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Fall 2022 Catalyst Program

Welcome

Hello Catalyst Artists!
I am so excited to go through this journey with you! I am sharing with you some important information and suggestions for the Catalyst Program.
First, for those of you who are attending the classes LIVE-Please arrive on time—-VERY IMPORTANT— because we will have a lot of great material to cover and I need plenty of time to share as well. Remember it is fine to watch the replay, that is the point of an online class, you can show up live OR watch the replay. For those of you showing up live, you can ask questions in real time or later in the comments section. For those of you watching the replay, you can ask questions in the comments section. I will reply to all questions, so don’t worry, your needs will be met!
Each class will consist of training, resource sharing, reflection, goal setting and a brief prayer. It sounds like maybe too much, but don’t worry it will be just the right amount of each. Come prepared to do some deep work relating to getting yourself set up for a very productive year, it will be so much fun!

Before Module 1, here is your first assignment:
Please pray and spend some time with the Lord— quiet, dedicated time where you make sure you are right with the Lord. I will require a lot of praying, and very specific praying during this process, and we all know if we are not right with the Lord and others we MUST take care of that first. Next, pray for clarity of vision from the Lord regarding your career. Pray for His wisdom, knowledge and insight relating to your personal resources—- your time, money, and emotional, mental and physical resources— ask the Lord to show you what you are capable of giving to this process, ask Him to make His presence known to you and felt by you as you progress.

Now sit down and write what you are going to give to this process— your personal resources— what of each of them will you give to move your career forward.

Remember to think practically— not theoretically.
For example, how much time each week can you set aside and commit to work on your career?
Do you need to invest financially?
If so how much and on what?
Pick a time each day to pray specifically for your career.
Write it down.
Commit to it.—– These are just a few ideas.
Don’t stress if you can’t finish this before Module 1— but I do want you to be thinking and praying in the right direction so when we meet all our heads are in the same space.
I am already praying for you— for break-throughs, for influence, for opportunities and that you will glorify God in all you do.
Please pray for yourself this way too! May the Lord Bless you and keep you, may his face shine upon you and may you hear His voice and follow Him! I will send you another email with your link to the class. So don’t worry that is next!
Lots of love, see you in Module 1!
Blessings,
Michelle Pelsue

Establishing Your Resources: Module 1: Taking Stock & Asset Identification

Video:

Welcome to Module 1, As promised you will receive an email from me with your Zoom login. Meet me in Zoom Tuesday, September 27, at 10am(PST) We will host the live class there. Once Zoom emails me that the recorded class is ready for upload. I will upload the recorded class with Q & A right here! Before the class, print out your PDF Module 1 Workbook below, so you can follow along during class. Click on the paper clip icon under the Module 1 Workbook to print the PDF.

Happy Module 1! Here is a great article I recommend reading about the birth of the creative entrepreneur. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/01/the-death-of-the-artist-and-the-birth-of-the-creative-entrepreneur/383497/

Below are some great words of encouragement from scripture to mediate on and pray about this first week. I also have included some fun and inspiring quotes. Enjoy!

Link to Downloadable Module 1 Workbook: 

Catalyst module 1 workbook fall 2022

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program 2022 Module 1 verses and words of encouragement

 

Establishing Your Resources: Module 2: Adding Value

Video:

2.

Link to Downloadable Module 2 Workbook: 

Calalyst Program Module 2 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Calalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 2 2022

 

Establishing Your Resources: Module 3: Branding/Identity 

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 3 Workbook:

Catalyst Program module 3 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 3

Links:

I also wanted to share with you a link to a great short article on branding. Enjoy! https://www.entrepreneur.com/encyclopedia/branding

Here are some resources to help you if you want to hire someone to do a logo for you. Here are some online options:
https://www.fiverr.com/
https://99designs.com/

This resource is to make your own:
https://www.canva.com/

I also wanted to send you to some examples of branding and CV’s and resumes. Check out these diverse websites, look at their BRANDING, their ABOUT page, artist statements and resumes, not all the websites include all that they should but these sites are inspiring and will get your ideas flowing:
https://www.libertyworthart.com/
https://jahmalholland.com/
https://voiceacademyla.com/
https://www.torihiga.com/
https://www.tjapkesart.com/
https://lynnaldrich.com/home.html
https://www.outdoorexposurephoto.com/
https://www.sapnareddy.com/
http://kamilastankiewicz.com/
https://tylerperry.com/
https://gracecarolbomer.com/
http://www.maxbarbakow.com/

Clarify Your Strategies: Module 4: Audiences

Video:

4.

Link to Downloadable Module 4 Workbook:

Calalyst Program module 4 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Calalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 4

Links:

Here is a great, short article on what an ideal customer avatar is, check it out: https://www.forbes.com/sites/henrydevries/2019/09/25/what-is-an-ideal-customer-avatar/#3f24d74b7327
Another important article (it’s a short read), on the value of the 1,000 true fans!
Here: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/
Potential Audiences for Specific Genres: Potential Audiences for Specific Genres(2)

Bonus Module 5: Pro Bono Publico

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 5 Workbook:

Calalyst Program module 5 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Calalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 5

Links:

Here’s the link to an article on Pro Bono versus Volunteering. It is excellent and a must read: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/can-you-deduct-pro-bono-services-from-your-income-taxes-3515623

Here’s a great step by step for visual artists who need help creating their CV: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/artist-cv

Clarify Your Strategies: Module 6: Boundaries:

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 6 Workbook:

Calalyst Program module 6 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Calalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 6

 

Attract Your Audiences: Module 7: Website

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 7 Workbook:

Calalyst Program module 7 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Calalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 7

Links:

I also have a great article you need to read for art & artist websites. Check this out: https://www.artbusiness.com/weberrors.html
And for filmmakers here’s a very applicable article for you to read: https://www.indiewire.com/2016/04/attention-filmmakers-your-website-sucks-290006/
And for the best and most comprehensive review of web hosting services: https://www.techradar.com/web-hosting/best-free-web-hosting
Here is another resource, this time it’s a review of the best plugins for a photo gallery in WordPress https://themeisle.com/blog/wordpress-gallery-plugins/

And here is the #1 commerce plug in for WordPress as well: https://woocommerce.com/

Attract Your Audiences: Module 8: Social Media

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 8 Workbook:

Catalyst Program module 8 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 8

Links:

Here’s a great article on the details of Hashtags. check it out: https://www.socialpilot.co/blog/hashtag-strategy

 

Attract Your Audiences: Module 9: Self Promotion

Video:

9.

 

 

 

Link to Downloadable Module 10 Workbook: 

Catalyst Program module 10 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 10

Links:

Before you attend this weeks Module, please watch this TedX Talk on the art of failure here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnOnKjm51Oc
It’s short, her story is honest, transparent and super helpful! And we will discuss the video in class!

Bonus: Module 11: Getting and Giving Testimonials

Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 11 Workbook:

Catalyst Program module 11 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 11

Links:

Here’s the link to flow page which I think they renamed to flow code. But still the same service. https://www.flowcode.com/page

Bonus: Module 12: Finale: Best Practices

Welcome students to your final lecture in our course!
Congrat’s you have come a long way!!!!!!!
Be sure to download the workbook and verses before watching the lecture. And once you are done with your work in the workbook, be sure to download, fill out and turn in the Final Evaluation so you know and Michelle knows where you are at in your work and what other help you need. Turn in your filled out Final Evaluation to: institute@a-e-m.org and Michelle will contact you to set up a one on one Zoom meeting to go over your Final Evaluation and ask her any additional questions!
Video:

Link to Downloadable Module 12 Workbook:

Catalyst Program module 12 workbook

Verses & Words of Encouragement:

Catalyst Program verses and words of encouragement module 12

Links:

Catalyst Program Final Evaluation

As I stated in the live class, here is a great resource article on our website for time management: https://a-e-m.org/time-management-strategies-for-creatives/
Today I got a question about a retail marketing calendar— here is a link to an article that outlines the dates for this, hope it helps: https://consulterce.com/retail-marketing-calendar/