Work together
“Janaka devoted his time to the development of my book in a way I hadn’t experienced before or since. The writing process was challenging for me, yet Janaka’s curiosity and his vision helped guide me forward. I am deeply grateful for this level of support, which I fully believe ensured that my book went on to receive both a Whiting Award and a Queer|Art Prize for New Work.”
“Janaka helped me write a story that I didn’t think I could write, and was an integral part of both the structural and spiritual aspects of composing my second book. It is rare to find a masculine mystic as embodied and knowledgeable as Janaka is, and I am so grateful to have been acquainted with him, to have worked with him, to have been polished by him.”
Whether you're an established artist or an aspiring creative, many of us have encountered obstacles—perhaps a creative block after past successes, or disruptions in our practice due to life changes like family, relationships, careers, or health. Or, maybe you've simply depleted your resources and need assistance charting a new course. Regardless of the cause of your stagnation, our collaboration aims to realign you with the fulfilling work you love and channel that energy into a more meaningful life.
My method is holistic. I view creative practice as integral to our pursuit of balance, prosperity, happiness, and well-being. In our journey, we focus on principles, not rules. Rules apply to a system which is static—and neither life nor the creative flow are static. Principles are constant, but can be adapted to changing situations—and life is nothing if not constant change!
What distinguishes my approach is 15+ years of professional experience helping organizations move from vision to execution. I've worked with industry leaders like Harvard Business School, McGraw-Hill Education, and Barnes & Noble Education to implement their visions in tangible, impactful ways. Over the many years of leading teams, coaching individuals, and putting my own creative work into the world, I've learned that clarifying your vision is a critical first step, but it's just the starting point. The real work is building the structure and systems to realize your vision in the world.
For individual creatives, I combine the operational rigor from my corporate practice with training in goal architecture. Our sessions are designed to be productive, offering you practical perspectives on your work and creative trajectory that will continue to support you outside of our meetings. My aim is to help you manifest your vision and talents tangibly, creating value for yourself and others—not through vague encouragement, but through the same frameworks I use with mission-driven organizations navigating strategic ambiguity.
“The path of an artist can often feel like a solo one, with dreams leading the way. As an artist I thrive on ideas, inspiration and a wild nature. I knew I needed guidance on structure, and solid actions toward my vision. Working with Janaka was exactly what I was looking for. The simple act of saying yes, a commitment to myself—with the support of Janaka—propelled my art career and personal well being forward. Working with Janaka brought structure, obtainable goals, accountability and a solid and safe space. Janaka is present, and grounded, holding space while seeing solutions. Being an artist doesn’t have to be a solo venture, it can be a path of success, support and momentum. The work I did with Janaka has stayed with me. I am grateful for the tools, and a light on the path forward. “”
“Working with Janaka was divine timing—in the midst of career turnover and major life changes, I worked with Janaka to not only approach creativity through a new lens, but to approach life in a way that is fulfilling and intentional. Janaka helped me first identify then achieve some of my goals in only a few weeks while also setting me up for sustainable success. This mentorship program is perfect for providing direction and intention in a way that is approachable and magical.””
I offer two structures for working together, each designed for different creative ambitions.
Two Month 1:1 MENTORing Program: $2,000
Payment plans and sliding scale rates are available.
These are the relationships I truly love cultivating because they are so impactful. With more time together at our disposal we can explore various exercises and meditative practices for quieting one’s mind and uncovering the heart of your practice. Unlike the one-time consultation where I take your portfolio away and sit with it, we will be doing work together, in real-time.
During our eight weekly hour-long sessions we will look at whatever creative output you want to workshop together. Additionally, we will talk about ways to build on past successes and enhance your practice through customized reading recommendations, writing prompts, and lifestyle rituals.
After the initial eight sessions end, these relationships can last as long as they are adding value to your life. Many people I have worked with in the past continue to meet with me weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or simply on an ad hoc basis as needed.
One time consultation: $495
We will begin with a 30-minute meeting to talk about where you are with your work, where you want to be, and what you see as your obstacles towards getting there. Come prepared to give me some sort of portfolio, and be ready to discuss your relationship to that which is greater than you. After I have been able to spend a week with your portfolio and your goals for yourself, we will meet again for a 30-minute consultation. In this second meeting I'll offer you feedback—answering specific questions you may have and focusing on general principles moving forward. I may also provide some customized suggestions for further reading & resources relevant to your creative practice.
“Janaka helped establish a direction in my career path that I could not have anticipated and have benefitted from for the years following our initial sessions. The tools we employed towards establishing and pursuing my individual goals were simple and practical, but I entirely credit their success with Janaka’s supportive and enthusiastic presence which he brought to every meeting. Regardless of where you are in your professional or spiritual life, if you sense you could benefit from Janaka’s help, I couldn’t recommend his services more—you would not only glean wisdom from his years of hard-won professional and personal successes but you will gain an ally whose sincere interest in his students’ own success surpasses the confines of allotted time.”
“Through Janaka’s guidance, I have shifted from dreading the promotion of my work to engaging with promotion as a creative practice in and of itself, and even feeling genuine joy and excitement in the process. I was so grateful for Janaka’s encouragement to honor the daily practices that keep me feeling centered when I’m navigating new terrain. I used to downplay the importance of these practices and now I appreciate that they are just as vital to my career as the moments where I’m actively creating.”
“When I retired from the financial industry, I was determined to focus on growing my creativity. After a couple of years of some solo flailing around, I had the best fortune to connect with Janaka. Working with him as my creative mentor has been game changing for me. He has collaboratively guided me in building an individualized creative process that works for me—providing insight, input, knowledge and reading recommendations that have been uncannily perfect. Now, I am creating within a framework that supports productivity with goals. I recommend Janaka to all—he is a uniquely qualified, creative artist and mentor who I feel incredibly grateful to be working with.”
