I’m an award-winning poet and a creative coach, on a mission to help my fellow creators achieve their artistic and professional ambitions.
My coaching clients are all high-performing creators in the arts and creative industries. I’m based in the UK and work with clients all over the world, mainly via video calls, with some in-person meetings.
I’ve been coaching creative professionals since 1996. During that time I’ve worked with outstanding performers in just about every conceivable field of the arts and creative industries, including fine art, literature, film, television, radio, theatre, music, design, advertising, architecture, fashion, dance, computer games and creative entrepreneurship.
If you’re interested in getting my help as a private coaching client, you can learn how I work with clients and apply for a coaching place here.
As well as coaching private clients, I have delivered training, coaching and consulting for organisations including 99U, the BBC, The British Film Institute, British Telecom, Channel 4, The Design Trust, Frog Design, HOW Design, The UK Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, Magnum Photos, McCann Erickson, The Royal College of Art, Transport for London, The University of Warwick and Vodafone.
If you want to enquire about coaching for a Creative Director or senior creative at your company, you can contact me here.
Guests include Steven Pressfield, Scott Belsky, Tina Roth Eisenberg, Jocelyn K. Glei, Michael Bungay Stanier, Javier Weyler (Stereophonics), Christina Patterson, Joanna Penn and Kristin Linklater.
You can explore the archive and receive every new episode by subscribing to The 21st Century Creative podcast on iTunes.
I’ve written four books for creatives, two of which have been translated into Russian:
I also contributed to two international best sellers published by 99U and Amazon Publishing:
Over 10,000 students have taken my 26-week creative career course, The 21st Century Creative Foundation Course. You can sign up here to receive the entire course for free.
Mark McGuinness is a rare cat – part poet, part coach for creative professionals, part old-time, overeducated Brit who thinks deeply about stuff you and I have never heard of … a man who has lived the life and who has watched and worked intimately with hundreds of others who’ve done the same.
~ Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The War of Art
Mark’s unique skill as a coach is being able to empathize as a creative professional, but also challenge as an ambitious entrepreneur.
~ J.F.Penn, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author
Of all the writers I know, I have learned the most about how to be a productive creative person from Mark. His tips are always realistic, accessible, and sticky. It’s not just talk, this is productivity advice that will change your life.”
~ Jocelyn K. Glei, author, host of the Hurry Slowly podcast, and Founding Editor, 99U
Many creative people are busier than ever, but rarely get around to the work that truly matters. Mark McGuinness offers solid and practical advice for busy creative people who want to make their mark on the world.
~ Todd Henry, author of The Accidental Creative
Motivation for Creative People is chock full of stories and tips, carrots and prods. It will give you the kick in the seat of the pants you need to get down to the business of creating. An enjoyable read!”
~ Roger von Oech, author of A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative and the Creative Whack Pack