The myths and old stories are the foundation of any creative enterprise.

“Same Old Same Old” by C. Svehla

The quest for the new begins with the old. The personal and the collective always intersect.

We tell and retell the same stories, mining them for their contemporary resonance. They are our conversation partners, whether we embrace, extend, or reject them.

The ancient Greeks called this creative engagement mythopoesis, “making myth.”

It’s the means through which artists in every genre lead the way to new and necessary cultural forms, ideas, visions, and expression.

It’s the means by which you come to know yourself and your message.

If you are developing a story, book, screenplay, or visual art project, or doing other creative work utilizing mythological themes, I can help you understand why and how they work so you can make your project more engaging and impactful.

  • Identify mythological motifs and patterns in your project (the Hero’s Journey is not the only mythic pattern!)

  • Get educated on the relevant background stories and essential structural elements

  • Understand how the characters you develop can strengthen or weaken your project

  • Use reputable resources to deepen your understanding of the myths you are using

  • Clarify and flow with the mythic pattern in your creative process

  • Get in touch with the archetypal images and mythic themes that guide your artistic identity

Inner ear by C.Svehla

Fees are based on the scope of your project and the amount and type of consulting desired. The fee for my initial review is $200+ depending on the amount of material involved. I charge $50/hour to review draft works in progress and offer suggestions. Idea development and collaboration during the creative process is $140/hr. I will give you an estimate once I understand your project and we’ve agreed on the assistance I’ll provide.

Bring your creative vision into the world. Deepen your understanding of your creative process — of how and why you make the art you make.

Contact me via email and provide a brief description of your project, what you think that you need, your timeline, and your budget. I’ll let you know if I can take on your project and we’ll sort out details and an agreement from there.

“Pay attention to what rises up in you.” Ranier Marie Rilke

“I’ve worked with Dr. Svehla on several different types of creative project over the past 10 years,

most recently the recording of my music CD “Flower Time,” a distillation in song of the last 25 years of my life. 
 
She provided the two things most difficult for my creative mind to provide for itself: objective clarification of what the project was really about, and insight into my personal creative process. 
 
Catherine contributed to every aspect of the project, from song selection to instrumental production, vocal coaching, and cover art and design. She ensured that every aspect of the project offered the focused, coherent statement I desired.
 
I credit Dr. Svehla’s input and steady guidance for the project’s success. Whatever the nature of your creative project, I believe you will find her offering invaluable.” 
Rags Rosenberg
performing songwriter @ragsandbonesmusic.com

“I so appreciate your holding my paw in this coyote story.

You helped me see Trickster Coyote and “my” coyote. Thank you for your research and caring!”
Luana Lynch
author of “Coyote Parenting”

Other options and resources

Simply doing some research or want to get a bit further on your own?

Feel free to email me if you have a specific question. I’m happy to help you if I can.

If you are working with a specific story or theme, the extensive story archive at the Myth Matters podcast or my earlier Myth in the Mojave podcast, could be useful.

“A myth is good to think with.” –Claude Levi-Strauss