There’s two ways people work with me. The first is the most obvious – they identify a need for themselves or in their practice and they approach me. I’d love to say that the majority find me on their own, through my Instagram or website, but it seems that there is actually a small group of lovely advocates for my work out there who recommend me and act as match-makers. When this happens I’m reminded of the inter-dependence of all things and how contemporary craft is quite a small community and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
I have a number of long term clients, who like a bit of ongoing support, as well as a regularly changing list of short-medium term clients, who have specific things they’d like to work on. In the last couple of years a number of my clients have been fortunate to be awarded funding to develop their creative practice and have decided to build mentoring into that process. I’ve worked with artists who have had Jerwood Bursaries, a-n Bursaries and Arts Council ‘Developing your creative practice’ grants. I always feel honoured to be part of that ongoing investment in artist’s careers.
Here’s what some of the individuals I’ve worked with have to say:
“What has it been like working with Melody longer-term? It is a regular ‘check-in’, not only with progress, but where I am emotionally and mentally; It’s a form of self-care. Working with Melody helps me to dedicate time and energy to think about where I am and what feels the biggest need for me right now. I juggle a lot of commitments and often my creative practice can shift in priority, this time pulls it back into view and helps me to keep moving forwards. I’ve heard the phrase recently working ‘in’ your business or working ‘on’ your business, this definitely feels like the latter. Often, I can get so wrapped up in working ‘in’ without zooming out at the wider picture. My conversations with Melody help to place me into a different space, where I can think of possibilities without boundaries and it is to her credit that I can think big without feeling overwhelmed.
As my conversations with Melody have developed into a routine, I have become more relaxed about needing to say the ‘right’ thing or coming up with the ‘right’ solution because it has become an ongoing process of learning and developing. I am more open to changing plans because I have become more connected to listening to my truth. I believe experiences have the most value when we try to make sense of them and working with Melody helps me to do this.”
– Charlie Birtles
“The mentoring I’ve received has been incredibly supportive, helping me to write applications and achieve significant career goals. You can clearly sense Melody’s enthusiasm, passion and interest in supporting makers. The space she offered me during our sessions encouraged honest dialogue, supporting me to reflect on my creative practice through open discussion and thoughtful reflection.” – Rachael Colley, a-n Bursary recipient
“Melody Vaughan has always been a delight to work with, her kind and calm approach creates a comfortable space that is perfect for effortless discussion and reflection. When talking through an idea her insights and encouragement are not only inspiring, but often leave me feeling drawn closer into the idea of the work itself with new clarity and focus.
For me that has looked like an acknowledgement of new ways of writing about my work and offering me both the emotional and practical advice on how to pursue that in my practice. If you also are looking for an opportunity to mindfully interrogate your work I can’t recommend her enough.” – Katy Gillam-Hull
The second way is that people often find themselves working with me is through a third party who has kindly provided the mentoring. I work in partnership with a couple of organisations offering my services as part of an award or residency programme. This work is a lot of fun as I get to work with people who I might not otherwise get to know, their practices might not strictly be ‘craft’ or they might work internationally. It can be interesting delivering mentoring for an organisation who has their own needs, as well my responsibility for their clients, and this keeps me on my toes!
Here’s what some of the lovely organisations I work with have to say:
Precious Collective
“Melody Vaughan is a passionate curator and creative consultant who supports and promotes makers. If anyone has had the incredibly good fortune to work with her or have her on your side, you’ll know what wonderful insight and kindness she has for both emerging and established artists. Melody truly is a one-off and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with someone who seeks to encourage and develop the creative community as much as we do within the Precious Collective.”
Cluster London residencies
“Melody has been a vital element within our artist-in-residence programme. She helped every artist to understand their practice in a deeper manner, to articulate their ideas and to put together their thoughts in a cohesive way. Our programme wouldn’t have been the same without her as she contributed massively to each artist’s development even though each one was unique. Everyone from the team to the artists involved in our bespoke approach loved Melody’s character. I hope she will always take part in our programme and other projects.” -Ema Marinova, Founder & Director of Cluster London
So if you’d like to work with me do feel free to get in touch, or maybe consider including me in a funding bid (I can even help you write that proposal). If you’re part of a cpd programme that offers mentoring you could even suggest me if you have a choice! Whatever way we connect, I’d love to hear from you.