Creative Advancement Coach

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Art direction/design, presentations and product positioning
Creative project management and client acquisition
Branding, Advertising and Marketing/Art Direction
User interface design and virtual environments
Fine art photography, music and ceramics

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Develop the big picture and come with concise objectives and realistic deliverables. The better prepared you come to a session, the more productive our time will be.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. first of all that creative coaching is a very focused way to advance while held accountable. It is focused on your needs only verses being in a classroom environment.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Most important is the will to succeed. Be realistic about your personal exceptions, time availability and skill-set.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. For two decades, Nico van Dongen successfully empowered individuals and communities with visionary leadership in Creative thinking, Design,Photography, and Self Branding, both hands-on, and a mentor to others. Producer and Mentor for, cross-platform creative projects, including: Graphic Design, Advertising, Branding, Video and Websites As well as Fine Art. I offer my skills and expertise, fully committed, assisting clients in cultivating creative inspiration, promoting growth and productivity.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I strive for perfection and want to assist those who are seeking it.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. They tell me, they want to advance creatively, and are looking for a venue to showcase their work. The comment I hear most often is: "I need to work on my portfolio".

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Many stories, they are mostly about interacting and connecting with creative individuals. evaluating process, concept and outcomes.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Design and creativity touch all our senses, unlocking the secrets of design will change your world view and communication.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Creativity and education seem like a very natural blend for me. I feel privileged to have worked with so many creative individuals in my career.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. Academic Department Char: Graphic Design – Advertising - Foundation Studies.
Art Institute of California – San Francisco, CA July 2003 – March 2010
Accredited, career-focused, Art College.
• Responsible for making certain that all of the School's Academic Curriculum is designed and executed to fulfill the goals of the school's strategic plan
• As a senior member of the School's leadership team, I ensured that the Vision, Mission and Values Statement, and Strategic Initiatives where the foundation of decision-making within the academic programs
• Collaborated with the faculty and staff to deliver outstanding student services, which resulted in high level of persistence and community participation, as well as consisted job placement and internship opportunities
• Possess broad knowledge of principles and methods of New Media Design curriculum development and the measurement of training effects on individuals and groups
• Ensured that the School's programs where not only efficient and effective, but innovative and driven by the pursuit of excellence
• Served as the spokesperson and advocate for programs
• Collaborated with other internal and external AiCA-SF constituencies such as Academic and Enrollment Services, Academic Support Services, Undergraduate Admissions, Career Services Center, Counseling and Psychological Services
• Mentoring and evaluating of students, faculty, train new Academic Directors
• Always looking for ways to help people changing their minds or their behavior, using the best training or teaching strategies for learning.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I am an Active AiGA member and have a broad network of industry connections

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Everything is design. professionals will have live portfolio websites which will function as a live picture of their professional accomplishments.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. This fall I designed and produced a 120 page portfolio for a fine artist. edited and categorized hundreds of digital images. The artist was extremely happy with his portfolio, and is using it for self promotion.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. I have a scale for working professionals and one for students and individuals with low income.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Being a coach takes life experience, good listening and analytical skills. Having expertise in your professional field.