Poetic State provides career and life coaching for ambitious creatives who feel a little stuck.


Are you ready to move forward—without imposter syndrome, selling out, burning out, or losing yourself?




You shouldn't have to choose between creative fulfillment and career success.

You're talented. You've built a career. But something feels off.

Maybe you're circling the same questions, second-guessing decisions, or feeling disconnected from work that once energized you. The creative industry moves fast, and it's easy to lose yourself in the noise.

I help creatives find clarity and momentum. 

Through deep listening and breakthrough questions, we'll untangle what feels stuck and map out your path forward.


Learn More


What You’ll Experience

  • Immediate clarity on what’s actually blocking you — no more spinning in circles.
  • Practical strategies designed to work with, not against, a creative mind.
  • Breakthrough perspective shifts that make challenges feel lighter and more solvable.
  • Action steps you’ll actually want to take — not generic advice, but moves that feel aligned.
  • A coach who’s been where you are in the creative industry, who speaks your language.
  • Momentum that lasts beyond a single session, with tools you can return to again and again.


Free Discovery

Trusted by creative professionals at:

  8inc. • Airbnb • AKQA • Apple • Athletics • Base Design • Bruce Mau Design • Carter’s • CashApp • CHANEL • Coke • COLLINS • CoinBase • Doubleday & Cartwright • Figma • Ford • G&A • Gensler • Google • HighSnobiety • Huge • IBM • IDEO • INK—MGMT • Instacart • Instrument • JKR • Koto • Landscape • Marc Jacobs • Microsoft • Meta • MoMA • Mother Design • New Apology • Nike • OpenAI • Pentagram • Porto Rocha • Red Antler • Ro&Co • R/GA • Something Special Studios • Sonos • Spotify • Stink Studios • Sylvian • UNIQLO • Wolff-Olins • Work&Co • Zip and many more...

“Bryan is incredibly compassionate and attentive. He listens so deeply that you see your own potential emerge.”

— Roanne Adams, Founder
“Bryan’s empathy and practical guidance helped me balance a demanding creative role with my personal passions.”

— Kimou Meyer, Sr. Creative Director


Hello! I'm Bryan.

I help ambitious creatives navigate career inflection points—without selling out, burning out, or losing who they are.

I started my career as a graphic designer at Wolff Olins, later working as an art director at Huge and a creative strategist at Eight Inc. in Singapore. Today, I consult with INK—MGMT and previously co-founded Unvisible, a recruiting company that supported cutting-edge studios and brands in finding multidisciplinary talent.

As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), I’ve coached hundreds of creative professionals worldwide. My approach adapts strategies often used by CEOs—retooled for creatives, freelancers, and small business owners. By combining empathy with practical frameworks, I create space for honest reflection and co-create steps designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What I Bring to Our Work Together:

  • Creative Industry Insider – 10+ years in design, strategy, and recruiting
  • Deep Listening – I create safe spaces for honest reflection
  • Breakthrough Questions – I help you see new possibilities and break through barriers
  • Action-Oriented – You'll leave every session with clear, actionable next steps

Whether you’re feeling stuck, clarifying your vision, seeking new opportunities, or strengthening your personal brand and habits, I’m here to help you align with what matters most—and take meaningful action toward it.



Quick Clarity

Drop-In Coaching Session

When you need to unstick one specific thing

60 minutes • $275*

Perfect for:

  • Trying coaching before committing
  • A pressing decision keeping you up at night
  • Momentum when you’re close to a breakthrough
  • Past clients needing a tune-up

What happens:

  • We focus on your most urgent challenge
  • Questions that shift perspective and unlock options
  • Clear next steps you can act on immediately
  • Resources to maintain momentum



“Within minutes Bryan provided clarity and a clear set of next steps. Concise, yet deeply impactful.”

 
— Karen Ingram, Creative Director



Deep Reset

The Clarity Session

When you feel stuck and need direction

90 minutes • $350

Perfect for:

  • Feeling lost in your career direction
  • Needing perspective on a major decision
  • Freelancers wanting focus and strategy
  • Anyone craving a thoughtful reset

What happens:

  • Deep listening to locate where you’re truly stuck
  • Breakthrough questions that reveal new possibilities
  • One immediate task you can implement right away
  • Clear next steps aligned with who you are



“He gave me an actionable task with long-range goals in mind. I feel a renewed sense of possibility and greater clarity.”


 — Ann Humphreys, Author & Editor


Transformation

The Partnership

When you’re ready for sustained change

3 months • $3,000*

Perfect for:

  • Making a significant career transition
  • Building long-term clarity and confidence
  • Needing ongoing accountability and support
  • Ready to invest in lasting transformation
  • Ensuring you actually follow through on your goals

What’s included:

  • Weekly and/or bi-weekly 60-minute sessions
  • Support between sessions (email check-ins)
  • Custom tools tailored to your situation
  • Accountability partnership for your goals



“In three months I’ve managed to unblock and finally start creating again. Bryan’s coaching made a HUGE difference.”

 
— Sara Poljak, Brand Designer

From Stuck to Unstuck


Transformational coaching approach combines curiosity, creativity, and empathy to help you connect with your deeper purpose and calling.

We’ll begin by understanding your current challenges and aspirations, then dive into the patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back. 

Through deep listening and insightful questions, we’ll uncover hidden motivations and translate them into clear, actionable steps. The result is a structured yet flexible path that aligns your goals with your purpose—helping you move from feeling stuck to taking decisive action.  




Deep Listening

I truly listen to understand where you're stuck, without judgment. This creates a safe space for honest reflection and breakthrough insights.  

Breakthrough Questions

I ask the right questions at the right time—the kind that break through the boundaries you've created for yourself and reveal new possibilities.  

Clarity & Direction

Together, we transform limiting beliefs into actionable strategies. You'll gain clarity on your path and understand your next steps.  

Take Action

You leave with immediate, actionable tasks designed to help you achieve your goals quickly while staying aligned with who you are.  


Transformational Coaching:
We Go Deep


I believe that underneath our goals and motivations lies a deeper desire to connect with our individual purpose and calling. My coaching process relies on curiosity, creativity, and empathy—paired with tools derived from leadership coaching, positive psychology, and personal brand building.

This process connects clients to the underlying motivations of their aspirations. It results in richer and longer-lasting outcomes while empowering you with new resources for your personal and professional journey.


What Makes This Different:

  • Practical + intuitive combination
  • Creative industry experience
  • Quick results with lasting impact
  • Speaks your creative language


Book Your Free Discovery

What Clients Say

Real stories from creative professionals who moved from stuck to unstuck—discovering clarity, confidence, and new opportunities along the way.




“Bryan gave me the clarity and momentum to start a writing practice I’d been circling for years. He cuts through the noise and helps you focus on what truly matters.”
— Alfred Dickson II, Design Leadership at Apple
“Bryan is a treasure. He combines affirming support with sharp intuition, helping me align my career path with my values and uncover my highest potential.”
— Mona Elsayed, Brand & Client Experience Leader
“After a single conversation, I was thinking more deeply and critically than I had in years. Bryan’s ability to decode problems and chart a new path is truly astounding.”
— Justin Fines, Executive Creative Director
“Even after just a couple of meetings, Bryan gave me powerful tools and a clear vision to pursue the career I’ve always wanted.”
— Joe Encarnacion, Associate Creative Director
“Bryan is both a great coach and a natural inspirer. He listens deeply, gives thoughtful feedback, and helps you recognize and follow your own path forward.”
— Louis Byrd, Responsible Innovation Architect
“Bryan has a unique ability to address the challenges creatives face. His guidance is supportive without ever being patronizing.”
— Sara Poljak, Brand Designer
“Bryan is a visionary who sees both the big picture and the critical details. He listens deeply and turns your aspirations into actionable steps.”
— Karen Duval, Director of Sales
“Bryan blends intuition with practical guidance—helping me get unstuck and find new possibilities aligned with my values.”
— Matthew Perreault, Creative Executive Leader & Multi-Emmy Winner
“Bryan’s intuition and empathy are unparalleled. He brings broad perspective and genuine care to every interaction, offering invaluable insights.”
— Sadek Bazaraa, Global Creative Director



Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of coaching do you offer?

I specialize in coaching creative professionals—designers, art directors, writers, and multidisciplinary creatives. I help people navigate change, find clarity, and level up in their careers by turning complex challenges into growth opportunities.

Who is your ideal client?

Ambitious creatives who want more than advice. They're ready for action and accountability—often because they feel stuck, have too many ideas, or are overwhelmed by options.

What are the benefits of working with a creative coach?

You'll walk away with clarity, creative breakthroughs, increased self-awareness, renewed confidence, and improved decision-making. Coaching provides compassionate accountability and a fresh perspective.

How much does your coaching cost?

I offer a range of options, from single clarity sessions to quarterly-based coaching. Pricing depends on the specific service; a brief introductory call is available to discuss the right fit.

How does your coaching process work?

Everything begins with a conversation to understand your goals. Together we co-create a path forward, exploring challenges, identifying strengths, setting goals, and developing strategies to move ahead.

What can I expect during a coaching session?

Expect real talk in a judgment-free space. I ask insightful questions that spark insights and help you uncover answers. You'll leave feeling grounded and energized.

How often will we meet, and for how long?

Frequency depends on your goals—some clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, while others book one-off clarity sessions. Sessions typically last around 60 minutes.

What if I need to reschedule a session?

You can reschedule with at least 24 hours' notice to ensure availability and avoid losing your session.

What are your qualifications and experience?

I'm an ICF-Certified Professional Coach (PCC) with more than a decade of creative-industry experience, including roles at Wolff Olins and Huge. I trained in transformational coaching at the Open Center in New York.

What is your coaching philosophy?

Every creative has something meaningful to offer, and clarity unlocks courage. My coaching blends deep listening, strategic questioning, and compassionate accountability to help you uncover your path.

Do you offer a guarantee?

There is no guarantee of specific outcomes, as results depend on your effort. However, most clients experience clarity and momentum even after a single session.

Do you work with clients outside the U.S.?

Yes. I coach clients globally via Zoom. Time zones can always be worked out.

Can my employer cover the cost of coaching?

Often, yes. Many companies support professional development. I can provide an invoice or proposal if you’d like to explore this with your employer.

Do you offer sliding-scale options?

I reserve a limited number of spots each quarter for clients in transition, unemployed, or self-employed. If this applies to you, let’s talk.

How do I know if coaching is right for me?

Book a free chemistry call; many clients experience clarity and momentum after one conversation, which helps them decide.

What if I have more questions?

Reach out via the contact page or email if you have more questions or need further information.