Testimonials

HERE’S JUST A SMALL SAMPLING OF THE BUSINESSES THAT WE HAVE HELPED & WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US.

Kwerks

Vinh is simply great. He is truly passionate about his work as a business and lifestyle coach, and has helped me tremendously in getting my own business up and running! He is fun to work with and helps makes people’s dreams do come true. I highly recommend him!

See what Alyssa from Kwerks has to say about ArtSHINE

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Alyssa-Designer

http://kwerkshop.tumblr.com/

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Gabby Malpas

Licensing Artist & Designer

ArtSHINE Accelerator & Commercialisation Program

I have been working with Artshine since 2014. In that time I have engaged their services as an art mentor/coach and as an agent for art licensing including representation at international trade shows.

ArtSHINE has provided valuable assistance and advice for my art practice in terms of:
– licensing contracts
– increasing my artist profile both in Australia and overseas
– helped me focus and reach my business goals
– helped me increase my income from art and art licensing and grow my business to a viable concern
– introduced me to valuable business contacts
– assisted with promoting my art through art exhibitions and promotions
I recommend Artshine to other creative businesses and artists because they have contacts, practical experience and insights for artists and
creative businesses that, as a solo artist I do not possess.

Art SHINE Business Coaching Program

I have been working with Artshine for nearly two years on collaborative projects.  I have also been working under Vinh’s tuition since meeting in 2010.  Working with Vinh and Artshine has developed and grown my art practice in ways I could not imagine: as a mentor, he is able to see the bigger picture and will direct me towards projects that produce maximum results and benefits.  His approach is gentle, kind and personal.  Artists can be tricky to work with but he navigates this with sensitivity, humour and kindness.

Vinh is extremely well connected and is generous with the sharing of contacts and knowledge.  He is truly a creative leader and I look forward to many more years collaborating with him and his team at ArtSHINE

Gabbymalpas.com

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Valerie Khoo – Artist, Printmaker & Designer

ArtSHINE Accelerator  Program

Since working with Vinh and Stuart from ArtSHINE, I have gained multiple licensing contracts locally and internationally for my artwork. Their guidance and support have been invaluable in navigating this industry. They are passionate about helping artists commercialise their work while understanding the importance of staying true to the artist’s creative vision. It’s the perfect balance between creativity and business.

ArtSHINE Commercialisation Program

My name is Valerie Khoo and I’m represented by ArtSHINE Gallery and ArtSHINE Licensing. Apart from agency representation, co-founder of ArtSHINE Vinh Van Lam is also an excellent mentor and coach in navigating the unique world of art and licensing. My working relationship with ArtSHINE has been an invaluable part of my development as an artist, particularly in the licensing industry. Through ArtSHINE’s guidance, I have held my first solo exhibition, been represented at Surtex in New York and secured licensing agreements.

ArtSHINE’s approach in the development of artists is effective and powerful. Vinh and Stuart tailor their advice to your specific needs and skills. This is so you can develop an art practice that is sustainable, creatively fulfilling and commercially rewarding. If this program was available online, it would be beneficial to more artists and enable us to connect more deeply and more frequently with ArtSHINE’s resources and advice.

Art SHINE Art Exhibition Program

It was a pleasure to work with Vinh and Stuart from ArtSHINE Gallery. Their guidance and support during my first solo exhibition made the whole experience stress-free and, fortunately, a great success too! They genuinely care about artists and are generous with their advice and mentoring.

valeriekhoo.com

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Sally Wash from Sillier Than Sally Design

I am Sally Walsh from Sillier Than Sally, I am an Australian watercolour artist, educator and I also licence my art with multiple companies through the fabulous crew at ArtSHINE. Vinh and Stuart at ArtSHINE have been my mentors for 10 years now, and they have helped me tremendously along my art journey (which we all know is a hard one). Vinh and Stuart have always held live in-person art events, from exhibitions to coaching to art licensing workshops and events. Seeing them cross over to an online platform as well would be a marvellous idea. That way Australian artists that are in need of help and support at this stage can still get that from the ArtShine group.

Thanks so much
Sally

Sillierthansally.com

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Marie Widolf – Artstist

Art SHINE Business Coaching Program

When I graduated from the University of Newcastle, NSW, with a BA major in Botanical Illustration,  I had many dreams of illustration projects I wanted to work on. I wanted to write children’s books, and producing merchandise like posters, cards, mugs, T-towels and T-shirts: I wanted my art to be marketable, and to make money!  As an artist, however, I discovered I lacked experience in the business side of art, and was not sure how to take my art business to the next level. In 2015, I was introduced to Vinh and his team at ArtSHINE Gallery, who worked with artists to showcase their talents and launch their art careers.  Through their Art Business Coaching Program, I discovered how to identify my niche illustration-style and passion, and how this was pivotal to me moving to the next phase of actually managing my art-practice, via setting manageable goals, and diarising my full weeks and prioritising tasks. I found this coaching program invaluable to me, and recommend this to anyone who wants to learn how to make money from their art.

Art SHINE Art Exhibition Program

Vinh and his team at ArtSHINE Gallery work with artists to showcase their talents and launch their art careers. They are a dedicated team that particularly give support to new and emerging artists, through their Art Business Coaching Programs and Exhibition Programs. In 2016 I successfully launched my cartoon character, named “Gertrude”,  by joining eight other artists in ArtSHINE Gallery’s group exhibition “Eclectic” in their Chippendale gallery. As an emerging artist, and lacking in experience in procedures and practices of commercial art galleries; the support and coaching offered by Vinh was invaluable to me and gave me confidence. Whether you are a new, emerging or even established artist; the advertising, curating, and event launching can either make or break your exhibition. Vinh and his team at the ArtSHINE Gallery collaborate with selected galleries in the Sydney suburbs to bring their artists only the best exhibiting experience, and to a new confidence level, and to establish a launchpad for their artists’ careers.

gertrudebymariewidolf.com

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Kristine Ballard -Visual Artist

OPIC – COACHING PROGRAM

I was impressed with the Artshine Coaching right from the start. Having someone genuinely interested in helping your art practice grow into a professional business is refreshing and invigorating. The exercises undertaken helped me find focus and direction with my own art practice. Defining your outcomes and create achievable plans is a vital element in the program. Vinh’s personal approach and dedication makes you feel that he is definitely in your court. With his knowledge and experience he will guide you in the right direction and still allow you to make all the decisions. If you are ready to take your art to the next level then the Artshine Coaching Program is a worthy investment that will arm you with tools and techniques you will return to well beyond the completion of the course.
ART LICENSING PROGRAM
Art and commercialism is always an area fraught with danger. The transition in producing your artwork over a number of products while maintaining the integrity of your work provides a mind field of contradictions. I found the Artshine Licensing Program a perfect way to understand how it all works and start looking into how my work could transcend the canvas. Run by a team experienced in ‘real life’ success stories, they will help you understand how it really works and guide you gently down the right path. For artists who would love to reach a greater audience with their art and not feel like a sellout, I highly recommend investing in the Artshine Licensing Program.
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Lisa Morgan Art

“I happened by chance to meet Vinh Van Lam when I booked to stay with him and his partner in their Sydney home through Airbnb a few years ago.  At the time I was self-employed in a business that, whilst having an element of creativity, was not pushing me forward into the full artistic life I wanted to live.  My wish was to return to being a full-time artist, a dream I had put aside for many reasons, mostly financial.  But the universe had other plans for me when it construed this chance meeting with Vinh.
I had no idea of his business ArtSHINE when we sat down on that first evening and discussed “life”.   As I opened up to Vinh about what it was I really dreamt of doing he slowly explained the concept behind ArtSHINE and who his target client was.  Someone exactly like me!  I was so surprised and so happy to meet him!  I cannot begin to tell you the lightbulb moment that occurred.  It felt spot on that I was there at that precise moment in time and had ended up sitting talking to a man who could turn every ‘but’ I put forward into a ‘can’.  I don’t think Vinh realised then, or even now that we are good friends, what an impact his listening, his energy, his suggestions and his positive feedback did to help me turn my professional life around.  I owe him a heartfelt appreciation for not only being the catalyst and enabler but for his ongoing mentoring, encouragement and support, all of which I have found invaluable.  Thanks to Vinh I am now happy as a working full-time artist.  And I love it.
Thank you Vinh Van Lam”

Lisa Morgan

http://www.lisamorganart.com.au

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Erik Smithson – Architect & Artist

After meeting Vinh after one of his outstanding presentations at the Artshine Gallery in Chippendale, I found the courage to call myself not just a designer but an artist through his guidance. As a struggling artist trying to find my feet, working with Vinh allowed me to open myself up to the world of art marking and take that plunge that I was desperately in need of. I found Vinh extremely easy to work with as he listened and talked through my concerns and threw in a bit of humor to lighten the mood.  Throughout our time together he provided me with direction and armed me with strategies ineriksmithson.com how to put myself out in the artist world.  Vinh supported me through my journey in developing my own style or what he refers to as my “Quirk”.

Erik Smithson

www.eriksmithson.com

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Rachel Sheree – Rachel Sheree Designs

Vinh Van Lam from Artshine has truly helped me in getting on the right track with my art business.  After returning to Sydney from a number of years living and working in London I found myself a little lost not knowing how to get my art career back on track or who to turn to.  I’d become accustomed to the English way of life and re-adjusting to the Australian culture was proving difficult.  I met Vinh at the Australian Art Show in October 2013 at a free seminar he was holding.  I found the information he provided useful, encouraging me to really start looking at turning things around.  Vinh was there to lead me in the right direction, get me focused and build my confidence.  Not only has worked with Vinh been valuable to my business, but I’ve also gained confidence in my personal life.  After starting work with Vinh I finally feel my art career is headed in the right direction.  Things are falling in to place, tips of all shapes and sizes are beneficial, my business plan is taking shape, and I just plain feel better about myself.
Rachel Sheree
www.rachelsheree.com
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Chris Chun Designs -Thailand/Australia

I have had the pleasure of working with Vinh for the past few years. He has been a ‘guiding light’ in my art career and has been a significant factor in the success of my business.Vinh understands that as ‘creative professionals’, we are unique and that our creativity is just as important as cash-flows etc.If you are looking for someone to help you ‘make that next step’, then I cannot recommend Vinh highly enough.

Chris- Artist & Designer

http://www.chrischun.com

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William & Carolyn- Short story

Vinh is one of the most energetic and passionate people I have ever met.

His desire to truly help people comes from the bottom of his heart.

Vinh has had such an amazing life journey and his experiences are really unmatched, his knowledge will come in handy no matter what type of artist or designer you are, he has helped Carolyn and I on so many occasions and really helps you go the next level.

An amazing thing about Vinh is that he gives you a wealth of knowledge and he makes sure you apply it, and ensures that you hold yourself accountable.

To sum it all up Vinh has been a great mentor to us and his experience and passion for Art and Design are second to none, his genuine will to want to help you and grow you is something very hard to find.

We hope that Vinh continues to nurture and educate us for many years to come.

William & Carolyn-Artists

shortstory.com.au


Scoops Design

At the start of the year, I made the leap from a full-time job to running my own small business Scoops Design. This has been a major career and lifestyle change and I wouldn’t have been able to do it so successfully without the help of Vinh from Artshine. Although I have previously owned and run a broadcast design studio, I realised I needed someone to coach me through the process of making my business profitable and someone who specialised in working with creative people.

I have now been working with Vinh for the last 10 months and he has helped me through each stage of my business plan and creating systems for my business. I have gone from knowing nothing about the retail and wholesale gift and children’s clothing industry to having a stand at Life Instyle and gaining 26 new stockists from around Australia. Along the way Vinh encouraged and guided me through everything I needed to do to get there. The OPIC emails that arrive every fortnight are a great way to keep everything on track and to grow the business. Without these, I would still be at the same stage I was at the start of the year without a real plan for where I would like my business to be future wise.

Apart from the business side of things, we have also worked on lifestyle changes and making sure I get to spend enough time on my personal goals. It has been really valuable working with Vinh, especially having someone who sees the bigger picture, who you can run ideas past and keep me accountable. I highly recommend working with Vinh to grow your business.

Sophie Cooper -Designer

Scoopsdesign.com.au


 IMOK

Before we met Vinh we had been working as artists developing our own unique style with many hopes, ideas and dreams about where our designs could be used and what products we could create. Being a small business we didn’t have much capital or time to do the research to create things like crockery, bedding or even stationary using our designs…this is where Vinh, Artshine and Quantum Compass came in.

 We were doing a trade fair when Vinh approached us and looked at all our work, we had a great conversation and he told us he could see our designs and characters on various products, but he also knew how difficult, costly and risky it was to try and develop these products ourselves. So it was at this point that Vinh introduced us to the concept of Art Licensing – it was the opportunity to create designs for companies that already had quality base products who were looking at adding value and a point of difference to their brand through supporting different artists from around the world. Wow, this was the first we had ever heard of this concept and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us.  Art Licensing is a way for us to continue to do what we love, create, but have the opportunity to be paid to see our designs on greeting cards, mugs and even rug that would be sold around the world!

After having a few enlightening conversations with Vinh we just knew he was the right person to help us take our business to a level we had always wanted, but were unsure of how. Vinh has coached us for over a year now, we have meetings and various phone conversations where he has guided and supported us in creating a comprehensive portfolio that shows various mock-ups of all the products we hope to create. He is incredibly encouraging and we felt very comfortable sharing all of our hopes and fears for the future of IMOK.

Vinh has shared with us his incredible knowledge of the industry and his comprehensive network of contacts who can make our dreams a reality. We have also worked with Quantum compass learning about the OPIC system which really allowed us to really define our goals for the future.

Without Vinh we would still be trying to find the missing link between us, and getting our designs seen by the much larger audience. We truly recommend him highly!

Jen Roberts and Sandra Mason

Owners and creators of IMOK – Art, Illustration & design

 


Faint Impression

When I met Vinh I was working full-time in a job I had lost interest in and was trying to build my business selling handbags and running workshops at night after work. Working full-time on my passion as a business was something I just didn’t think was ever possible. I had accepted the fact that in life you work full-time in a job you don’t really enjoy and you spend your free time doing the things you love and are passionate about.

Since meeting Vinh I have quit my job to work full-time on building my business, something I never thought possible.It’s a big step quitting your job to work for yourself and it’s important to be surrounded by people who have experience in your field and can offer you the support and guidance you need.

Vinh has helped me every step of the way. Together we develop new ideas and ways to promote and improve my business, how to be productive and motivated when working from home and setting goals so I know what I’m working towards and how to get there.

Vinh’s holistic approach to living your passion was the perfect fit for me; I would not have achieved what I have in such a short time without his systems and support.

Sasha- Designer

Faint Impression


By Marie-Nicole

After many years of earning an income through being a professional photographer, I felt I was compromising the quality of life for the standard of living. It became apparent that earning a living through a career that allowed me to live a more family-focused lifestyle was much more important. Which is why I shifted to selling my handcrafted wares based on my fine art and craft skills. But I was uncertain about how to get things flowing. Then I met Vinh from Quantum Compass at the Craft Show in Sydney and could see merit in the service he was offering. Since working with Vinh in his ArtShine Mentoring Program I have learnt ways to approach this new venture confidently and coherently. And have been reminded that understanding your target market and your product is just as important as understanding yourself. Thanks, Vinh for helping clear the fog.

Marie-Nicole-Artist & Designer


Whimsigals

I have grown up with art and craft as second-nature and I wanted to find a way to grow my passion for doll making from a hobby into a small business.My knowledge of managing, leveraging and marketing a business was rudimentary at best, I learned about Quantum Compass Business Lifestyle Coaching through Vinh’s introductory talk at the August 2009 Stitches and Craft Show and decided to sign up for his 3 month course.Vinh has shined a light on my strengths and encouraged me to take the next step forward with confidence. I recommend Vinh to anyone who is truly ready to grow into their full potential”

Kathleen- Crafter/Designer

Whimsigals


Frolic In Fabric

“My business Frolic in Fabric has greatly benefited from regular mentoring sessions with Vinh at Quantum Compass-ArtSHINE. Through sound advice I am now more organised with my time and my finances and more confident in promoting myself and my business. I would certainly recommend this service to anyone striving to turn their passion into a business.“

Elizabeth


AVL Designs

Hi Vinh,

Absolutely Brilliant! Cant believe how inspiring you are! Such a gifted person! You have pledge and dedicate your inciteful wisdom and focus toward my adventure as a designer! The journey has just begun cant wait to share my success with you!

Anthony- Fashion Designer


FSD Australia & MK Furniture Designs

Hello Vinh,Thank you so much for giving me the support I needed to set up my wholesales & Retail furniture business. You and Stuart have shown me how to build up my cashflow and increase sales in my business. My business has grown rapidly and my sales increased up 120% within the past 6 months. Your regular coaching sessions have made a huge impact into my day to day business and held me accountable for my own business and set clear business goals. Once again thank you very much.

Aris Jonathan- Designer & Importer

http://www.furnituresalesdirect.com.au/

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Testimonial for  The OPIC Planner Diary

Since using the OPIC Planner both my personal life and business lifestyle have become so much easier, clearer and organised.  Even for an extremely organised person like myself who used to write lists and timetables constantly I have found the system invaluable.  Everything is written down on the paper for me to see.  By determining my ‘3 Must Do’s’ I allow myself a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved each day, week and month.  I also find it impossible to forget any tasks once I have placed them in my planner, for if they don’t get completed on the date aimed for, they simply move on to the following days until completion.  There is also a nice little section in the back that allows you to track your achievement and encourages you to reward yourself.This planner turns what many would see as a chore in to a happy, positive experience.  I have definitely found the OPIC Planner worth it, and would recommend it to all visual artists, designers and entrepreneurs to use in the every day and business life.
Rachel Sheree
www.rachelsheree.com

Thanks Vinh for such an amazing tool. Its interesting to put everything down on paper and see what it is that you truely want to achieve. The OPIC planner is such a great tool to keep check of everything going on, in the one location. I have so much to do, so I’m sure I will be using up alot of paperwork in my planner. Its helped me sort out all those thoughts into a clear plan. Its great thank you.

~Maria Masi Edwards