Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Alvarez.
Hi Margaret, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. It was there I learned how to use an art journal. If you were in the visual art department, they required you to carry one and it was graded. I struggled with my art journal; I wasn’t sure how to use it. I saw others with beautifully filled journals, but I felt that I didn’t have much to say. As I got older that would change. I was gaining new experiences and growing, and I started to consistently use my art journal to reflect on my growth. I didn’t know it at the time, but I would be carrying this art journal for the rest of my life.
Art journaling reflects who I am. It is a record of my development and my experiences. As an adult, I’ve learned to use it as an outlet. For the past nine years, a reoccurring theme in my art journal has been gratitude. This brought to life the idea of teaching others to start a “Creative Gratitude Practice”. This gratitude practice would also include exploring art materials, art techniques, collage and writing. I felt so strongly that without this gratitude practice I created, I would have nothing. If I could have this safe space to record all my blessings and reflect on the life I am grateful for, why couldn’t I share these ideas with others? Once I came to this conclusion, I knew it was time.
This happened in 2019, during a very interesting period. It felt like divine timing! The pandemic started and I was working from home for five months. I needed my art journal more than ever. It was helping me put everything that was happening into perspective. So, I started sharing my ideas on social media. I created “My Artsy Coach”. I would coach people on using creativity as self-care. Mainly, using an art journal as a gratitude journal combined. Art journaling is something I am very passionate about, so it seemed like a great place to start. I began by creating a website, social media accounts and I invited people to try out my Art Journaling workshops for free. I wanted to dig in and share how truly helpful this practice was.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Obviously with the pandemic came distance learning. Workshops online ONLY and not teaching face to face had disadvantages. I now teach “in person” workshops and it’s been so great. Sharing my story with people and teaching face to face has its charms. I think mostly it’s been a great start. I am a full-time art teacher at a private school and I am a mom. I struggle with managing from time to time, but it is getting easier to do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I first started My Artsy Coach I had to do a little research. What sort of market was there for this? Who could I target and who would listen? There were no creativity coaches out there doing what I wanted to do. Combining gratitude and creativity was a part of my own personal journey and I wanted to teach how it could change your life. So essentially, this practice was for anyone who needed a positive change and perspective.
I started by creating a basic workshop. The Art of Gratitude, a hands-on workshop that teaches people how to combine art journaling with gratitude journaling. I teach a variety of art techniques and art journaling prompts that will allow people to channel their stress and anxiety into a creative flow.
There is something that happens when I teach. I see this light turn on when my students have the art supplies in front of them, especially adults. The excitement is what makes this so rewarding for me. I use very basic materials. Art supplies you can find at any store. We start with crayons, watercolor, pens and stencils. I call it a “Creative Gratitude Practice”. I always share my personal journey during my workshops. I love art and I love teaching so much. I feel very fortunate that I get to do this job for a living and now I also get to share why my Creative Gratitude Practice is so important to me. It has been such a gift.
I have recently started teaching classes on www.jewelneverbroken.com, a mental wellness destination created by singer/songwriter Jewel. You can find my Gratitude Art Journaling Classes there. I teach live and three of my classes live on the website. I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization that supports mental health.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned to have the courage to share what I love. I started this with an Instagram account and a very simple website in 2019. I wasn’t prepared for all of the other layers. So, this has been a huge learning curve for me. There are so many directions you can go and without help, it can be overwhelming. I’ve learned not to put so much pressure on myself to get it all done and enjoy the ride. I am lucky that I have a supportive husband and family to lift me up when I feel overwhelmed.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons: Per Student $50/hr
- Workshops: 2-6 Students $150/hr
- Workshops: 6+ Students $200-$350/hr
- Groups 12+/Special Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myartsycoach.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myartsycoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myartsycoach
- Other: https://www.jewelneverbroken.com/share/4vz1PZc2HEt3lSRm?utm_source=manual
