Hi, my name is Amanda van Gils

I am based in Brisbane Australia and spend my working days supporting visual artists, in Australia and worldwide, to build and run joyful and intentional art careers and businesses so they can thrive.

Artist & Art Business CoACH

A Unique Combination of Skills and Experiences

Like you, I am an artist. I’m also an experienced coach and business owner, and I get a kick out of helping artists to achieve their aspirations.

I’ve been exhibiting and selling my paintings and drawings for over 20 years, mostly in Australia, and for two decades was also a consultant, executive and business owner alongside my art career (true story).

Because of this experience mix and a lifelong passion for learning, I know how to effectively: work with galleries, organise exhibitions,
set up websites, mailing lists and online systems,
write and acquit successful grants,
manage online businesses,
sales, marketing
and more.
And I want to share that knowledge with you to help you elevate your art success

how having a dual career As an artist and coach helps me help you

When you’re an artist wanting to work with a coach to help you with the business side, you want someone who truly understands the business you are in – understanding the industry, what it is to be an artist, and having art and creativity as the centre of their life is all incredibly useful.

But you need more than a ‘fellow traveller’. Here’s a bit of my story…

Over the past 20+ years I have also had a career in business. An ‘accidental executive’ I have worked on and off in the corporate world where my creative sensibility gave me the edge through my ability to help people to reframe and look at things from different perspectives. It was here I built coaching expertise and learned to create strategies and plans, communicate, influence, deliver, delegate, collaborate and where I learned about different resources that artists could tap into.

I’m an all-round problem solver and love helping others to see a different way to tackle a problem. The skills and knowledge I have gained in my ‘non-art’ part of my life have helped me enormously as an artist, and they help me to bring you the best mix of my art and business knowledge in a way that makes sense for artists.

My ARTIST STORY

I have been exhibiting for over 20 years, though I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree earlier… much earlier.

For years after art school, I couldn’t find my way to ‘being an artist’ and all that entailed. Aside from doubts about my abilities (something I have since discovered many artists share), I simply didn’t know how.

I felt like there was an invisible doorway that I just couldn’t see and I knew in my heart of hearts, that on the other side of that doorway was a whole world of art and artists, where I belonged. I was desperate to find that doorway.

After a (much too long) delay, I took stock, made a plan and got to work.

In 1999 I prepared to re-enter the ‘art world’ and in 2000 I undertook a Post Graduate Diploma at the Victorian College of the Arts.

Since then, I have exhibited in numerous exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas, and in national art prizes including; the Sunshine Coast Art Prize, Mosman Art Prize, Fleurieu Art Prize, Tattersall’s Club Landscape Art Prize, John Leslie Art Prize and more.

My work has been included in publications such as Vogue Living, Queensland’s Sunday Mail, Art/Edit magazine, and has been acquired for Greenslopes Private Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital, Monash University, and various private collections in Australia and overseas.

I have curated large scale exhibitions and developed and ran the online gallery ART500 for 6 years and an ‘artist supporting artists’ forum prior to that.

I also know that being an artist requires resilience and courage, and that having a community to cheer you on can make a huge difference.

I managed to create my own doorway, and now here is a doorway for you in The Artists Business Lounge.

My Favorite Things

art
(duh)

books

My family

the first day of spring

the seaside

MY core values:

Generosity, openness, creativity, learning, warmth, community, friends, family, optimism.

WHERE YOU CAN SEE MY ARTWORK

Visit my website for more http://www.amandavangils.com

MY CV

Click here for my Art CV

MY COACHING CAREER

I also coach ‘non-artists’ through my Rise & Shine Coaching business on a range of topics. I have been coaching for a number of years and to date, I have coached Small Business Owners, new Entrepreneurs, long term Corporate Leaders, Executives, First time Managers in a wide range of industries and even a Singer and a Poet.

THINGS I DO MY BEST TO AVOID:

Blaming, judgement, incessant complaining, boiled peas and brown spirits.

MY TOP 5 GALLUP STRENGTHS

Relator
Input
Strategic
Ideation
Achiever

MY FAVOURITE Quote

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

Work with me

The Artists Business Lounge Success System

An end-to-end program for visual artists who want to thrive.

A comprehensive program to help you structure your artist life to work for you.

The Artists Business Lounge Success System is built to support a thriving community and as the hub for courses, coaching calls & resources.

For artists who don’t want to waste time reinventing the wheel. The program covers how to automate your art admin, set up your business, your mindset, organise exhibitions, grow your audience, sell your art and so, so much more.

Endorsements for Amanda Van Gils

"Amanda has helped me over many years to get my art practice organised. She offered me systems and advice out of her broad industry experiences, way beyond just the practice of making art in the studio. Amanda knows well the business of artmaking and has extensive practical knowledge of her craft. She is warm and engaging and talks straight, with a hugely generous desire and capacity to connect people and enable them to be their own best."

Deb Mostert Artist, Queensland

"Amanda is a fellow artist who’s advice and counsel I can always rely on, and I do so on a regular basis.

Louise Blyton Artist, Melbourne

"Amanda is a fountain of knowledge and no question is ever too silly to ask her. Amanda's dedication to her art career and those around her is exemplary. If ever I have an art problem or question be it about galleries, pricing, social media or linking me up with like-minded artists, Amanda is always the first person I call!"

Minka Gillian Artist, Central Coast NSW

I have had the privilege of working with Amanda van Gils on two major exhibitions and have found her to be an extremely passionate, committed and inspiring individual. Not only is she an extraordinary artist in her own right, she also has exceptional curatorial and project management skills, collaborating with artists Australia-wide. Her dedication to promoting the arts and her energy and enthusiasm is something to aspire to

Susan Buret Artist, NSW

I am so lucky to have found Amanda! From the first time we spoke, she shared so much wisdom and knowledge. Not only did she help me with long-term business strategy, but she provided support for the surprises that popped up along the way. When the opportunity arose for my first art show, I knew exactly who to contact for guidance. She guided me to do things I never would have considered and the process was so much smoother for it."

Kelly Reeves

Artist, California

"Amanda is the most amazing guide! She is direct and incisive and is able to see my BS that holds me back and she just kindly calls it - such deep appreciation."

The Artists Business Lounge

Hi, my name is Amanda van Gils

Artist & Art Business CoACH

A Unique Combination of Skills and Experiences

how having a dual career As an artist and coach helps me help you