Gwendolyn Noltes

1. Don't focus on one project I’ve been trying to get funding for a new artistic project and I’ve put a lot of time and energy into writing grant applications. Unfortunately without any success so far. Learnt a lot and so on, but since I focused solely on this project, I wasn’t receptive to any other opportunities and might have missed some chances there. In 2016, I’d like to be more open minded. ...
2. Keep on moving! My life motto. It’s important to keep on moving, in any thinkable direction. Even if you’re stuck at some point (career wise or personal life), force yourself to get up and move. It helps. ...
3. Make choices So now and then I reach a point that it feels like my mind is exploding; too many things to think about and too many things to organize. Migraine is an unfortunate consequence. Making choices and listing all my activities help me to create an overview so that I can breathe again. Even though I've worked as a freelancer for several years, it remains a learning process!

It’s important to keep on moving

1. Keep on smiling This sounds cliché, but for me it’s important to keep seeing the positive sides of life; even if you’re facing some difficulties. When I’m working in the Betahaus café I’m always trying to welcome people with a smile. It’s great to get one back. Even better to give a compliment with it too (well-meant of course). ...
2. Approaching potential clients convincingly Being an artist means I haven’t studied marketing or any other ‘sell-yourself-to-the-big-world’ course, so for me it’s hard to ‘sell myself’ to ‘the people out there’. I’m always insecure about my work; this doesn’t help. In 2016 I’d like to train myself in approaching potential clients convincingly. Even better would be to have an agent. ...
3. Collaborations Collaborations with talented people are great! At the moment I’m working on a new project with Luisa Cázares Orduño. She's an illustrator and also works as a barista at the Betahaus café. We’re aiming on a long-term work relationship. I’m looking forward to many exciting and challenging collaborations in 2016. ... 

I’d like to train myself in approaching potential clients convincingly

Besides being the familiar friendly face of a barista in the Betahaus café, Gwendolyn Noltes is a freelance scenographer. In layman's terms; she's a stage, set and costume designer and concept developer for various artistic projects.

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