Artists are often working on the leading edge of their culture because they handle mythic material.  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.

Are you are developing a story, book, screenplay, or visual art project, or doing other creative work utilizing mythological themes?

I can help you understand how and why these mythic materials work— so you can make your project more engaging and impactful.

Consultation on the mythic content of your project could include:

  • Identification of the mythological motifs and patterns (the Hero’s Journey is not the only mythic pattern!)

  • Reputable resource and information about your central myth or story, relevant background stories, and essential structural elements and images in the mythic content that you’re using

  • Evaluation of the way plot lines, characters, lyrics, symbols, and other components strengthen or weaken your message

  • Feedback on the viability of your project and suggested next steps

There is a relationship between the mythic content that calls to you, your project, and your artistic identity. The resources and expertise that I offer as a consultant frequently cross over into creativity coaching.(Learn more about my creativity coaching.)  We can also explore this relationship in the course of our work together if that feels valuable to you.

Inner ear by C.Svehla

Cost:

My fees are based on the size of your project and the amount and type of consulting desired. The fee for my initial review of your project is $300+ depending on the amount of material involved. I’ll provide an estimate for the cost of my services once I understand your project and we’ve agreed on the assistance you’d like me to provide.

First Step:

Contact me via email. Provide a brief description of your project, the type of help you need, your timeline, and your budget. Let’s see what’s possible.

“”The new vision of the universe, it must be kept alive.  The only people who can keep it alive are artists.” Joseph Campbell

“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. Teasing out the difference gave me the clarity that I needed. Thank you for your research and support, and for caring about my project!”
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