What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I currently work a paid job related to printing and design. I studied graphic design in the 90ties and then life took me in different directions and I never got the chance to do anything with what I studied. It was only when I moved to Berlin from London and started my current job, that I finally got a chance to get back to what I had wanted to do many years ago. The job also allows me to work part time and in the spare time I now have, I’ve got the freedom to pursue other artistic interests without having to worry about making money from those.
What is my idea of happiness?
Being totally lost in a project, forgetting time and space and simply create. Coming out of that trance-like state, looking at the work and thinking: wow, now THAT is beautiful!
What is my greatest fear?That the perfect little world I carefully built for myself will get changed by outside influences. I worked hard to build my life in a way that works for me and I will work hard to try and keep it this way.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I wish I would act sooner on things. I seem to have lived my life thinking I was not ready for the things I wanted to do. Suddenly you find yourself a decade older than you feel and you wonder what took you so long to fight for what you want.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
I am a big fan of Anton Corbijn. He is an example of some one who did NOT wait years to do what he wanted. Like me, he comes from a small town in a small country and went to the U.K. Once there he found his way into the world of the coolest bands of the period and he made the most magnificent pictures of them. He created iconic looks for iconic artists. He combined photography with design and put into images what the bands put into words and sounds.
What is my greatest extravagance?
For 11,5 years I had a job which allowed me to travel for next to nothing. I did a lot of traveling in that time. Now I can’t really afford it anymore but I’m happy that I have those experiences to draw inspiration from. It’s something that has helped shape my world view and that not everyone has the luxury of having.
On what occasion would I lie?
There are things I don’t want to talk about. Rather than thinking of a lie, I prefer to simply state I do not want to talk about those things. Same results, a lot less hassle.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
I wish the balance between day-job and my creative work outside that would be a bit more to the advantage of the work outside my day job. I could probably achieve that if I worked harder at promoting myself and if I stopped working for free or for very little money. However, I don’t like money-talk and as long as I don’t tackle that, I will need to keep working the hours I do now.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
At home, music on, cup of tea at hand, lost in a project.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I would learn how to speak up for myself. In fact: I am learning that. But if I could, I’d start this process from my teens onwards.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
The first time I exhibited some work here in Berlin and there was a full-house at the vernissage I felt like I had taken a giant step towards being who I knew I should be.
Where would I most like to live?
I’m pretty happy that I moved from London to Berlin. London was a fight for survival, here I can actually LIVE. There are a few cities I wouldn’t mind spending a couple of years in. New York springs to mind and perhaps a place like Denver, which is the home of some bands I really love.
What is my most treasured possession?
in 2011, when there were riots in London, I suddenly found myself with rioters in front of my house. They had just set fire to a shop a mile down the road (it was on the news) and now they were here and I too lived above a business. I packed a bag to leave and didn’t have time to think about what to take. I ended up spontaneously packing my laptop and my childhood teddy. So I’m guessing those 2 mean something to me.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I do my best to be kind. In work, in life and to the people around me. If I fail at that I feel awful.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
More or less all of it. I love this city deeply. I try to take the tram whenever I can as it allows me to observe street-life more than the underground trains allow for.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
There are so many wonderful food places here! I always end up back at HUM, a wonderful vegan Vietnamese place nearby. For a good drink with some excellent music I go to 8mm.
What books influenced my life and how?
As a teenager I read The Secret History by Donna Tart. That book made me want to travel to the US and travel to far flung places in general. The way it describes nature and old places steeped in history changed how I looked at the world.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
It will have to be a very long day because there is no end to the amount of music I’d want to hear just one more time…. Perhaps the very last song would have to be Plainsong by The Cure.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
My heroine is Esmerelda Weahterwax from Terry Pratchett’s Diskworld novels. She’s strong and independent and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. And she likes cats.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
I don’t know if you should have real life heroes. All people are flawed and putting them on a hero pedestal can only lead to disappointment when the flaws show. Having said that: my parents are rock-sollid there for me. I admire that. Robert Smith, singer of The Cure, has always made me happy with his music, his humour and his spot-on world views. Nick Cave, a man who’s music I have loved for nearly 3 decades, has over the last few years developed into an unexpected source of life wisdom.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Der Himmel Uber Berlin. Although once in a lifetimes is not really enough for that much beauty.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Other people’s art is a constant source of inspiration and makes life worth living.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?
They are the truth, It is however a truth I wished I had realised much earlier in life. But now that I have come to realise it, I make every effort to make my life a good story!
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
Lara, who nominated me for this, has been supportive of all I do from the day we met. Her passion has been a true inspiration and her enthusiasm for my work has given me a lot of confidence.
My friend Heike has supported me in all my endeavours. She buys my work, she recommends me to her friends. I see her do this for other local artists too, she is the ultimate patron!
My perfect partner in crime is Michael. We have worked on and are working on many projects together. We are currently working on the artwork for his soon to be released album for his Blake Day project. My big picture approach combined with his attention to detail is a perfect match. I make sure things get started, he makes sure they get finished as near to perfect as we can achieve on often no budget at all.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020?
I can not think of anyone in particular. I just let things happen and see where I end up. In general I’d like to do more design for bands. I’d love to walk into a record shop and see my work on the shelves.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2020?
It would be lovely to meet more local artists who want to collaborate on projects. I can’t really put a name to these but I am confident that the right people will cross my path.
If we’re thinking big picture then Robert Smith can get in touch when he’s finally ready to release the new Cure album. I’d love to work on that!
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
So far this year I’ve been working on the album art for the upcoming album by my friend’s artistic persona Blake Day. I look forward to continuing this project until the release in March. I can’t wait to hold the fruits of my labour (a nicely designed CD and vinyl) in my hands!
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
From 6th March onwards you can buy the above mentioned CD and LP, featuring my photo’s and design. For the rest I have no definite plans yet but new work can always be found on my website
www.vickydb.com and on my
https://www.facebook.com/VickydbArt/ Facebook page.
The website started off as a photography site but as I have ventured further into painting and animation and design, expect those parts of it to grow.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
People who love what they do will do it as long as they have the strength for it. Or perhaps as long as the inspiration keeps flowing. I hope it never stops.
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Sige Nagels
Ilse Acke
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Heroine’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
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You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
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You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
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You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Heroine’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Heroine’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Heroine’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Heroine’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
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