Are you a freelancer or service-based creative entrepreneur looking to build a solid foundation and clear roadmap to a more profitable business?
Re-design your creative business to attract more high-quality clients, land better projects, and make more money.
Join business coach Justine Clay and a curated group of your industry peers in our virtual group coaching program.
You’re creative by nature.
Let me help you be profitable by design.
Tell me if this sounds like you:
- You want and need to get higher-paying clients, but have no idea how to consistently find, or connect with them.
- As a multi-talented creative, you struggle to effectively communicate what you do, why you’re different, and the value you deliver.
- Your brand message and presentation are not representative of what you know you deliver.
- You know you need to market yourself, but the lack of clarity around what you do and for whom keeps you running around in circles.
- You’re constantly reinventing the wheel but getting nowhere.
- You know you’re not charging enough, but just thinking about asking for the fees you want makes you break out in a cold sweat.
- Your brand message and presentation are not representative of the value you know you deliver.
- You know something’s got to change, but feel overwhelmed to the point of being paralyzed, so you do nothing.
Deep breath. Now, imagine…
- Being crystal clear on what sets you apart and the value you deliver.
- Knowing exactly who your ideal clients are, what they aspire to, struggle with, and need.
- Packaging your services to resonate with your ideal clients’ unique and specific needs
- Understanding the fundamental building blocks of a successful business
- Being able to easily and quickly adapt to changing market conditions (because we know recessions and pandemics happen!)
- Having confidence around pricing and value (no more low-balling, discounts, or hourly rates!)
- Possessing a clear path to your goals and knowing how to course-correct as needed
- Hitting, and exceeding, your revenue goals
- Knowing when and how to say “no” (and feel really good about it)
- Having systems and processes in place so your business runs like a well-oiled machine
This kind of clarity isn’t reserved for a chosen “business-minded” few. Learning how build a profitable and fulfilling creative business isn’t rocket science, (thank goodness!) but there are business, marketing, and sales principles you must understand and take consistent action on if you’re going to build the consistently profitable creative business you want.
If you’re tired winging it and trying to figure it all out yourself (really, who has the time?) and are ready to confidently build a profitable and successful creative business, I have something exciting to share with you!
Introducing…
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Get the top-tier clients you want. Make the money you’re worth.
I’m Justine Clay and I’ll be guiding you through a proven, actionable process that will transform the way you think about business (and yourself as a successful, savvy business owner!), and sustainably grow a profitable creative business.
Here’s why I’m so passionate about this process and know it works:
When I moved from London to New York in 1996, with little more than a psychology degree and English accent, the concept of being a successful entrepreneur with a passion for marketing and business were as foreign to me as putting maple syrup on your bacon!
After a stint waitressing (it wouldn’t be any kind of a New York story without it!), I landed my first job answering the phone in a design agency. I’m almost 100% certain the only reason I got the job was because of my English accent, but I didn’t care; it was my ticket to somewhere.
A year later, I was hired by an up-and-coming creative representation agency where I learned every aspect of positioning, managing, and growing the careers of high-level independent creative professionals. From spotting great talent and putting together a dynamite portfolio, to making new business calls and marketing, writing and negotiating proposals, and managing a project from beginning to end – I learned that talent alone simply wasn’t enough and mastery of each of these elements was crucial to building a successful, creative career.
In 2006, I branched out and opened my own creative services agency, Plum Creative, where I built a reputation within the advertising and design industry for helping retail and lifestyle brands find the perfect talent for their projects and managing the project from beginning to end. With one of my top earners billing $2,000 a day (every day) we were working on great projects, with great clients, for great rates.
And then the recession of 2008 happened.
Almost overnight, the work dried up. I was paying myself out of my savings and the pressure of not knowing how long I’d be able to hang on had my stomach in knots.
Little did I know, this seeming “disaster” was the start of a pivot from running a business I enjoyed, to creating the purpose-driven work I was born for.
I had an epiphany: I had a gift that I could share with the creative community on a much larger level, not just a select few. Along with a wealth of expertise and experience in the advertising and design world, I realized I had an uncanny ability to help them identify their unique talent and package it into a marketable and profitable proposition.
And so, my gift was unearthed, and my coaching business was born.
I spent the next 12 months creating a step-by-step program called Profitable by Design. I now work with a range of creative professionals, empowering them to play a much bigger game, fulfill their potential, and build the lifestyle they want for themselves and their families.
I’d like to help you do the same!
I’ve spent 10 years developing and testing a step-by-step approach that will teach any creative professional who is ready to do the work how to attract high-quality clients, land better projects, and hit (heck, exceed) their revenue goals.
Imagine discovering the business, messaging, marketing, and sales skills you need are a lot simpler to master than you thought. Imagine feeling clear, confident, and proactive in your business, and deciding who to work for, when, and for how much.
Imagine what your life would be like!
Can you feel the relief of finally shaking the feelings of self-doubt, overwhelm, and perfectionism, and coming to your desk every morning knowing exactly what you need to do to move your business forward? Can you imagine the time and space you’d have to focus on your creative work because your business is running like a well-oiled machine?
If you’re ready to learn the tools and strategies you need to build a profitable creative business, regardless of the market or economic conditions, here’s your next step.
Apply to Join
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
A system for building an efficient, fulfilling, and consistently profitable creative business.
Why you should join us:
We use the following framework and tools to meet you where you are and support your evolution from there. You are never “behind.” We don’t do “compare and despair.” We just focus on what momentum and progress look like for you.
Industry-specific guidance, insight, and support
With 20+ years of experience helping creative professionals build profitable creative businesses and careers, I understand the unique challenges you face, as well as what your ideal clients need to see, hear, and experience, to hire you.
Accountability
How many times have you been derailed by perfectionism, self-doubt, or poor time management? It happens to us all which is why accountability is a cornerstone of this program.
Resource vault
Action is what transforms a dream into reality. Action is what generates and maintains momentum. Action gets results. The resource vault contains actionable worksheets & videos support to help you make consistent progress towards your goals.
Community
In my experience, creative entrepreneurs thrive in the company of high-level, like-minded people. The Creative Business Accelerator program is an application-only, curated group of creatives who are just as serious about growing their creative business as you are. If you’re ready to be in the company of your people, apply to join us!
Monthly themes
We believe that frameworks support creativity. And so, we will anchor our work into monthly themes designed to unfold your entrepreneurial journey, step-by-step.
Access to me
The Creative Business Accelerator has been designed to give you what you need when you need it, including direct access to me. You can either send me questions via Loom (included in your monthly investment) or, for more in-depth support, book a 90-minute, one-on-one coaching session at a discounted rate for as long as you’re in the program.
How it works:
Every month, we meet via Zoom for two 90-minute group calls.
Call 1: Teaching on the monthly theme
I know you don’t have time to read all the books, try all the techniques, figure out what works and what doesn’t, and do your work. In this interactive session, I will break it down into what you need to know, what you don’t, and actionable steps you can implement in your business right away. Recordings and slides from this session will be archived in the private membership site.
Call 2: Member hotseats + Q&A
During this call, members will have the opportunity to sit in the “hot seat” and share a challenge or growth opportunity with the group. Over the next 20-30 minutes, the group will ask questions, share experiences of what’s worked for them in similar situations, and help the hot-seat participant brainstorm solutions and next steps. A beautiful side-effect of hot seats is that the entire group will learn, gain insights, and experience a-ha moments! Zoom recordings and chat will be archived in the private membership site.
Support between sessions
I know that questions don’t always time themselves with our group sessions! You can send me a question via email or Loom and I will send you a Loom video in response.
Monthly themes:
January: Your North Star
This month we’ll use a framework to help you identify what impact you wish to make, what you want more of in your life, and how your business supports those outcomes. Be prepared to think about goals, purpose, and action in an entirely new way!
February: Your Business Model
If your current business model (how you make money) kinda, sorta just happened, you’re not alone! This month we’ll demystify business models, and get to the heart of what type of business you want, how the pieces fit together, and the actions that will get you there.
March: Your Economic Engine
Do you know what activities drive your economic engine and which ones drain your resources of energy, time, and money? This month, you’ll get a clearer picture of what activities generate revenue in your business, which ones are busy work, and how to focus your attention and energy on bringing in the moolah.
April: Ideal Clients
This month, we will review a framework and process that will help you laser-focus your efforts on attracting, connecting with, and landing clients who align with your values, respect your process and boundaries and are ready, willing, and able to pay your rate.
May: What Growth Means for You
This month we’ll separate what the internet tells us about revenue targets and growth (is it six or seven figures these days LOL!) and what desirable, healthy, and sustainable growth looks like for you.
June: Your Zone of Genius
In this month, you will get clear on what your zone of genius work looks like (if you don’t know the term yet, don’t worry, you will!) and what would be better handled by someone or something.
July: Community and You
We ALL do better in community and in this month, you’ll identify exactly what support you need, what support you have to offer, where to find those people, and how to build long-lasting, deep, and collaborative relationships with them.
August: Mastery
If you’ve ever stopped yourself from pursuing something big because you don’t feel accomplished or ready enough (even though you know you are) you’re not alone. In this month, you’ll get clear on the what, why, and how of your mastery and craft – empowering you to know when to go for it, and when to level up your skills.
September: Knowledge sharing
Are you maxed out and tired of an hours-for-dollars business model? Perhaps you’ve thought of alternative ways to leverage your knowledge, expertise, and skills through consulting, products, mentoring, or coaching but don’t know where to start. This month get ready to explore your options!
October: Boundaries and business
We all know we need better boundaries, right? But exactly how do you create and maintain them? This month, you will create clear business processes and practices that clearly communicate, and uphold your boundaries, freeing you up to focus on your creative work instead of managing high-maintenance clients.
November: Where to find your people
This month, you’ll learn exactly where your ideal collaborators, co-creators, clients, and referral partners are hanging out. They’re just waiting for you to show up and join them!
December: Year in Review
We will close the year with a review of what worked, what didn’t, what fell by the wayside (deliberately or not), where you’re going, and what to take with you. If next year is going to be an exciting new venture, think of this month as a streamlined packing list for the upcoming journey!
What’s included:
Two 90-minute group coaching sessions per month
A Resource Vault with actionable worksheets and videos to help you apply what you learn directly to your business at your own pace
Access to a private membership site where Resource Vault and group call recordings will be housed
Assigned accountability partner to help you stay on track with your goals.
Support and valuable feedback from your industry peers
Access to me where you can get questions answered (limited to 5-minute Looms)
A program workbook to help you create a roadmap for your creative business.
Access to discounted one-on-one 90-minute coaching sessions with me for as long as you stay in the program
Showing up and doing the work is the absolute BEST indicator of your success. I’m here to help you stay motivated, inspired and on-track!
Ready to join
The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Join Justine Clay to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program.
Investment: $500 per month
Applications are open & we’d love to receive yours!
Click below to start the process.
Got questions? I’d be happy to jump on a 15 minute call with you to see if this program is right for you. Just send me an email at justine@justineclay.com and we can set that up.
10-Day Money Back Guarantee
If you change your mind within 10 days of starting the program, just send us an email and we’ll refund your money. No hard feelings or questions asked!
I am committed to helping purpose driven, motivated, and resilient creative professionals fulfill their vision and mission in life. And because this is a group program, I want you to know that you’re right for this program.
This group program is right for you if:
- You’re an established creative professional or entrepreneur (5+ years of experience) who is already generating income.
- You’re primarily a serviced-based business (if you also sell products as a part of your business model, that’s cool).
- You are already investing in your business and self.
- You have the vision and are willing to do the work, but you don’t know the steps necessary to make your dream a reality.
- You are inclusive and welcome perspectives, stories, and lived experiences that are different from your own.
- You’re tired of hustling and are looking to be more strategic about how your find clients.
- You’re looking for a community of high-level creative and business peers to share ideas, resources and experiences with.
- You’re ready and willing to share what’s working, what’s not, and challenge your assumptions along the way.
- You want to find meaning in your work, create work that has a positive impact, and be compensated very well for the value you deliver.
- You know you’re not charging enough, but don’t know how to position or price your services.
- You recognize you need to invest in yourself and your business and are ready to consistently show up, step outside your comfort zone, and do the work.
The group program is not for you if:
- You’re an absolute beginner (there are great resources to support you, email me if you’d like any recommendations).
- You’re not making money in your business
- You’re primarily a product-based business owner.
- You’re looking for someone to fix your business for you.
- You’re looking for a cookie cutter solution (please don’t buy any programs that promise that, they don’t exist!).
- You keep buying courses, but don’t follow through with any of them (then complain when nothing changes).
- You’re not willing to challenge your assumptions.
- You do not welcome perspectives, orientations, and lived experiences that are different from your own.
- You say you want change, but you’re not willing to invest your time, energy and resources to make it happen.
- You’re not ready and able to join the program for a minimum of 6 months.
Got questions?
Here are some answers to questions I hear most often:
The program is designed around a 12-month curriculum and commitment. I am always evolving the curriculum, content, and tools, and you are welcome to continue in the program for as long as the community, industry-specific guidance, and support serve you.
My goal is to curate, nurture, and support a diverse group of creative kindred spirits. If the program just isn’t for you, of course, you are free to leave. If you’re not ready, willing, and able to commit for 12 months, this might not be the right program for you. If you do choose to leave, there will be a waiting period of 11 months before you can return.
I’ve found that for most people meeting every 2 weeks is the sweet spot for giving you enough time to do the work, but not so long that you lose momentum.
The group has a maximum of 10-14 people. This keeps the group intimate while including enough variety to ensure you benefit from the expertise, experience, and feedback of your peers.
I specialize in working with creative professionals of all disciplines including art directors, creative directors, interior designers, design directors, designers, graphic designers, website designers, photographers, copywriters, writers, illustrators and video producers and directors.
While I specialize in working with creative professionals, my system works for any professional whose mission is to share their unique talent with people who have a genuine need for it. My ‘non-creative’ clients, who include IT professionals and a Systems Architect, are just as successful as the traditionally creative ones. It’s really a question of if the program and process resonate.
Yes! There is an opportunity to ask questions during sessions and directly with me via email between sessions. If you have a question, it will be answered.
As a member of the program you get access to discounted 90-minute one-on-one coaching sessions (you pay $350, instead of $600).
This program has been created specifically for creative professionals who have, to some degree established their creative business or career, and are looking to be more proactive, more effective, and grow. They are willing to put aside any preconceived ideas and fears and do the work. This program won’t work for people who don’t have a somewhat established freelance career, business or idea, skeptics, complainers or people who make excuses not to take action. I’m invested in the success of each and every person who works with me, so it’s important that we’re aligned on our vision and what it will take.
All of our sessions will be held virtually via Zoom twice a month on a Tuesday.
Group Coaching Sessions are 90 minutes from12-1:30 pm Eastern Time.
Absolutely! Upon joining us, you will be given access to a membership site where you will find a welcome and orientation video, recordings of each session, and a Resource Vault with actionable worksheets and videos to help you apply what you learn directly to your business at your own pace. You will also get a program workbook to support you to turn your ideas and dreams into strategy and ACTION!
Absolutely! Businesses are living, breathing things that require us to tend to them, nurture them, and change as necessary. In my experience, one of the best investments we can make in ourselves and businesses, is finding the right support, tools and community to foster growth. Come back, bring your knowledge, experience and expertise and grow with us!
Yes! My top tips are:
- I will pair you up with someone in the group who you will check in with regularly to support and hold one another accountable.
- Show up for the live group coaching calls. They’re a great place to get feedback, ask questions, stay motivated, and get unstuck.
- Do the work to implement what you learn.
If you do the work, you can expect to:
- Gain clarity and confidence about what you have to offer and position yourself uniquely within a crowded marketplace
- Transform your mentality and approach from hustling freelancer to savvy creative business owner
- Possess an entirely different way of asking better questions, finding the resources to support you, and solving problems
- Be more strategic, confident, and proactive in your creative business
- Experience, firsthand, the magical benefits of community and peer support and feedback
- Gain a crystal-clear understanding of your ideal clients’ needs and how you are uniquely positioned to help them
- Attract better quality, higher paying clients, while the less-than-ideal clients effortlessly drift away
- Create a pitch that naturally and clearly communicates what you do to potential clients and referral partners
- Understand which marketing tools are right for you and create a marketing plan that doesn’t feel like ‘selling’ or ‘work’
- Learn how to package your services to resonate with your ideal clients and sell
- Create content that engages and draws your ideal clients to you
- Work on more creatively fulfilling projects
I understand by let me re-frame that thought for you. Up leveling your business, clients and pricing involves challenging long-held beliefs and assumptions and shifting your mindset; both of which are difficult without guidance, support and accountability. Investing in support that will help you make these transformative and lasting shifts is a big deal and should make you think twice. You’re on the brink of a big leap. That said, I will NEVER advise someone to work with me if it will put them in financial jeopardy to do so.
Yes, to make this as cash-flow friendly as possible, I charge a monthly investment of $500, with no upfront payment required. Your credit card will be automatically billed each month.
ADHD coaching is a co-creative process designed to help people with ADHD (or those who suspect they have ADHD) fulfill their personal and professional potential. Like other coaches, I help clients identify goals, navigate and overcome roadblocks, and take consistent action towards building the business and life they seek. Unlike other coaches, I am trained to help people with ADHD and have 20+ years of experience working specifically with creative professionals and entrepreneurs, an ADHD-rich population!
Not at all! As a neurotypical person with 20+ years of experience supporting growth-minded creative entrepreneurs and freelancers, I have a toolbox of frameworks, strategies, and tools that help creatives build profitable creative businesses. Creatives are my people and Creativity is my speciality! Through a series of life events, I became aware of the connection between ADHD, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I saw a huge need among the creative/neurodiverse population for support designed to understand their unique needs and challenges, meet them where they are, and help them move forward from that place. I decided to specialize further and get my ADHD life coaching qualification. My mission is to help ALL creatives build the awareness, confidence, and skill set they need to build a profitable and fulfilling creative business.
Ready to join The Creative Business Accelerator
group coaching program
Join Justine Clay to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program.
Please remember, this investment may be considered a tax-deductible expense.