FOR DESIGNERS, FREELANCERS, AND CREATIVE PROFESSIONALS
The Creative Business Bootcamp
virtual group coaching program
Re-design your creative business in just 4 months to attract better clients, streamline your business, and increase your income.
You’re creative by nature.
Let me help you be profitable by design.
Tell me if this sounds like you:
- As a multi-talented creative, you struggle to effectively communicate what you do, why you’re different, and the value you deliver.
- You know you’re not charging enough, but just thinking about raising your rates makes you break out in a cold sweat.
- You know you need to market yourself, but the lack of clarity around what you do and who you do it for holds you back.
- You want and need to get higher-paying clients, but have no idea how to go about it.
Take a deep breath. Now, imagine…
- Being crystal clear on what sets you apart and the value you deliver.
- Packaging your services to resonate with your ideal clients’ specific needs.
- 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, even exceeding, your revenue goals.
Thankfully, learning how to build a successful creative business isn’t rocket science , 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.
I call them the four pillars of a successful creative business.
If you’re tired of winging it and are ready to work with better clients, streamline your business, and make more money, I have something exciting to share with you!
Introducing…
The Creative Business Bootcamp
group coaching program
A system for building an efficient, fulfilling, and consistently profitable creative business.
"The Bootcamp gave me more clarity around my value—and how to talk about it. As a repeat participant in the Creative Business Bootcamp, I came in needing support with time management, focus, and accountability - areas I’ve struggled with as a creative with ADHD - as well as clarity around my overall mission, pricing, and marketing.
Over the course of the program, I gained more confidence in the value I bring and how to present and price my work. I got clearer on my services and I now have a stronger foundation for outreach and marketing. The group support, teaching segments, and worksheets were all really helpful and the asynchronous conversations made it easier to stay engaged on my own time.
This program helped me make meaningful mindset shifts in how I prioritize my time and talk about my business."
I’m Justine Clay and I’ll be guiding you through a proven, actionable process that will transform the way you think about business, identify and prioritize money generating opportunities, and help you sustainably grow your 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 finally felt confident enough to take the leap and open 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 creatives 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 wealth of knowledge, expertise, and tools that I could share with the creative community at large, rather than the select few I could represent. Along with my background in the advertising and design world, I realized I had a gift for helping creative freelancers identify their unique value proposition, and package it into a marketable and profitable business or career.
And so, my purpose was unearthed, and my coaching business was born.
I’ve spent 14 years developing, testing, and refining a step-by-step approach that will teach any creative professional how to attract high-quality clients, land better projects, and hit (heck, exceed) their revenue goals.
I’d like to help you do the same!
“Justine's group program was the single best investment I made this year. I was at a crossroads where I wanted to find clients that aligned more with my values and where I wanted to be in the long run. The group program helped me shift my perspective entirely and think about what hiring managers were looking for. Justine has the unique perspective of being on the hiring side for 20 years and working with 100's of creatives. It is crazy to me how much changing my marketing brought in a ton of new clients and not only that but the clients I specifically wanted. Her program really works, and it's also great to have met a new network of creatives through the process too. If you're on the fence, do it! So worth it.”
"Before joining Justine's Bootcamp, I knew something wasn't working in my business, but I couldn't identify exactly what. I was looking for clarity on how to relaunch the business, refine my positioning, and start prospecting.
As a result of the program, I gained clarity around my UVP, services, pricing, messaging, and marketing. My new website is almost done, I have much greater ease communicating about my high-value services, and I feel 100% more confident about my value and offering. Most importantly, I finally feel comfortable reaching out and pitching. I actually (sort of) look forward to networking and pitching my services.
The mix of content, pacing, worksheets, hot seats, and accountability was just right. Even though there is still more to refine, I feel ready to go out into the world and pitch."
"I joined Justine's Bootcamp looking for clarity and community. I was feeling stuck, lonely, and unsure of how to prioritize myself and my business.
The Bootcamp gave me the time, space, support, and expert guidance to reconnect with my deeper "why" and the reason I started my business in the first place. It helped me cut through the fog of expectations, fears, and "shoulds," and gave me newfound clarity and confidence about my business and next steps.
The greatest benefit for me came from Justine's care and empathy, and the community she created. I felt seen, supported, and more confident in myself. Justine created such a lovely space and community. It was exactly what I needed, and I truly would have gladly continued beyond the four months."
"I finally had the breakthrough I’d been trying to force for years. I struggle with ADHD and The Creative Business Bootcamp felt like the right container: affordable, structured, and paced in a way that worked for my brain. For the first time, I feel like I have a business plan rooted in my strengths and values, not just survival mode."
Imagine discovering the business, marketing, and sales skills you need are a lot simpler to master than you thought.
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 Bootcamp
group coaching program
A system for building an efficient, fulfilling, and consistently profitable creative business.
"What can I say about Justine? All the amazing things. She changed the way I think about myself. I know and understand my value and am unafraid of challenging the status quo. When I came to her, I felt lost professionally, without a strong purpose. I had fallen into my career and wanted to reevaluate how I wanted to spend my time on this planet. Under her watchful hand, I explored the possibilities of what my professional life could be. She carefully guided me to this next professional phase of my life, one in which I've crafted for myself, one that feels fulfilling and chock-full of joy. My time with her, and the entire business group, has done exactly what I needed it to - it changed my life. If you have any question about where you should go next or what you might want to do, run - don't walk - to Justine."
"Justine has been rocket fuel for my business. Within 4 months of working with her one-on one I was able to on-board a new client (using processes she helped me develop), charging 3x my regular rate, knowing I can deliver results. I have more high quality clients now than I can keep up with. Thank you Justine, such a pleasure!”
“When I went back to full-time freelance after a few years in an office, I knew I needed to strategize about taking my work as a self-employed writer and editor to the next level. During the group program, I worked to hone in on my niche and create messaging and marketing strategy that speaks to the clients I want to attract. It’s paying off and I’m doing absolutely great! Business has been so good that I recently fulfilled the dream of becoming the sole breadwinner for our family. I also finally launched a new project I’ve been planning — a website for women freelancers — and have all kinds of ideas to build it into an amazing resource. It’s a pretty great feeling to be succeeding and to be thinking bigger than ever!”
Why you should join us:
You’ve read countless books, attended a million webinars, and bought goodness knows how many online courses. You don’t need MORE information, you need the RIGHT information, combined with industry-specific guidance, and a peer community who are doing the work alongside you.
How it breaks down:
The Creative Business Bootcamp is built around the four pillars of a successful creative business, Each month of the program will address one of the pillars. Here’s what they look like in action:
Month one: Articulate your Unique Value Proposition
Are you on board with having a niche in theory, but resist putting your stake in the sand for fear of turning away clients, or picking the “wrong” one?
In month one you will learn how to clearly communicate what you do, who you do it for (those would be your ideal clients), and why it matters.
If you want your ideal clients to quickly understand exactly what you do, how it benefits them, and what they need to do next to hire you, this is the game-changing first step!
Month two: Design and Price Your Core Offer
If your services page reads like a menu of capabilities, you’re constantly reinventing the wheel with proposals and pricing, and find yourself at the mercy of your clients when it comes to negotiating project scope and rates, things are about to start looking up around here!
In month two, you will learn how to create clearly defined services, deliverables, and rates that are priced based on the value you deliver, not your hours!
Month three: Craft Website Messaging that Converts
Did you know that your website can (and should) be your number one sales tool? If your website currently serves as an online portfolio, it’s falling short. In month three you will learn how to craft key messaging that helps your ideal clients find you, quickly get the information they need, and take the next step toward hiring you.
Month four: Find and connect with your Ideal clients
If you currently get new business through word of mouth and finding it to be an inconsistent biz dev strategy, you’re not alone.
In this module, you will learn how to find your ideal clients in large numbers (online and IRL), build a small, but mighty network, and build with intention. No spamming, influencing, or awkward networking required!
What’s included:
Two 90-minute group coaching sessions per month
Access to a private membership site where Resource Vault and group call recordings will be housed
Support and valuable feedback from your industry peers
Access to me where you can get questions answered (limited to 5-minute Looms)
Bi-weekly study hall sessions to help you implement as you go
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!
"Before joining the Creative Business group coaching program, I was in a constant state of uncertainty. I knew what I wanted to achieve in an abstract way, but didn’t have guidance, support, or tools to put those feelings into action. I knew I needed support and Justine’s group became my community. Her program helped me entirely restructure my business, increase my rates, find my people, and connect with prospects who respect the value of my work. For the first time, every part of my business is aligned.
Without Justine’s help I’m not confident there would have even been a business, and definitely not one that is helping me achieve my goals. Making the decision to invest in yourself is nerve-wracking and I cannot thank Justine enough for her knowledge, time, and patience as she guided me through it all!"
"As a multi-faceted creative entrepreneur – with deep expertise as a business and art consultant and instructor, social justice activist, and founder of Honey Art Studios and Beauty Behind Bars, my mind is constantly shifting and planning new projects. A lack of ideas and passion are not my problem!
My first meeting with Justine was extremely enlightening. Before working with her, I struggled to express and connect the dots between the various roles that I play. Justine creatively and professionally helped me see the connections and helped me to craft a mission statement that resonated with me and felt cohesive - building communities, connection, and better futures through creativity, economic growth and art.
As my mind inevitably jumps to new ideas and projects, Justine knows just what questions to ask to help me come back to my original mission and, more importantly, stay focused on the structure and viability of my business.
I met Justine by accident, but I don't believe in coincidences. She was intentionally placed in my life and I am forever grateful for that!"
"Justine’s Creative Business group coaching program was an amazing investment not just in my business, but in myself. She provided a framework and support to develop a business based on my values and life goals - and all within a support group of friends! I highly recommend this course to any creative entrepreneur!”
“Justine's group program helped me re-structure the way I thought about my business. After neglecting my branding and design business to focus on my start-up, I was in the desperate position of needing to quickly bring in new work that paid well. Justine helped me figure exactly who I wanted to work with, what I had that they needed, and how to make it easy for them to select me as the perfect match for their challenges.
A few months later I have three new big clients, probably the best I’ve ever had, and know exactly how to grow my business from here on. I just need to execute.
Working with Justine is the single best advice I would give any creative business owner looking to grow their business quickly and consistently - period.”
“I wish I had found Justine’s group program when I first started my business a few years ago. The bi-monthly Zoom meetings with the whole group were incredibly helpful for hearing other creatives’ perspectives. I had great accountability partners to talk to as well, that I’m still in touch with today. The course modules are well paced so I could continue to manage my clients and day to day projects. I even changed the name of my LLC to something more relevant and reworked my entire website thanks to inspiration from the modules. As a result of the hours invested in this program, I now have the clients I want to be working with and more free time to travel. Thank you so much, Justine!”
“Participating in Justine's group program has given me clarity and a sense of direction with the addition of practical tips which I can always fall back on whenever I need to refine my direction again or when taking next steps in my business. Before this program, I felt frustrated about not being able to find a clear direction and was stuck in the process of taking my business to the next level. This program has helped me narrow down my special gift, who my ideal client is and the confidence in marketing this. I’ve come away from this course with an ability to communicate clearer and plan my next steps in order to build the business and life I aspire to. I know I will go back to Justine in the future for extra coaching to help me with future challenges.”
Ready to join
The Creative Business Bootcamp
group coaching program
Join Justine Clay to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program, starting in January 2027.
Investment: $197 per month
Applications are open & we’d love to receive yours!
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 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 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 you find clients.
- You’re looking for a community of like-minded 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 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’re not willing to invest your time, energy and resources to make it happen.
- You’re looking for one-on-one support.
Got questions?
Here are some answers to questions I hear most often:
The program is 4 months long. If you’d like to receive ongoing support, there will be opportunities for you to do so!
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 is typically between 12-16 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, design directors, designers, graphic designers, website designers, photographers, copywriters, writers, illustrators, 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 have proven to be just as successful as the traditionally creative ones. It’s really a question of if the program and process resonate.
Yes! Outside of the bi-weekly interactive group coaching sessions, you will also have access to me via email and Loom if you have a question between sessions.
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 are established their creative business or career, and are looking to be more proactive, more effective, make more money, and grow. They are willing to put aside any pre-conceived ideas and fears and do the work. This program is not for people who don’t have an established freelance career or business, skeptics, complainers, or people who make excuses not to take action.
YES! This group has been designed specifically to support both new and past clients in the evolution of a profitable and confident creative business owner.
All of our sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. We will meet every other Tuesday from 12-1.30 p.m. ET. Once you join, you’ll receive all the dates and important information in your welcome packet.
Absolutely! Upon joining us, you will be given access to a private members site where you will find all session recordings, presentation decks, and worksheets to help you take action and implement what you learn. It is my commitment that regardless of your learning style you will be supported throughout!
Yes! My top tips are:
- Show up for the live group coaching calls. They’re a great place to get feedback, ask questions, stay motivated, and get un-stuck.
- Ask questions early and often.
- Do the work to implement what you learn.
- I will pair you up with someone in the group who you will check in with regularly to support and hold one other accountable.
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 first-hand the magical benefits of community and peer support and feedback.
- Become more intentional and strategic in building your business.
- 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.
- Learn how to price and package your services to reflect the needs of your ideal clients and the value you deliver.
- Work on more creatively fulfilling projects.
- Work smarter, not harder.
I understand. Investing in yourself and business takes courage and only you know when you’re ready to take that leap of faith and start changing your business, bank balance, and life. I’m a big proponent of investing in oneself, even when it’s hard, but I will never encourage someone to do so if it will put them or their family in financial jeopardy.
Yes, to make this as cash-flow friendly as possible I charge a monthly investment of $197. Your credit card will be automatically billed each month.
Ready to join
The Creative Business Bootcamp
group coaching program
Join Justine Clay to re-design your creative business in our virtual group coaching program, starting in January 2027.
Investment: $197 per month
Applications are open & we’d love to receive yours!