Kind Words and Testimonials

Kind words from clients and commissioners

It's a privilege to support so many artists, creators, writers and businesses in my work.  Here are some testimonials about my work, projects and mentoring.

You can read more in depth Cultural Sector case studies here.

Or check out my testimonials and case studies for Substack Mastery here.
 
You can connect with me on Linked In if you'd like to keep up to date with my work.

BUDGET UNTANGLING

“Thank you it was fantastic to work with you - so helpful for this project and more widely. 

I feel really confident now in our ability to manage the finances and share info and responsibilities relating to it.

It’ll make the whole project run much more smoothly and help us focus on the creative elements without having to worry about the budget!” 

Lady Kitt

Artist

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

You just bring so much knowledge, energy and calm to everything you do.  You're an absolute pleasure to work with Claire.
MENTORING MAGIC

Claire has genuine passion built up from a place of interest and passion and curiosity around her own life, and creativity. 

I was inspired to work with you as I see you doing your own work first - not really from a place of building a business or anything ‘capitalism, boss bitch’ focused but actually from a place of saying we don’t have to subscribe to all of that. It’s all made up and we can find our own way that suits what we need and want.

Also just the added thoughtfulness - like it’s never just been a one off workshop or a monthly session and that’s it - you offer so much around that. 

Whether it’s in terms of suggesting posts and books and other things that are of interest or sending happy post sharing your home and your tipi space - just really allowing us to connect on a deeper soul level instead of just surface level exchange.

I’ve found that really inspirational and something I’m keen to practice in my own work. 

Zoe Gardiner

Postpartum Matters

ARTIST PARTNERSHIP

"It's been such a positive experience working with Claire on this project. 

I love how Creativity Island is making space for creativity in such a transformative time as motherhood. 

It has been a joy to design creative activities allowing mothers an opportunity to weave creativity in to their day, and reflect on their journey!" 

Josie Brookes

Artist

MENTORING MAGIC

“I love the way Claire takes a really holistic approach to creativity and career, incorporating everyday wellbeing into my routine has been a breakthrough for me this year and has really helped me focus and realise some life long goals.

I’ve landed some dream gigs this year with organisations I’ve always wanted to work with and been successful with Arts Council funding but have also achieved more general personal development goals like public speaking, being more visible online and starting to plan a new business idea.”
STRATEGIC SUPPORT

"Claire was really amazing. We had booked her to do a Budget Training session with us and it has honestly transformed my workload and made it much more organised, clear and functional.

She was very clear and good at finding out what areas were particularly tricky for us and catering the session to meet our needs.

She was extremely helpful and got back to us very quickly with any questions we had. During the session she was really good at adjusting to our level whilst also not being the slightest bit patronising which I really appreciated! I can't recommend booking a session with Claire enough. I have put the skills that she showed us to use in both my work and personal life immediately and I feel confident with the knowledge I gained from the session which is a rare and wonderful thing."

Sarah Li

Creative Producer

MENTORING MAGIC

"I first met with Claire for our session back in February 2020. A session I was looking forward to as I had hit a wall with my creativity, work and life balance.

As I imagined, I left the meeting feeling truly inspired and motivated with some clear goals set out and the tools I needed to achieve them. 
Claire listens, engages and is honest. Her experience and list of contacts is invaluable and I couldn’t thank her enough for her support and knowledge.

I would fully recommend Creatively Conscious if you too need some clear goal setting or inspiration."

Beth Wardell

Writer

NATIONAL CHARITIES

“Just a quick note to say thank you to you and Yvette for helping put on a great event at the weekend. I loved the letters the children had written and envelopes – a really poignant touch.” 

Simon Lee, National Trust

Lindisfarne Castle

PROFESSIONAL WRITER SUPPORT

“As a writer, I often find myself in a rut, but have found allowing myself the time to manage my goals, look at my self-limiting beliefs, and map out my future has nourished my creative energy, and I most certainly wouldn’t have given myself the time without the activities in Claire's book.

Claire’s calm and encouraging energy in her writing and in person makes this book a journey that ANYONE can embark on.”

Danielle Slade

Writer

YOUTH SECTOR

“Claire’s drive to make a positive impact on the community is inspirational and contagious. On a professional level her wealth of experience in the sector is evident to all who meet her and her willingness to share that experience is uplifting. 

Claire has a warmth in her personality that makes forming relationships, both professional and personal, seemingly easy to accomplish! 

She can make people feel at ease, ready to share, ask questions and achieve.”

Phillipa Compson

Youth Development Manager

MENTORING YOUNG PEOPLE

“Claire’s person-centred approach, strategic thinking and significant experience supporting young people to take part in arts activity ensured that the needs and creative ambitions of project beneficiaries were at the heart of the project.

Her open communication and reflective thinking built the young people’s trust and confidence in the process. Claire’s creativity, adaptability and ability to support young people with the practical and wellbeing aspects associated with being active and equal decision makers in an arts project, contributed significantly to young people feeling that the arts is for them, their voice is heard within their community and, for some, that they have now begun their own journeys as artists.”

Fran Arnold

Creative Producer, bait Museums Northumberland

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS

“When you work with Claire you know you’re in for a treat! Claire’s creativity, consistence and clear thinking, coupled with her honest communication enables you to grow both as an individual and as an organisation.

Delivering work with careful planning and confidence Claire is expert at building relationships to make space for collaboration and innovation. I wish I could work with Claire on every project I’m involved with.”

Sophie Robinson

National Trust

KNOWLEDGE OF THE CULTURAL SECTOR

"Claire was supportive, encouraging and informative when I received funding for Creative UK to do some research into visual artists and our knowledge and/or lack of knowledge around arts funding.
 
I feel she is someone I can reach out to and ask for suggestions on who to contact as she has such a wide knowledge of organisations and individuals in Northumberland connected with the arts. Though she has a tight work schedule she is always incredibly generous with her sharing of information.”

Trina Dalziel

FINDING MY TRUE NORTH

"Claire, Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou so much.  

I can’t express how much this little back and forth chat has helped me today!  I'm on path to my True North and it means so much."  

Claire Gardiner

My clients and commissioners include

Creatively Conscious


Claire Venus

Creative Consultant, writer and Mentor

Photo credits.

Individual artists and people via their online presence, pink Flowers Amy Shamblen.  See her work here. 

The other images are all ones I've taken.