What is the best thing that I love about my work? I like to implement humor in my work, that, hopefully is apparent to the viewer!
What is my idea of happiness? Comfort within yourself. I work on this every day. It allows me to see clearly and stand taller. Comparison is the thief of happiness.
What is my greatest fear? I fear people who have the ability to do whatever they please without suffering a moral consequence. Whether this be due to a mental sickness or simply a lack of consciousness, I truly fear people with no remorse.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Truly I wish that I was more able to accept criticism without taking it personally. As an artist, this is a huge part of my career and I constantly struggle to not be hurt by the opinion of others.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Seth Macfarlane is a mastermind. I cherish his sense of humor and touch of class on otherwise raunchy content. Simply a God in my eyes.
What is my greatest extravagance? I definitely spend more money than I need to on other people… For birthdays or to make them feel better when they are down. I often find myself being overly generous to people, because I have a crazy amount of empathy for people because in my life I have experienced highs and lows in my career.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? I think that my lighting and coloring could be improved, to add more drama to my work. It all feels a bit lighthearted, to me.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I was designing avatars for a video game startup company called Brimhall and Associates, and I could see my work standing out positively.
If I could, what would I change about myself? I would be more mean. I am too soft at my core. Haha!
What is my greatest achievement in work? I pitched a film during my senior year at Savannah College of Art and Design, and, the concept was so controversial that it had the department divided. My teacher threw a chair and was almost fired trying to get my concept published… I like to see that my work meant that much to someone.
Where would I most like to live? In the woods in Washington state.
What is my most treasured possession? My planner! I love that thing…
What is my most marked characteristic? My laugh is the first thing people will remember about me, I think. It’s loud and lighthearted. I like to think that it can help ease tension.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My friend’s porch in Silverlake, LA. I stayed at his house when I first moved to LA– and it has a clear view of the Hollywood sign. I would look up and get inspired whenever I was working there.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? I cook at home a lot and I am amazing at it… So my kitchen? haha.
What books influenced my life and how? For some reason, the first book that came to mind was “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” where a girl has to survive on an island alone with her dog. It makes me think of how to retain composure for survival in a tense situation, and use resourcefulness to improve your situation without lashing out.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day? Sexy Weekend by the Scoundrels is an all time banger.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? My favorite animated series is “Over the Garden Wall,” and the main character, to me, is the definition of a hero. He has to overcome all sorts of real life and mythical obstacles to keep himself and his little brother safe. The cape also adds to this heroic image.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Seth Macfarlane. Again, a total genius.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Battle Royale. Just watch it. It’s insane.
What role plays art in my life and work? Art is my drive. Without the desire to improve and overcome, I would be lost.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? I have total control of my surroundings. It is very liberating to leave home and do whatever I can to pay the rent and keep myself fed… (Even though I often have to pick one haha).
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? At SCAD, I had a teacher who took special interest in me. He would keep me after class to talk about the ins and outs of the industry, (he was the guy who threw a chair for my film). He left a huge imprint on my life and I will always have him to thank for the belief I have in myself.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? Adult Swim would be a huge deal to me. Also, Cartoon Network, and Disney Television Animation would be an honor to work for.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? I was just picked up by a lingerie company in New York to do an ad for, and I am so excited! I’ve never worked on a project like this– which excites me.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020? www.carymccool.com
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I fully intend to animate until I die. Not to be intense, but a lot of animators in the industry never retire. I plan on just getting better forever.
How can you contact me? carymc.cool@gmail.com
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.
The Heroine's Journey 