Artist Testimonials

Don't Take Our Word For It Hear What the Artists Who Work with Us Say

See more testimonials and artist stories on the Success System page here
Click on the artist names to visit their websites

SUCCESS SYSTEM PROGRAM

"...support that I need, when I need it..."

The Artists Business Lounge is such a find and continues to be so useful for me with regards to knowing how I am running my arts business. I am getting targeted resources and support for the areas of business that I need, when I need it, all whilst being connected to a great community of artists in business themselves.

The unique Arts specific Business supports from the Artists Business Lounge are so thorough, with nothing being too ridiculous to ask, or too mundane to improve on.

Having a 30 years plus Studio Practice, accessing Amanda’s ‘Artists Business Lounge’ has added the timely, inspirational, arts specific, business care that I wanted to help me work more efficiently, and with confidence, to increase my productivity and income.

It’s a rich, brilliant space for Artists, and it’s being offered right here, online in Australia. Thanks so much, Amanda.

Yvonne Maclean - Melbourne Australia

Success System Program and INDIVIDUAL COACHING

"...cuts through with calm clarity..."

I joined The Artists Business Lounge [Success System Program] for 2021. The coaching calls in the program were a significant benefit so, since 2022 I’ve been working 1:1 with Amanda.

Amanda directs me to the relevant resources of The Artist Business Lounge but with that extra individual support, guidance, reassurance and direction that I need.

What I find amazing is the way Amanda works with me…when I go into ‘brain scramble’, she cuts through with calm clarity.
She asks what I need then sets things in place to get me there. It’s like having a GPS, life coach, cheer squad and a friend, all in one package.

This support has helped me go from feeling like a ‘deer in the headlights’ to achieving targeted goals. These include exhibiting, an improved website, mailing list, Instagram, confidence to build my community and a disciplined studio practice.

Gillian Richards - GOLD COAST, AUTRALIA

SUCCESS SYSTEM PROGRAM

"Amanda is the real deal..."

Amanda has developed a warm and inclusive community of artists. She is genuine and generous with her time and advice. There is no doubt that Amanda is passionate about helping members of the program succeed. She has created a lovely atmosphere of sharing and a real sense of community.

Valerie Khoo - Sydney, Australia

SUCCESS SYSTEM PROGRAM

"...already seeing the results..."

“Amanda is an experienced and dedicated mentor and coach who provides extensive knowledge, resources, and community on her Artists Business Lounge platform.

In a short time, I am already seeing the results in my professional growth as an artist and filling in all the business gaps that art school hadn’t taught me.”

Luiza Milewica - New South Wales australia

Useful content and knowledgeable coach

"Great course and exactly what I needed"

Amanda’s Strategy and goals setting workshop was exactly what I needed to create clarity and focus going forward with my art practice. Excellent value. Great tools to help me with planning and working towards my new goals.

Stefan Gevers - Melbourne australia

Reclaim Your Confident Creative Self Program

"The program helped me in unexpected ways"

The [Reclaim Your Confident Creative Self Program] program helped me in unexpected ways, I didn’t think that I would be able to fully implement the tasks….but I have found when I’m in a less confident position, there’s a voice that comes into my head as a reminder that I am capable and I can leave the imposter at the door! I’ve recently had to present a weekend workshop with individuals with much more experience than me in my field….I was nervous, lacking confidence and dealing with imposter syndrome….but on the way there thought through many of the things I learned with Amanda, took a deep breath and…..had the most successful weekend! Thanks heaps Amanda

Debbie Hill - Hobart, Australia

SOLO EXHIBITIONS BOOKED AND FEATURED IN PRESS

"...opportunities I had only previously dreamed of"

The Artist’s Business Lounge is just what I need right now. The combination of professional online classes that I can take at my own pace and our community through the coaching and Q&A zoom calls are helping to focus my mindset, hone my skillset and increase my toolset. This is enabling me to take my arts practice and business further and quicker in the direction I am wanting.

Within the first two months, I was able to organise and automate my art business administration and be better prepared to write proposals for opportunities I had only previously dreamed of and more. Several months on I secured two new solo exhibitions and have been featured in two art magazines.

Thank you, Amanda, for your encouragement, and professionalism. I totally recommend the Artist’s Business Lounge.

Peter Brook - MeLbourne, Australia

from hobbyist to artist

"...now the title artist actually fits"

“If you are a creative person with an art practice and are dying to invest more STOP before heading to the art supply store. And look here instead.

The Artist Business Lounge took me from hobbyist to artist by giving me all the practical business guidance I needed to start from scratch.

Creating has moved from being squeezed into week nights to a daily practice that has landed my work in homewares shops, exhibitions, making sales and being a finalist in an emerging art prize and feeling like now the title artist actually fits.

The Success System Program is comprehensive, collegiate and professional. Amanda is an amazing coach, accomplished artist and business mentor. I highly recommend you enrol when the course is next open to get the tools to transform your artistic life.”

Janet Evans - Brisbane, Australia

Success system program

"The Artist Business Lounge Success System delivers just that – success".

The course materials provided in The Artist Business Lounge are detailed, relevant and professionally written. The regular coaching sessions are an absolute gold mine of information. This is all provided within a strong network of support and comraderie

Only six months into the 12-month Artists Business Lounge Success System Program, I have not only met the artistic goals I set for myself, but have exceeded them!

Sales and income targets – exceeded
Commissions obtained for artworks – exceeded
Exhibition attendee numbers – exceeded
Social media exposure – exceeded
Gallery connections – exceeded

Through achieving these great results so quickly, I find I am approaching my arts practice with more confidence, self-belief, enthusiasm and energy.

The Artist Business Lounge Success System delivers just that – success.

Tania Small - SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA

ACTIVATION WORKSHOP FOR ECOMMERCE LAUNCH

"...educated me on things I had not yet considered..."

I recently booked an Activation Workshop with Amanda as I had many questions in regards to an upcoming launch of my work.

Amanda’s experience, intuition, and wealth of knowledge in both the worlds of art and business was a fabulous support. She not only answered all my questions but also educated me on things I had not yet considered that were important to my website and print launch.

Amanda is a kind, knowledgeable, and generous support and I have since joined The Artists Business Lounge Success System for continued growth with my business and work.

Lisa Ray - MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

clarity and direction

"...one lightbulb moment after the other!"

Your courses and information have really helped give me some clarity and direction when I couldn’t think of anything more but knew I was missing something.

The simplicity and clarity of your amazing body of knowledge and information is exactly what I needed and was like one lightbulb moment after the other!

I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of others who study your offerings.

Thank you for doing what you do. Eternally grateful.

David Bongiorno - sunshine coast australia

getting on with the job of being an artist

"Confidence in the decisions I make"

Doing The Artists Business Lounge Success System program has given me more confidence in the decisions I make.

Before I was constantly second-guessing myself and wondering if I was doing things the “right” way. Now I have clear information to guide me.

I now spend the time I used to spend worrying and doing research, just getting on with the job of being an artist.

Amanda chooses great special guest speakers too. These have expanded my horizons more than I could have imagined. I highly recommend The Artists Business Lounge to any artist who is finding the business side of being an artist a struggle or confusing.

Jan Allsopp - COffs Harbour, Australia

from foggy to very focused.

"I now have a focused business plan and my art career is flourishing."

The Artists Business Lounge has been amazing for me. In a few short months, my art headspace has gone from foggy to very focused. I used to suffer from shiny object syndrome where I had many projects but not really doing any of them well.
Amanda has been an inspiration in guiding me in the Success System program and with one on one coaching. I now have a focused business plan and my art career is flourishing with commissions and sales.

Michelle Mann - sunshine coast australia

A GREAT JUMP START ON 2023

"Right from the start, the program had me asking questions about my business I hadn't thought of"

”Two months into the Success System Program and I can already see changes in the way I think about and approach my art business.

Amanda’s program has given me tools to identify my target audience and to better understand and reach that audience.
I’m also learning how to systemise a variety of tasks so I can spend more time creating. And, perhaps best of all, I get access to an online community of artists, all exploring the same topics together and benefiting from each others’ learnings.

Thanks for creating this learning space Amanda!”

Iain Burley - Brisbane, Australia

MINDSET RESET

"Fresh Perspective"

I’ve been thinking about myself differently, in a positive way and feeling ready and eager to move on – to move forward to the next level with my art – Yay!

I’ve been mud stuck for a while. Now I am flowing!

Thanks, Amanda, I put my recent positivity to your influence and being in The Artists Business Lounge, which has given me a fresh perspective and allowed me to kickstart my career – again.

STEVEN WARBURTON - MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

NO LONGER INVISIBLE

"Achieving long term goals"

Being in the lounge has really helped me solidify a long-term vision of myself as an artist, and to break down the steps required to achieve those long term goals.

What this program has done for me is to shine a light on those areas I have been ignoring for the last ten years.

Life is fluid and I now set aside 4-6 hours a week for catching up on emails, goals and the to-do list. I have found this frees up a lot of headspace because it doesn’t continually nag in the back of my head.

SIOBHAN KELLEY - VICTORIA / WESTERN AUSTRALIA

reaching business goals

"The next steps in my creative studio business. "

My 1:1 coaching sessions with Amanda were extremely beneficial.

Amanda has the ability to ask excellent questions which helped to guide me toward the next steps in my creative studio business.

Not only that, but she provided additional insights along with actions that I could take to further my goals.

I highly recommend working with Amanda as she brings a wealth of knowledge in the business of art to each session.

HILARY HAHN - los angeles, usa

learned so much about business and the art world

"Shortened my learning curve by years."

With Amanda’s help, I successfully hung my first art show. I’ve developed a long-term business strategy that’s aligned with my goals and sustainable.
I’ve learned so much about business and the art world that school didn’t teach me. My career is finally profitable and well-positioned for long-term growth.

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.

She has been a wonderful resource as I navigate the ever-changing terrain of being an artist and business owner. I’m certain she shortened my learning curve by years.

Kelly REEVES - los angeles, usa

fun, caring and supportive

"...learning about the business side of my art practice a whole lot easier..."

Before joining the lounge I was feeling overwhelmed, full of ideas but not too sure where to focus my energy.

Knowing I have the entire year to learn and implement things at my own pace while continuing to make art is changing my mindset from dreading doing the business side of things to enjoying it by incorporating it into my weekly routine.

I find the ongoing support from Amanda and the rest of the participants in the lounge via regular zoom meetings fun, very encouraging and it keeps me motivated.

I have learnt skills to help with my mindset, setting goals, prioritising what’s important, creating new habits and learning new technologies.

Amanda has a wealth of knowledge that she openly shares in a fun, caring and supportive way which makes learning about the business side of my art practice a whole lot easier than I’ve found it in the past.

RACHAEL LEE- brisbane, australia

growing business

"A wonderful foundation..."

Amanda’s coaching has given me a wonderful foundation for my growing business as an artist/art therapist.

Biting off more than I can chew followed by overwhelm is a common theme for me as an artist but Amanda has given me wonderful tools to help me with my mindset and skillset among many valuable business tools including overcoming Imposter Syndrome. I have found so much support through my newfound artist friends in the lounge and enjoyed learning so much in this community.

A wealth of learning and support, with much fun along the way.

HEATHER BRYANT - victoria, australia

consistent monthly income

"I no longer feel...ambiguity around success"

I sensed I was really falling behind my peers in the administration and marketing areas of my business. In fact, I didn’t even see it as a business, even after 15 years as an exhibiting artist and with gallery representation!

Now I have real resources and teachings at my disposal having made the decision to join ‘the Lounge’, and I no longer feel that vague and persistent feeling of ambiguity around success. Earlier this year I set a monthly target for art sales and I have achieved it every month since!

I am going for it! Thank you Amanda!

Donna Malone - brisbane, australia

More endorsements from professional artists...

“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.”

DEB MOSTERT

“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

“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

“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

Endorsements from just a few non-artist coaching clients...

“I have a high regard for Amanda’s true authenticity and profound intuition – her comprehensive understanding of human psychology, neuroplasticity and leadership, makes her a unique and invaluable asset.”

Estelle VORSTER - Chief Information Officer

Amanda has a sincere and inquisitive style and confidently sought to understand the challenge at hand which then perfectly placed her to provide insight and ideas on the roadblocks I was facing, drawing on her extensive experience to give me the clarity that often needs an alternative viewpoint to see.
I couldn’t have asked for more and any expectations I had were exceeded. I highly recommend Amanda to add value across any business or personal coaching and development needs.

Theresa Dark - Retail Executive

I’ve had the pleasure of being coached by Amanda and have developed numerous skills relating to both professional and personal aspects of my life. Amanda has a plethora of tools and ways to capture data that were helpful in highlighting strengths and opportunities in my learning.

She’s a fantastic listener, communicator and explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand and duplicate. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Amanda and highly recommend her services for any business or individual wanting to grow their current skill set in both a personal and professional capacity.

Sarah Kent (Halliday) - Digital Marketer

Amanda is just amazing to work with. She is the only one I trust to look at anything new I’m working on. I value her opinion and listen when she makes suggestions. They haven’t failed me yet. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to get coaching support for their business.

Colleen Jeffs - Entrepreneur

Amanda gave me enormous support during the process, both from a technical perspective of achievable outcomes, and a strategic direction to take, as well as taking time out to rebuild my confidence on a personal level.
I was able to achieve a much better outcome than I would have envisaged at the outset.

Phil Smith - Finance Executive