms, organizing exhibitions or events to showcase their art, grant writing or connecting them with potential clients and art communities. Additionally, I can offer my skills in areas such as graphic design, photography, or writing to create compelling visuals and descriptions for their portfolio or promotional materials. My genuine appreciation and active engagement in their artistic journey will undoubtedly provide valuable encouragement and motivation. We can make it happen, If you dream it, We can Create it.”
Fine Arts, Documentary Film/Photography, Public Art, Socially Engaged Art, Latin American Cinema, Theatre (producing, directing, pre/pro/post production), Arts Education (all ages and abilities), Event Planning, Dance, Interdisciplinary Art, and Community Engagement.
Mikha Dominguez (aka Mikhamik) is a Queer non-binary Latinx Venezuelan artist based in Minneapolis since 2014. With a background in set design, Mikha’s work explores identity, migration, and resilience. They have worked at the Walker Art Center, exhibited at MCAD, University of Minnesota, St. Catherine University, and the University of Omaha, and participated in the Art Shanty Projects. Mikha leads Mikhamik House of Arts and teaches at Springboard for the Arts while studying at MCAD. Visit their website at mikhamik.com.
they/them
“I can advise artists on problem solving through co-collaboratively dreaming up innovative, heart-centered, and interdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges they face in their artistic practice or in regards to their career.”
“I can advise artists on problem solving through co-collaboratively dreaming up innovative, heart-centered, and interdisciplinary solutions to complex challenges they face in their artistic practice or in regards to their career.”
Painting, Fabric Arts, Grants, Creative Non-Fiction Writing, Community Organizing, Strategic Planning and Goal Attainment (with special expertise in the cross-roads of rural and historically marginalized persons), and Research Informed Artistic Practice (archives, oral history, ethnography etc.)
Kandace Creel Falcón, PhD. is a formerly tenured Associate Professor of Women’s & Gender Studies who spends their days painting, writing about the joy of creative inquiry, and developing a more peaceful relationship with their nervous system. KCF maintains a research-informed studio practice in their home in the Erhard Hills of rural Otter Tail County. They are involved in community efforts across the region rooted by the power of narrative to shift the world toward the queer utopias we deserve. Visit their website at www.kjcfalcon.com.
they/them
“I can advise artists on public art engagement, visualizing next steps in their career paths, mapping out how to become a career artist, grants and funding resources, and social media.”
“I can advise artists on public art engagement, visualizing next steps in their career paths, mapping out how to become a career artist, grants and funding resources, and social media.”
Visual Art Career Development, Grant writing, Fund Sourcing, Budgeting, Arts Administration, and Accessibility.
A Puerto Rican native of South Minneapolis, Candida Gonzalez is passionate about arts education, community engagement through the arts and equitable arts access. They have worked as an arts program coordinator, curator, arts integration educator, co-founded a national public art business in 2016 and now works as an arts consultant and independent artist. They enjoy helping artists visualize and reach for the next steps in their careers.
she/her
“I can advise artists on grants and fellowships. I can help artists navigate the national film scene, particularly in narrative fiction projects.”
“I can advise artists on grants and fellowships. I can help artists navigate the national film scene, particularly in narrative fiction projects.”
Grants, Filmmaking, Strategic Planning, and Comedy.
Naomi is an award-winning Korean American filmmaker, writer, actor, comedian, cultural producer, and grant writer. She is an experienced grant and fellowship writer, has won over 50 grants and fellowships, and sat on local and national panels. Naomi is a Sundance Episodic Fellow and Bush Leadership Fellow, and a former McKnight Media Arts fellow and Jerome Hill Artist Fellow in Film. Visit her website at www.konaomi.com
she/her/they/them
“I can advise artists on ideating/adapting projects, developing their creative brand, and identifying grants, resources, and opportunities. I also offer peer coaching on creative entrepreneurship and nonprofit development strategies to help artists identify options and next steps.”
“I can advise artists on ideating/adapting projects, developing their creative brand, and identifying grants, resources, and opportunities. I also offer peer coaching on creative entrepreneurship and nonprofit development strategies to help artists identify options and next steps.”
Creative Ideation and Strategy, Artistic Branding, Planning and Management.
Ka is a multi-disciplinary artist ranging from textile art, murals, installations, and events through the power of culture and identity. They co-founded Ua Si Creative, an artist collective that emerged out of ArtCrop.co. They have a background in community development, organizing, and facilitation and have been a recipient of McKnight, Jerome, Forecast, MRAC, MSAB, and CURA grants and fellowships and more. Visit their website at www.kaonwards.com.
she/her
“I can advise artists on negotiating MFA or other academic programs, envision new directions for the work and strategize accountability practices. Plus grant writing, developing CV/resume and artist statement, arts engagement and academic scholarship.”
“I can advise artists on negotiating MFA or other academic programs, envision new directions for the work and strategize accountability practices. Plus grant writing, developing CV/resume and artist statement, arts engagement and academic scholarship.”
Research, Screenprinting, and Grant writing.
Jessica Lopez Lyman, Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary performance artist and Xicana feminist scholar interested in how Indigenous and People of Color create alternative spaces to heal and imagine new worlds. Jessica built, La Luchadora, a mobile screen printing cart as part of the Ready Go! program and prints political posters with communities across the state. She is a an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chicano and Latino Studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
he/him
“I can advise artists on individual career planning, ASCAP registration, album release rollout strategy, social media campaigns, music distribution (physical/digital), live performance and event coordination, recording, networking, artist statement/resume development and project management.”
“I can advise artists on individual career planning, ASCAP registration, album release rollout strategy, social media campaigns, music distribution (physical/digital), live performance and event coordination, recording, networking, artist statement/resume development and project management.”
Music (songwriting, recording, live performance), Event Hosting, Radio (hosting, producing), Mentorship, Arts Education.
MaLLy is an independent Hip-hop artist, educator and entrepreneur born and raised in south Minneapolis. MaLLy has released four critically acclaimed albums, received the McKnight Foundation Fellowship, and toured nationally and internationally with legendary rap acts Atmosphere and Brother Ali. He’s been featured in Complex Magazine, Hip-Hop DX, Okayplayer, Star Tribune, and was named “Best Hip-Hop Artist” by City Pages. MaLLy desires to connect, uplift and transform the lives of those who might listen to his work, and he recently dropped a brand new album entitled, The Sweetest of It All. MaLLy currently works for TruArtSpeaks as the Host for the Re-Verb Open Mic at Flava Cafe in St. Paul. Visit his website at https://www.mallympls.com/
she/her
“I can advise artists on multimedia art projects, visual storytelling performance, installation, poetry, puppetry, community centered collaboration, building sustainable relationships and navigating identities of Muslim/refugee/immigrant.”
“I can advise artists on multimedia art projects, visual storytelling performance, installation, poetry, puppetry, community centered collaboration, building sustainable relationships and navigating identities of Muslim/refugee/immigrant.”
Playwriting, Acting, Experimental Film, Puppetry, Poetry and Somali language.
Ifrah Mansour is a Somali, refugee, Muslim, multimedia artist and an educator. Her artwork explores trauma through the eyes of children to uncover the resiliencies of blacks, muslims, and refugees. She interweaves poetry, puppetry, films, and installations. She’s been featured in BBC, Vice, OkayAfrica, Star Tribune, and City Pages. Her critically-acclaimed, “How to Have Fun in a Civil War” premiered at Guthrie Theatre and toured to cities in greater Minnesota. Visit her Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/ifrahmansourart.
she/her
“You can come to me if you have an idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into a project or program, if you’re trying to figure out what you actually offer and how to make money from it, or if you’re navigating a shift in your creative or professional life. I’m especially helpful when you need to organize your thoughts, make decisions, and build a clear next step.”
“You can come to me if you have an idea but aren’t sure how to turn it into a project or program, if you’re trying to figure out what you actually offer and how to make money from it, or if you’re navigating a shift in your creative or professional life. I’m especially helpful when you need to organize your thoughts, make decisions, and build a clear next step.”
Project & Program Design, Offer & Income Strategy, Creative Entrepreneurship, Career Transitions, Workshop & Curriculum Design, Grant Strategy, Arts Administration & Creative Placemaking, Public Speaking & Facilitation.
Felicia Perry is a multidisciplinary artist and creative strategist working across performance, storytelling, and design, and founder of DesignHer Life, LLC. Her background spans textile and fashion design, stage and film performance, voice and radio, and writing and self-publishing. She brings a holistic, practice-informed perspective to supporting artists and culture workers in building sustainable careers. https://linktr.ee/designherlife
she/they
I can provide guidance on various ways to manage a career as an artist, including income strategies, studio practices, grantwriting, finding opportunities, project management, and goal setting. I draw on my experience as a self-employed, multidisciplinary artist and the knowledge I’ve gained as an arts administrator, supporting other artists over the last ten years. My approach is person-centered, patient, resourceful, and non-judgmental. I also have a background in supporting artists with disabilities.
I can provide guidance on various ways to manage a career as an artist, including income strategies, studio practices, grantwriting, finding opportunities, project management, and goal setting. I draw on my experience as a self-employed, multidisciplinary artist and the knowledge I’ve gained as an arts administrator, supporting other artists over the last ten years. My approach is person-centered, patient, resourceful, and non-judgmental. I also have a background in supporting artists with disabilities.
Visual Arts (interdisciplinary); Arts Administration; Exhibition planning and installation; Grantwriting (development, budgeting, management); Career Planning
Jes Reyes is an interdisciplinary artist and arts administrator. Their artwork roots itself in play, vulnerability, experimentation, collaboration, and the integration of disciplines. She has exhibited and screened her work throughout Minnesota. Jes has a strong history of collaborating with community organizations to improve art access, coordinate exhibitions, and provide artist career support. Visit their website at https://www.jesreyes.com/.
she/they
“I can advise artists on understanding and navigating the publishing world, local and national opportunities, applying for grants, envisioning and organizing creative writing projects, working as a freelance writer, business and logistical aspects of being a professional author and speaker, MFA programs and/or other educational pathways, and other aspects of the writer’s life.”
“I can advise artists on understanding and navigating the publishing world, local and national opportunities, applying for grants, envisioning and organizing creative writing projects, working as a freelance writer, business and logistical aspects of being a professional author and speaker, MFA programs and/or other educational pathways, and other aspects of the writer’s life.”
Publishing, Grants, Organizing, and Creative Writing.
Sun Yung Shin (she/they) is a Korean-born poet, writer, and cultural worker. She is the author, or editor, of 11 published books and has been awarded fellowships and grants from the Bush Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Regional Arts Council, & MacDowell. Her work has received regional, national, and international recognition including a Minnesota Book Award, Society of Midland Authors Award, & others. She is the co-founder of Poetry Asylum with Su Hwang. Learn more at https://www.sunyungshin.com/.
she/her
“I can advise artists on individual career planning, social media marketing, creative placemaking specific to rural communities, grant and statement writing, and creative curriculums.”
“I can advise artists on individual career planning, social media marketing, creative placemaking specific to rural communities, grant and statement writing, and creative curriculums.”
Administration, Grants, Statements and Proposals, Place Based Projects, Rural Arts, and Education.
Dana Sikkila is a queer Minnesota-based interdisciplinary maker and creator. Known for her social practice and activism programs, creative consulting, public speaking, and her theory development within creative curriculum, Sikkila’s practices span from working in communities from rural to the Twin Cities. Her self-defining administration style has bridged the gap between arts creation and administration, through the development of numerous grassroots cultural projects and exhibitions throughout the state. Visit her website at danasikkila.com.
he/him
“I can advise artists on writing about themselves and their work for grants, marketing, websites or other purposes — especially those who don’t always feel comfortable writing about their work. I can also assist with portfolio development, resume writing, books and publishing questions (especially self-publishing), starting a small business, and general career and project planning.”
“I can advise artists on writing about themselves and their work for grants, marketing, websites or other purposes — especially those who don’t always feel comfortable writing about their work. I can also assist with portfolio development, resume writing, books and publishing questions (especially self-publishing), starting a small business, and general career and project planning.”
General career and project planning, portfolio development, resume writing, publishing, and starting a small business.
Andy is a writer, artist, and reluctant designer. He is the author of four full-length nonfiction books, including the Minnesota Book Award-nominated book Closing Time: Saloons, Taverns, Dives and Watering Holes of the Twin Cities (with Bill Lindeke). His small press, Birchwood Palace Industries, has published over twenty titles that take an independent approach to design, history, and everyday life. These titles have been featured in New York, Artforum, TASTE, and Gastronomica: The Journal for Food Studies, and can be purchased in shops in North America, Europe and Asia. In an earlier phase of his career, he had solo art exhibitions at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and St. Olaf College. Andy holds a B.F.A. in painting from the University of Louisville. He’s also been working one-on-one with artists at Springboard for over fifteen years. Learn more at www.birchwoodpalace.com or andysturdevant.com.
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