What is the best thing that I love about my work? You always have to move very fast and I think it’s great. You must get new things to know, to read, to watch: it’s a neverending learning process. Plus, I can meet lots of interesting people, share ideas, create worlds together.
What is my idea of happiness? Saturday afternoon, beer in my hand, watching “Annie Hall”.
What is my greatest fear? I used to work in a shop in Florence, as an employee. I did it for 5 years… I remember, one day, I realized that it wasn’t the kind of life I wanted. So, my greatest fear, is to be obligated to get back to that kind of life, to a job that I don’t like. Also, needles. I hate them.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I perpetually live in anxiety. Even if things are going good. I think it’s because I always want more, that I really can’t enjoy what I have.
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire? I’d say Massimo Rosi, writer and chief of Leviathan Labs. He’s a great person, a great friend and a great worker.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Sometimes, it does not matter if you are good at your work or not. Sometimes, you just have to “be someone”. It’s very frustrating.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I think the first memory of happiness in my work is my first Lucca Comics and Games as author. I was there with Vyles’ and my new book (Sympathy for the Demon: Genesis) and it went sold out in two days (we had to print more copies during the event, it has been a NIGHTMARE) and I remember I thought: “wow, maybe this book is really good!”
If I could, what would I change about myself? I’d like to take things easy. I should remember that not anything is about work. Or is it?
Where would I most like to live? This is actually a tricky question. I really enjoy Florence, but I don’t know if I would live there again. Let’s say Florence, but honestly, don’t know.
What is my most treasured possession? I got a Spaghetti Western DVD’s collection. A good one. And a sketch by the great Glenn Fabbry, with a funny memory and story behind.
What is my most marked characteristic? I think I’m tireless. I don’t know if it’s true, people keep telling me and I’ve finished believe that.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? It’s not in my city, but it’s very close. Big fan of Brewdog: best beers, best music, best pals.
What books influenced my life and how? I’m a reader and I could say lots of books and authors that I love (Stephen King, Scott Fitzgerald, Daniel Pennac, Terry Pratchett) but the book that changed my life was The Hobbit (by JRR Tolkien, of course). It’s the book that turned me into a little nerd. Love and hate that book, for this.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? David Bowie, no doubt about it.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I love John Constantine (from Hellblazer) and… I don’t know, can I say it? I’ll say it: Ozymandias (from Watchmen). Yes guys, he was right.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime? Citizen Kane, Rear Window, Sunset Boulevard, Apocalypse Now, Once Upon a Time in the West, Jaws… ok, I’ll stop here.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? I have more than one, cause I’m very lucky. First, of course, Sofia (aka Soldo di Cacio) that always helps me to understand if I’m having a bad idea and listens to me even if I talk to her for hours and hours about plots and characters. Then, Vyles, co-creator of our webcomic “Sympathy for the Demon” and the artist I love most work with. I could go on.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? I’d like to work with some Italian company, like BAO Publishing or Coconino Press. For the foreign companies I think Image and DarkHorse would be THE DREAM.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on? I’m working on a new book, a classic noir plot with a little twist. I’m really enjoying it. Then I think I will start a new series (with Barbara Giorgi e Massimo Rosi) about golden age superheroes.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020? My new book “I ventuno vaffanculo di Zeno” is out and you can find it in the Italian bookshop or on amazon.it. I’m still working on “Sympathy for the Demon” (you can find it on Facebook, Instagram and Webtoons) and, of course, you’ll hear about me under the Leviathan Labs’ label.
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? It’s true, isn’t it? It’s the reason why we persist on doing this job, even if is often frustrating.
Which creative heroes should Peter invite to tell their story? As I mentioned before, Massimo Rosi has a great story to tell. Also, Vyles Ray has great experience and she’s an amazing worker.
How can you contact me? My personal email is niccolo.testi91@gmail.com and, of course, you can find me on Facebook (Niccolò Roy Testi) and on Instagram (royisabadnickname).
Here follows a message of Peter de Kuster, founder of The Hero’s Journey
Are you a creative leader or creative professional looking to develop your business skills and storytelling?
Amidst today’s uncertainty, it is more important than ever to reconnect with yourself and others, develop your creative business, and build your story. Dive deep into your unique business style and areas for growth with the coaching of Peter de Kuster.
IS THE HERO’S JOURNEY COACHING FOR YOU?
You are a creative leader or creative professional who is interested in developing yourself, your business, and your story.
-
You are aware that there are no quick fixes. Learning is a journey that works when you are fully committed to it. Coaching can bring awareness and help you navigate, but in the end it’s you who is in charge of your growth.
-
You want to learn more about how to resource yourself, learn about blind spots, and get feedback.
-
You are curious and want to engage in online learning.
-
You are motivated to work in-between sessions on yourself (e.g. working on homework assignments that will help you develop new storytelling, skills, and behaviors).
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING QUESTION?
The Hero’s Journey Coaching is all about your development. To make the most out of your sessions, we ask you to prepare topics to work on with Peter. These topics can serve as a starting point for further in-depth exploration with Peter.
These coaching topics typically resonate with the creative leaders Peter works with:
How can i tell the most powerful story possible about myself and my creative business?
How can I handle self promotion and marketing of my creative business better?
How do can I stay authentic and with focus when having difficult conversations with potential clients?
What are my creative values and how do I align these with my business values?
How can I manage my time and energy better?
How can I radiate confidence to my clients while feeling anxious inside?
How can I steer myself towards creative excellence without becoming rigid?
About Peter de Kuster
Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project, a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.
Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing, MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.
PRICING
The Hero’s Journey Coaching online sessions last 50 minutes and the fee is Euro 189 excluding VAT per session. The Hero’s Journey Coaching is suitable for people at any stage in their career.
FAQ
Who can sign up for The Hero’s Journey online coaching?
Creative leaders and creative professionals who wish to improve their business story and develop their business skills and mindset.
Should I choose 1:1 coaching?
Our The Hero’s Journey experiences in world cities allow you to learn not only from the coach but also from your peers. For the small group coaching (1 – 4 people), we have selected important, relevant topics that we find regularly come up for creative professional: purpose, storytelling, creative confidence, self promotion, time & money and resilience.
If you would prefer to work alone or on a different topic, individual coaching is a better fit for you.
What language do we speak in the coaching sessions?
English.
Can I buy coaching for my organization?
Yes, you can! We support many organizations around the world with their coaching needs. Please contact us for more information.
Can I bring my own topics?
Yes, for individual coaching you get to choose your own topic.
Are coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. Peter will not share anything that is discussed in the coaching sessions.
Where will the coaching sessions take place?
Sessions will take place online (as per the times we live in) via an online tool like Zoom or Skype. Peter will let you know.
How do I sign up?
Send Peter a mail to theherojourneyquestionnaires@gmail.com to start booking your coaching sessions.
How do I pay?
After you send the mail, you will receive an email with a link to pay.
How do I book and reschedule sessions?
Once we’ve received your payment, Peter will contact you and book your coaching sessions. He will also support you with rescheduling sessions if needed.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individual coaching sessions can be postponed up to one week before the session.
The Hero's Journey 