Go solo. Not alone.

What is Collectus Pod?

Pod is your people.

A 12-week structured group of 10 resilient creatives, to spur progress and make art more freely.

Together we go deep, face the hard shit, and do the work for the thing that really matters to you.

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Why Pod?

You are a creative flying solo.

You have something you deeply want to work on, finish, or finally start.

You know there is a better way than carrying everything alone, being overwhelmed, and burning out.

Our next available Pod is Spring 2023

Artists are bad-ass, resilient people who do it all, without the support of a team.

Us co-founders are creative freelancers, too. We get what it takes to do the work, keep going when it gets tough, and still feel healthy. We believe that creative progress and how we feel as artists can’t be separated.

We need structured support & accountability to reach our creative goals, but it’s also about our hearts. So we are real about what it feels like to do what we do.

We craved joining other artists as resilient as us on the creative path — together, but solo — sharing ideas, offering and getting feedback, holding each other accountable, creating momentum together, and being truly understood and supported.

That’s why we created Pod.

 

What we do in Pod

  • Weekly 90 minutes sessions with your committed Pod of creative peers, guided by co-founders Shiloh & Sara

  • Three 1:1 creative coaching sessions with a Collectus co-founder

  • Monthly feedback sessions on your creative drafts

  • Daily asynchronous accountability

  • Buddy-ship with a Pod-peer for extra support

  • Access to Shiloh and Sara as creative guides and coaches along the way

“Pod changed everything for me. It was exactly what I needed.”

— Dylan Smith, Visual Artist / Dancer

Tell me more.

What actually happens in Pod meetings?

Pod is structured to go deep quickly and get stuff done, but free enough to have space to go where the group needs. In every meeting, we check in, then connect honestly and quickly about the least-talked about, most-needed topics faced by creatives, through journal and discussion prompts. There's group feedback, idea sharing, and lots of opportunity for connection and getting real. We share about creative process & progress, decide best next steps, get help where we're stuck, and create methods for real accountability on the goals you're setting. In Pod, we talk about the actual work we do, and connect about what it means to be the creative person doing that work.

What is the time commitment?

You are committing to:

  • 90-minute weekly meeting with your Pod-mates. You show up for them, they show up for you.

  • A daily asynchronous check-in. We recommend you set aside at least 10 minutes for this, daily.

  • On top of this, having time to follow through on the action steps you are outlining each week is vital. We suggest this being at minimum 2 hours per week, likely more. If you don't have time to work on the focus you are choosing, you won't be able to create movement on it. We do Pod to help you carve out the time for what you care about.

Who else will be in my Pod?

Your Pod-mates are creative professionals like you; super-capable and passionate, and fiercely wanting something more or different. The group is usually diverse in field of work, age, gender and race. The unifying factor is that we are not beginners. We are capable, powerful creatives who are already thoughtful about our lives. This is what allows us to relate and go deep quickly. The diversity of fields also helps us get new ideas from fresh sources. The largest a Pod can be is 10 people.

Why do I have to apply?

Pod is a commitment. By sharing with us what you are passionate about and why you need Pod right now, you are stepping into that commitment with intention. It also helps us prepare to support you in the best way possible.

How do I choose my Focus for Pod?

Pod is for a real shift in your creative life. You can choose any creative aspiration, project or goal that is calling you. It could be something you've been wanting to do, that you're scared of, or aren't sure where to start. The braver the better, because we will be right there with you.

It doesn't need to be finished in 12 weeks. We will work with you to set a realistic, bold goals that you can achieve in 12 weeks. Past Pod members have chosen to make a dance film, write a new song, start a screenplay, get through writers block on a half-done work, apply to grad school, start a business, revamp audition material, change careers, and more.

How is this different than other groups and programs?

This isn't therapy, but it is therapeutic. It's not a "success" group or "mastermind" because there isn't one expert with all the answers. It's not about "more is better at all costs." It's about making art and taking care of you, the artist. Pod gives you structure to move forward creatively, and the emotional and mental support of a group to endure the intense challenges of being a creative person, so you can thrive.

What happens if I have to miss a meeting?

Meetings will be recorded with the agreement of the full group, so if you have to miss you can still hear the group work and do the processing. The experience is about interaction, connection and discussion, so we highly encourage you to be there for all of the 12 meetings to get the benefits of your investment.

How do I choose my price level?

Our dream is to help artists, and we know artists' budgets fluctuate. That's why we offer several price options. We encourage you to pick the price that suits your financial reality and also feels like an investment in yourself. You are committing to your work, your art and your wellbeing.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. We offer a limited number of scholarships in each Pod for traditionally under-served populations on a needs-basis. Email hello@joincollectus.com for more information.

Is it completely virtual?

For now, yes. We have dreams of doing our first in-person Pod in NYC next year.

Do you offer refunds?

We will show up for you every week in the best way we know how, and if you do the same, movement is inevitable. For this reason, we don’t do refunds after the experience. Make sure this 12 weeks is actually available for you to commit at least a few hours per week to your focus. If something unexpected happens that changes your ability to do Pod after you have committed, talk to us and we’ll find a solution together.

I have other questions...

Love that! Reach out at hello@joincollectus.com and we'd love to chat with you.

In the words of Pod Alumni

I can safely say that I feel a million times more connected and optimistic now than I did when we started, far less alone, and more connected to my "why" than ever before.

-Sarah Cooney, Casting Director/Educator

 

I was able to uncover and let go of some bad habits that were no longer serving me. I feel refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle projects that once felt scary and daunting.

-Avital Asuleen, Director of Choreography Labs at NYTB

 Still have questions? Reach out We’d love to talk.