Working as a (film) composer or creative professional demands a lot: artistic sensitivity, flexibility, discipline, and a constant drive to perform. In an industry where personal taste, rejection, deadlines, and uncertain income play a major role, the mental pressure can build up quickly.
The creative sector can be wonderful, but also quite demanding. As a film composer, producer, or (film) creative, you often work from a deeply personal place, which can create additional pressure. In this interactive session, guests from the field will engage in a conversation about themes that resonate with many creators: (social) insecurity, the urge to prove oneself, perfectionism, the balance between work and private life, and the question of how to prevent your entire identity from becoming tied to your work.
Together with the audience, an open and honest dialogue will emerge about the mental realities of the profession: about pressure, doubt, and vulnerability. But also about resilience, support, and ways to stay healthy in a demanding industry. A session for those seeking recognition, wanting to share experiences, or simply curious about how others deal with these challenges.
Katja Keersmaekers
Psychosocial Therapist, The Mental Crew, NLKatja Keersmaekers is a psychosocial therapist and trainer with her own practice since 2021. She studied vocal performance and music management at the Rock Academy and subsequently worked in the music industry for 16 years, for Caro Emerald, AAA and Friendly Fire a.o. She now focuses entirely on mental guidance within that same world. She works 1-on-1 with clients from across the entire music industry on their personal issues. Additionally, she guides bands and teams on topics such as communication, group dynamics, and setting boundaries. Together with Esther van der Poel, Katja is the founder of The Mental Crew, a platform for mental health in the music industry.
Esther van der Poel
Mental Coach, The Mental Crew, NLIn the late 1990s, Esther van der Poel began her career in the electronic music industry – a time when there was still a strong pioneering spirit. She worked for many years as an agent and manager at Anna Agency and ID&T. As a coach, she creates a sense of trust and a positive atmosphere. For her, coaching is about truly listening – hearing what is sometimes left unsaid. It is about asking the right questions, probing deeper, encouraging reflection, and helping people arrive at their own insights. She can hold up a mirror without judgment and always works in a solution-focused way. Since 2014, she has run her own coaching practice, PACCT. She works with clients and companies in the music and creative industry.
Maik Cox
Executive Creative Director & Composer, Ambassadors, NLMaik is a composer for film and TV and Executive Creative Director at Ambassadors. He approaches music for brands through the lens of a performing artist. His foundation lies in a decade of classical percussion followed by a degree in composition at the Pop Academy. Between 2000 and 2020 he built an extensive career as a producer and DJ for labels such as Universal and Spinnin’ performing on 1500 stages across the globe. This experience forms the bedrock of his current work for brands including Uber, Samsung and KPN where he blends technical discipline with a natural instinct for what resonates with a wide audience.