Making art is a revolutionary act. Be a revolutionary.
If it feels like the world is on fire, it is. The fabric of society in the US is deteriorating, fascism is rearing its ugly head, and Gen AI is doing its best to replace humans.
And that’s on top of all the self-doubt, fear, and other BS that we have to deal with as artists.
We live in a series of systems, and a majority of these are especially hostile to artists. They defund arts programs, under-value and under-pay artists for their work (if they pay them at all), and perpetuate a myth that you’re only an artist if you make a living off your art.
They tell you to stay small, stay in your line, avoid politics, paint in the lines, and to smile the entire time.
An Inner Monster Safari (aka 20-minute intro call on Zoom) is the first step towards wrangling the inner monsters holding you back from becoming the You-est You.
The call is free, and you’ll be surprised how much work we can get done in 20 minutes.
These systemic forces are trying to make you feel small and scared and ashamed to be who you are. They constantly move goalposts so that you’re always behind and never good enough to measure up to their impossible standards so that you’ll keep chasing them.
And of course, your chasing the dangling carrot benefits the rich and powerful (and usually old white men) who benefit from it.
I say f^ck that, and f^ck them. It’s time to take back power, and we start that by making art.
Making art is a revolutionary act. It’s the literal act of creation that every system of power has tried to limit. If books weren’t powerful, they wouldn’t be banned. The Satanic Panic attacked games, music, and art precisely because society feared what art can do – inspire others and create change.
I want all of us to live our most creative, authentic life that’s big, loud, and proud. I want you to become the You-est You possible who makes the art you want to make, says what you want to say, and lives a life of joy despite the constant crushing realities most of us live in.
The journey to finding your You-est You is a path filled with reframing success and goals, working with your Inner Monsters, and having a safe space where you can show up as your true self without having to worry about people judging you or saying the wrong thing.
It’s about building trust with yourself, choosing your own priorities, and then building systems that assist you and removing those that don’t serve you.
This is where I come in. As a coach for creatives, I work with you to create conditions that support your creativity, change the systems that hold you back, and define success for yourself.
The "I Hate Fascism" Special
Since the regime overseeing the US is currently hostile to all minorities, I’m pleased to now offer a limited number of no-cost coaching sessions every week. One per person, per month please.
“Rick’s empathy, understanding of social justice, how systems of oppression work and imposter syndrome have been transformative for my creative practice and growth as an artist (and human). Rick’s helped me unlock how I think about creativity, business, and the direction I want my artistic practice to head.”
– Azadi Amaan, Pianist + Printmaker
Who is Rick?
You can find out more on my about page but my name is Rick Kitagawa (he/him/bog witch), and am a coach that’s helped thousands of leaders confront their fears, find a voice, and do things they didn’t dream possible.
I’ve helped hundreds of creatives, executives, and leaders from around the world wrestle with their inner monsters and find more within themselves than they ever imagined. I’ve helped artists build self-trust, find clarity around their goals, and get past creator’s block.
When I’m not coaching, I’m a visual artist who paints monsters as reflections of the human condition, am a proud cat dad of two sassy tuxedos, and have a slightly unhealthy obsession with colors in the blue-green spectrum.
As the Rick-est Rick behind Kaiju Coaching* I hold space and truly listen to people, ask propelling questions, and foster new relationships between you and your inner monsters in order to create a space for you to truly show up as yourself.
So. If you’re looking for:
- Clarity and the space for you to be the You-est You
- A new definition of success and happiness for yourself
- Empathy, care, and a lack of judgment
I’d love to chat!
*Kaiju (pronounced “kai-joo”) means “strange beast” in Japanese and refers to the giant rubber suit monsters of Godzilla-style movies of yore.
I chose this name since it refers to how our inner monsters all seem terrifying, but they’re really just versions of ourselves in funny costumes. They’re also usually rampaging because they’re being confined to a system that doesn’t appreciate them.
Also, I really like monsters.
Trusted by leaders at companies like:
Note: this is an attempt to let you know I’m actually legit. I’m actively boycotting some of these companies, as I’m pro-union and pro-DEI and pro-ethical business practices.
I also (to a point..paradox of tolerance) can separate the good people who work for corrupt corporations.
Please don’t take any of these logos as an endorsement of their ethical practices.
Coaching FAQ
What is Creativity Coaching like?
As a Creativity Coach, I’m an accomplice in your creative journey, a listening ear, and a mirror to reflect back parts of yourself that you might not be seeing.
Clients often tell me it’s like therapy because it can feel very similar (but I’m not a therapist nor do I play one on TV). In a typical session, you’ll share about what you’re struggling with, and I’ll ask questions and hold space for you as we work through your unique experience together.
We’ll examine existing systems and habits that are holding you back, and co-create solutions to move forward. I’ll hold you accountable to your goals and dreams, while also offering the empathetic understanding of your individual boundaries and constraints that might get in the way.
You’re the Star of the Show
I believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” method of coaching. While there are patterns and similarities, you’re a unique human being, and I’ll treat you as such.
Your unique challenges need unique solutions, and so every coaching session is a bespoke exploration that we’ll co-create together. You already have all the answers inside of you – I just help ask the questions that will bring them to light.
I Know the Fear
I’m familiar with the voice that says “You’re not good enough,” “You’re not qualified enough,” “You’re going to fail..again,” and “No one is going to care.” I’ve heard it all from my own Inner Monsters. I know how demoralizing and paralyzing they can be.
I know how difficult it is to overcome impostor syndrome on one’s own, so I’ve spent my career on helping others get unstuck, realize their own potential, and how to wrangle their own Inner Monsters.
I’ve spent my life examining and understanding systems to more effectively (and safely) navigate them, especially if they aren’t made for you.
Who better to lead you on a safari than someone who is intimately familiar with the terrain?
You’ll Get Monstrous Results
I know I’m not the right coach for everyone. But if I am the right coach for YOU, you’ll see yourself growing and achieving things you didn’t think possible. I bring a blend of practicality with playfulness, rigor with care, and a willingness to have hard conversations with empathy and kindness.
If you’re feeling stuck and you’re looking for a way forward, book a free, 20-minute Inner Monster safari with me and we can test it out – no obligations or strings attached, with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Get it? Because it’s free? Sigh.
Oh yeah, I hope you can take some bad jokes as well.
What are you waiting for? Let’s chat and wrangle some Inner Monsters!
Want to learn more?
Why don’t you go get to know Rick a little bit better at his about page?
Or perhaps consider listening to The Inner Monster Podcast to see if you dig his style.
Or check out his Substack newsletter over here.
Or ask a question via email!
Thanks for reading this far, looking forward to meeting you, and I hope you have a monstrous day!
