Debra Russell of Artist’s EDGE combines her two passions– the world of entertainment and facilitating growth and change in people’s lives. As an certified business coach, workshop leader and keynote speaker, and a certified NLP and Hypnosis master practitioner, Debra works with creative individuals to help shape their success in their chosen field. Debra specializes in the performing and visual arts working with artists, musicians and actors, and on the business and production side with writers, directors, producers, engineers, venue operators and executives.
In 2001, Debra trained with the Australian based Results Coaching Systems and become a Certified Business Results Coach. She extended her training to also be certified as a Lead Trainer and has trained coaches for RCS for a year. This experience positioned Debra to become a motivational leader and presenter offering innovative workshops and seminars at professional development conferences.
What an amazing online session on Niche Marketing! Debra Russell was such a great and engaging presenter. Our IVMF Vetrepreneur graduates had all good things to say about her session! They were engaged from the beginning to the end – not an easy thing to do in the webinar format. Debra did a great job explaining the concept of Niche Marketing and covered a lot of information that was easy to absorb. The structure of her presentation was clear, logical and effective. We’d be happy to work with Debra again in the future!
Elvis Advic, Academic Advisor at Institute for Veterans and Military Families – Syracuse University
“Thank you so much for speaking and mentoring at the TAXI Road Rally. The fact that your “Business Management for the Creative Mind” was standing room only and your mentoring slots sold out in record time was testament to the need for what you offer.
The buzz on the street was that your workshop was absolutely loaded with critical information for DIY Music Business Success. It’s such a pleasure for me to work with someone who is as committed to our client’s success as I am. I look forward to having you back again next year!”
Michael Laskow, President, TAXI
In addition to working one-to-one with her private clients, Debra founded Artist’s EDGE, and has produced over 100 tele-classes for the Artists Marketing & Business Academy to date. These programs train people from all different aspects of the Arts and Entertainment world to make a prosperous living doing what they love on their terms.
Discover the topics covered via the Artists Marketing & Business Academy
As a keynote speaker and seminar leader, Debra has developed several innovative programs that have been presented at entertainment industry trade conferences including SXSW, TAXI Road Rally, Western Arts Alliance, ArtsNW Booking Conference, North American Folk Alliance, the Folk Alliance’s Booking Agent Training School®, and many more.
Testimonial from Jean Mazzei, Singer/Songwriter
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Debra’s programs include:
- Multiple Streams of Art (or Music) Income
- Business Management for the Creative Mind
- How to Run Your Music Business
- Transform Your Beliefs – The Key to Success
- Time Management 101: The Art of Juggling
“I want to thank you for the two excellent workshops that you presented at the FAR-West Conference. The “5-Year Plan” and “Business Management for the Creative Mind” presentations were highly praised, both on the feedback forms returned to us and in the word-of-mouth “buzz” at the event.
Your presentation skills, knowledge and professionalism were much appreciated, and contributed significantly to the conference’s success. I hope we can look forward to seeing you at future FAR-West events!”
Steve Dulson, President, FAR-West (Folk Alliance Region – West)
Debra’s own creativity began in her teens when she began acting in high school and later appeared in off-Broadway productions in NYC. It was during this time in her career that she began producing and leading personal development programs setting the stage for her eventual development of her company, Artist’s EDGE.
After earning her BFA in theater with a concentration in directing from Syracuse University, Debra moved to Los Angeles to work in the production side of the film and television industry, commercials and music videos. During her days in Los Angeles, she had production experience with Touchstone/Disney, and the Black/Marlins produced TV series which introduced Ellen DeGeneres. Debra also served as script supervisor for many projects, including the Power Rangers TV series, a Clint Black music video, as well as national commercials, industrials and independent films.
After leaving LA in 1995, Debra once again returned to her work in personal development, leading Artist’s Way groups and eventually receiving her certification as a coach. And in 2003, she began her work with Artist’s EDGE, unifying these two lives.
For more information about having Debra Russell speak for your group, please contact her directly.
What workshop presenters and participants and are saying about Debra Russell:
“Debra’s high energy, motivational presentation style kept the participants of this year’s Folk Alliance Booking Agent Training School enthusiastically involved throughout her Time Management 101 seminar.”
Jeri Goldstein, Coordinator and Developer of Folk Alliance’s Booking Agent Training School, Author, How to Be Your Own Booking Agent: The Musician’s & Performing Artist’s Guide to Successful Touring
“I would like to thank you sincerely for your participation as a workshop leader at the recent 28th Annual Northwest Booking Conference in Eugene, Oregon on behalf of Arts Northwest, the Board of Directors and myself.
The Northwest Booking Conference is an integral part of the booking and presenting life of the western arts community, and your contribution added depth and integrity to the conference and we hope you will consider working with us again in the future.”
Karen Hanan, Executive Director, Arts Northwest
“Debra Russell applies principles of business and organizations to the lives and work of artists, giving them new ways to deal with their lives and careers. Her workshops provide valuable tools for both performers and presenters. Her approach gives practical advice and motivation, rather than pop-psych feel-good fluff.
I think the most important thing I got from “Business Management for the Creative Mind” is the idea that thinking of arts in a businesslike way isn’t “evil” or “unartistic”. Left brain vs. right brain thinking aren’t enemies, rather they can work together. If you can accept input from both sides, you can be both artistic and organized…and that’s a good thing!”
Nick Smith, Performing storyteller, Coordinator – Caltech Folk Music Society, Board member – California Traditional Music Society, Board member – FARWest
“You’d think a group of 100+ journalists would know how to do things before deadlines but Debra Russell’s Time Management 101 workshop really opened up our eyes.
Many of our members were hungry for her insights. Her process has helped to transform our thinking about time for which these journalists (and their editors) will be very grateful.”
Don Lipper, President of the Capital Region Writers Bloc
“Debra’s fun and common sense approach to helping creative people develop their business sense is invaluable. She is a dynamic speaker: funny, motivational and obviously compassionate of the people she understands the most: the artists. She provides clear and concise steps to help her audience cultivate the tools they will need to succeed in the business of music.”
Leyden Rosa-Rovelo, Head of Business Affairs, Third Bear Inc