What is the best thing that I love about my work? Il processo creativo. Quel particolare momento del processo creativo in cui catturo la realtà, intesa nelle sue innumerevoli forme : può essere un paesaggio, una conversazione, un passante, la caffettiera che borbotta. Varco una soglia ed è come essere in un altra dimensione, è quella dimensione intima che ogni creativo deve affrontare, il rimescolamento di ciò che è intorno a te, e cosa questo può darti. The creative process. That particular moment of the creative process in which I capture reality, in its innumerable forms: it can be a landscape, a conversation, a passerby, the coffee maker that mumbles. I cross a threshold and it is like being in another dimension, it is that intimate dimension that every creative must face, the mixing of what is around you, and what this can give you.
What is my idea of happiness? incondizionatamente : essere liberi. unconditionally: to be free.
What is my greatest fear? Svegliarmi una mattina in una gabbia dorata, per aver rinunciato a volare in cieli sconosciuti. Waking up one morning in a golden cage, for having given up flying in unknown skies.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? Il mio ultimo insegnante di fotografia : Mohamed Keita. My latest photography teacher: Mohamed Keita.
What is my greatest extravagance? La mia intolleranza all’Allium sativum, che in Italia significa non esistere. My intolerance to the Allium sativum, which in Italy means not to exist.
On what occasion would I lie? Per proteggere una brava persona. To protect a good person.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Le relazioni di convenienza.Convenience relationships.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I have had the opportunity to experience wonderful moments many times in my work, but the experience that I will always carry in my heart will forever be the residence for Stand Up for Africa, in Pratovecchio-Stia. Ho avuto l’opportunità di vivere molte esperienze belle nel mio lavoro, ma quella che porto nel cuore è la residenza per Stand Up for Africa, a Pratovecchio-Stia.
If I could, what would I change about myself? Una persona cara una volta mi ha detto : “Non devi chiederti se sei felice, devi solo essere felice”. Quindi devo smettere di chiedermelo. A missing loved one said to me: “You don’t have to ask yourself if you’re happy, but just being happy”. I have to stop asking myself that.
What is my greatest achievement in work? Quando coinvolgo altre persone e con queste riesco a creare una bella sinergia. When I involve other people and with them I manage to create a beautiful synergy.
Where would I most like to live? Dove posso guardare l’orizzonte. Where I can scan the horizon.
What is my most treasured possession? I miei ideali . My ideals.
What is my most marked characteristic? I miei grandi occhi scuri. My dark big eyes.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? Scelta difficile, dico solo che qualsiasi panettiere della mia zona è tentatore quando sforna la schiacciata la mattina. It’s a difficult choice, I just say that any baker in my area is tempting when the flatbread is ready in the morning.
What books influenced my life and how? Io bambina: “Il vecchio che leggeva romanzi d’amore” e “Storia di una gabbianella e del gatto che le insegnò a volare” di Luis Sepúlveda. Io adolescente : “La casa degli spiriti” di Isabel Allende e “La bambina che amava Tom Gordon” di Stephen King. Io fotografa : “Manifesto del Terzo paesaggio” di Gilles Clément e “Il ritorno del reale” di Hal Foster. Me as a child : “Un viejo que leía novelas de amor” and “Historia de una gaviota y del gato que le enseñó a volar” by Luis Sepúlveda. Me as teenager : “The House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende, “The girl who loved Tom Gordon” by Stephen King. Me as photographer : “Manifeste du Tiers paysage” by Gill Clément, “The return of the Real” by Hal Foster.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Jessica Fletcher.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? Le mie nonne e i miei nonni. My grandmothers and grandfathers.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Fury (2014), directed by David Ayer.
What role plays art in my life and work? Considerando che per me la realtà che ci circonda, dal gesto quotidiano all’inaspettato, è materiale, beh … Considering that for me the reality that surrounds us, from the daily gesture to the unexpected, is material, well …
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? Non avere paura. Non avere paura se qualcuno ti minaccia, non avere paura se provano a calpestarti, se vogliono che rimani con la bocca chiusa. Non farti strappare la penna di mano e se lo hanno fatto riprendila immediatamente. Nessuno ha diritto di dirti come essere, nessuno ha diritto di scegliere per te. Sei tu l’eroina / l’eroe della tua storia. Do not be afraid. Don’t be afraid if someone threatens you, don’t be afraid if they try to trample you, if they want you to stay with your mouth closed. Don’t get the pen out of your hand and if they did, take it back immediately. Nobody has the right to tell you how to be, nobody has the right to choose for you. You are the heroine / hero of your story.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Molti crimini, tanti “partners in crime” ahah! Questa è la domanda più difficile a cui rispondere, perché ho avuto l’immensa fortuna di trovare tante persone fantastiche sul mio cammino, le quali mi hanno vista correre, mi hanno vista cadere per poi rialzarmi. Loro sanno a chi mi riferisco, e va bene così. Many crimes, many “partners in crime” haha! This is the most difficult question to answer. I had the immense fortune of finding fantastic people on my way : they saw me run, they saw me fall and then get up again. They know who I mean, and that’s okay.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? Ho avuto l’opportunità di lavorare con Virginia Zanetti presso Villa Romana Florenz questo Luglio, per la sua performance “Be a poem”. Per quanto riguarda le esposizioni, ho esposto dal 4 fino al 18 Luglio per l’Associazione Satura, a Genova, la mia fotografia “Silenzio” del 2019, che potete vedere sul mio sito personale. In questi mesi invece sto lavorando con il collettivo Parco793 – Artist Run Space, in provincia di Pisa, formato da Matteo Nuti, Nico Lopez Bruchi, Muz, Chiara Rossi, Valentina Lisci e Matteo Mariotti. I had the opportunity to work for Virginia Zanetti at Villa Romana Florenz this July. As for the exhibitions, I exhibited from 4 to 18 July for the Satura cultural association, in Genoa, with my photography “Silenzio” from 2019, which you can see on my personal website. In recent months, however, I am working with the collective Parco793 – Artist Run Space, in the province of Pisa, formed by Matteo Nuti, Nico Lopez Bruchi, Muz, Chiara Rossi, Valentina Lisci and Matteo Mariotti.
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my
creative career would i love to meet in 2020? Non credo di avere risposta a questa domanda. Quando abbracci una certa filosofia non solo di lavoro, ma anche di vita, capisci che dopo ogni incontro non sei più la persona di prima. I don’t think I have an answer to this question. When you embrace a certain philosophy not only on work, but also of life, you understand that after each meeting you are no longer the person from before.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? Sto lavorando ad un progetto fotografico prettamente incentrato sul ritratto. Gli altri progetti (tanti) sono una sorpresa. I’m working on a photographic project purely focused on the portrait. The other projects (many) are a surprise.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
My website : https://aliceferretti.wixsite.com/aliceferretti
My Instagram : alice_ferretts
Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?
Francesca Rossello – visual artist
Stefania Venuti – Graphic designer
Nadia Neri – visual artist
Agnese Puccinelli – Illustrator
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.
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.
You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
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.