Dream wide. Connect the dots. Build your rocket to the stars.
A 28-day, cohort-based journey for artists to design a life and career that actually fits—without burning out.
Hosted on Google Meet • Community in Google Chat
28 days
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Live Saturdays
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20-30 spots
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Free founding cohort
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28 days 〰️ Live Saturdays 〰️ 20-30 spots 〰️ Free founding cohort 〰️
Join the Founding Cohort
Limited to 20–30 spots. First draft, not final—progress > perfection.
A 28-day, cohort-based journey for artists to design a life and career that actually fits—without burning out.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to check the box to “accept marketing” in the checkout so you get all of the emails during the challenge.
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"Gabe has an empathic gift of meeting me where I am at, really listening, and helping me see where I am stuck and why. His mindset work coupled with authentic support, encouragement and structured steps of how to move forward have helped me learn how to give myself permission to be myself, to not hide my brilliance and go farther. Gabe keeps reflecting back to me where I am holding back, and where I really shine. The intimacy of the one on one approach had allowed me to be more honest with myself and what it is I really want. I am so grateful to have Gabe in my life and his tremendous wisdom and support." — Heather
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“Nuts and bolts: I never thought I would have a framework for my creative process. I assumed it was not something that could be quantified. Gabe has given me not only confidence and support but a clear path to my personal process. There were several weeks I did not want to show up because I was struggling to see a way forward with my goals. Gabe hung in there with me and helped guide me through my inertia. I can not recommend Gabe highly enough and the work he puts into each session. The progress that I have seen in myself would have been inconceivable 14 weeks ago.” — Greg
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“This is revolutionary. I love having it all in one neat package! Perfect timing given that these are all things that have been bubbling up for me most recently so to be able to reflect on them all in one container and map out a timeline accordingly is just f*cking genius. This is exactly what I’ve needed for my methodical mind to bring the big vision into actionable steps! Man, this is so amazing, thank you!” — Matt
Who This is For
Artists
Musicians
Filmmakers
Designers
Writers
…and Multi-hyphenates seeking clarity, momentum, and systems—without losing their voice.
1. Stardust
Bucket list
North Star
Coordinates
Navigation Chart
2. Constellations
Balance Wheel
10-Year Vision
Values
Strengths & Fears
3. Star Map
Clients & Colleagues
Client Audit
Process Maps
Customer Experience
4. Liftoff
1-Year Goals
Quarterly Building Blocks
Obstacles & Opportunities
Schedule & Reflections
What You Get
28 daily prompts (20–30 minutes)
4 Saturday “Mission Control” calls (Google Meet)
Private Google Chat Space (accountability, support, & community)
Ärtful Life Planner (PDF)
Balance Wheel
Burn-Rate Calculator
Client Relationship Tracker
Founding Cohort badge
Completion certificate
Get the Planner PDF
Get instant access to the Ärtful Life Planner (PDF).
Your navigation chart to a thriving creative career that integrates with your life. The Ärtful Life Planner is your accountability partner that will help you stay grounded while shooting for the stars!
Your 4-week Journey
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Day 1 — Bucket List 1–25
Day 2 — North Star
Day 3 — Coordinates
Day 4 — Navigation Chart
Day 5 — Mission Statement
Day 6 — Balance Wheel
Day 7 — Mission Control #1
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Day 8 — Ten-Year Vision
Day 9 — Principles/Values
Day 10 — Bucket List 26–50.
Day 11 — Strengths
Day 12 — Fears
Day 13 — Love it or Leave it
Day 14 — Mission Control #2
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Day 15 — Clients & Colleagues
Day 16 — Client Audit
Day 17 — Creative Process (Internal)
Day 18 — Business Process (Internal)
Day 19 — Bucket List 51–75.
Day 20 — Customer Experience (External)
Day 21 — Mission Control #3
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Day 22 — Three-Year Goals
Day 23 — One-Year Goals
Day 24 — Quarterly Building Blocks
Day 25 — Obstacles & Opportunities
Day 26 — Know Your Numbers
Day 27 — Bucket List 76–100
Day 28 — Mission Control #4 — Launch Party
Time
20–30 min daily
Live
Saturdays on Google Meet
Cohort
20–30 creatives
Cost
Free (Founding Cohort)
Led by Gabe Ratliff
Empathic, practical; allergic to cookie-cutter advice. Built for artists.
Gabe helps artists turn creative chaos into clear, repeatable momentum—without losing their voice. He blends empathy, systems, and lived industry know-how to build artist-centric roadmaps that actually get used.
“I entered my first session uncertain about where to take my multi-disciplinary music production and mentoring businesses. Gabe was extremely empathic, compassionate, and thorough at unpacking the different aspects of my work and deepening my understanding of my options. He has an incredible gift for leading people to their own conclusions—never imposing—yet offering strong ideas when invited. After our sessions, I now have a brand-new business model, and I’m taking giant strides toward the goals we set. I feel motivated and invigorated, and can’t recommend Gabe highly enough as a next-level coach and mentor.”
— Simon Shackleton (30+ years in music)
Challenge Kickoff
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Live Calls
Saturdays at 12 pm MT on Google Meet
Access
Planner + Meet + Chat links delivered by email after signup
FAQ
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This challenge is for professional artists who are freelancers, solopreneurs, and contractors, as well as creative professionals.
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“Mission Control” calls in Google Meet will be recorded so you can go back and watch them if you have to miss one.
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There is no cost for the first challenge. It is free for the founding cohort. The only request is to participate and to provide constructive feedback for future cohort members.
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We will use Google Workspace and apps like Meet, Chat, and Forms for communications.
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The Ärtful Life Planner includes a 37-page PDF document with all info and exercises.
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There are no refunds since the challenge is free for the founding cohort.
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“Mission Control” calls will have captions available if needed.
Ready to Chart Your Course and Launch?
Get Notified About the Next Cohort
Can’t make this start date? Join us for our next cohort.
Reserve your spot and get ready for liftoff.
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