Catching Fireworks

"I attended an arts in business seminar by Be Smart About Art in January 2016 - Deborah Henry-Pollard was a key member of the panel of speakers. I was really impressed by Deborah's presence as a speaker (and I have seen many, many speakers) - she exudes sincere confidence, warmth and great passion for her subject(s). I found her captivating and would highly recommend her for public speaking events!"

Emma de Polnay

"We invited Debs to give a talk at our local networking group & I think all there would agree just how inspiring she is."

Shona Chambers, [email protected]

I have spoken at events for: Chester Literature Festival; Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize; West Dean College; Be Smart About Art; Cass Art; Art & Design Employability; University of East London; University of Exeter; Artsmart; The Design Trust; Forum Arts; Creatives Hub; Association of Women Art Dealers; Shape Arts; Four Corners; Secret Subterranean London symposium, Illumini; Wellcome Collection.

If you are an organisation who would like me to deliver one of my interactive talks with your group, or be a guest on a webinar or podcast, please get in touch for a conversation.

"Thank you for such an inspiring evening - I was buzzing when I got home … the talk was brilliant" Audience Member

Forthcoming Public Talks

Wed 18th Sep 6:00pm - 8:00pm Overcoming Promophobia Seminar at Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Yard, London SW17 0BB. Book here.

Talks

A Vision and Why You Need One

What is visioning and what is the point of it in your creative career?

Do you want to choose where you will be in 10 years or just allow yourself to drift and hope for the best?

Wherever you are in your career - a newbie, changing course, moving to the next level - knowing what you are setting out to achieve isn't always immediately clear. Then how do you articulate that so you will stand out amongst other similar professionals?

During this 1 hour interactive workshop, I will use personal experience, case studies and relevant examples to show the benefits of creating a vision for yourself. These include self motivation, proactivity, engaging others and keeping focus. I will also lead you through an exercise to look at where you want to be in 10 years time.

The session is participatory - please come prepared with pen and paper!

“I still feel as if I've had a caffeine injection from your session. It was quite extraordinary.”

"The energy in the room has been tremendous...I felt totally lifted"

Workshop participants

5 Top Tips for Coping as a Creative

This 2 hour interactive workshop addresses 5 common mindsets which can be stumbling blocks with creatives.

This isn't about how to run a social media campaign, fill in a tax return or get into retail outlets: you are intelligent enough to find sources of information for yourself. It is about those moments when your own thoughts stop you from moving forward. We will look at small steps to help you with issues like confidence, managing overwhelm, working with your fears and business planning - is it really a totally different set of skills? I will offer practical exercises and tools which you can take away to help you cope. This will be light touch coaching - please come with a notebook and pen for the exercises and reflection.

This talk is inspired by my book, What’s Your Excuse for not Succeeding as an Artist.

"Thank you for a fantastic workshop today! It was both interesting and inspirational, and you have given those of us attending some great tools to work with."

“This was such a success. Your presentation was wonderful.

I learnt so much.”

"I loved it! It was really helpful! I have adopted the one minute meditation as my new calming trick!'

"Awesome ...I just loved your gentle, kind approach."

Workshop participants

Podcast Appearances