Earning that first dollar is incredibly special and a moment many never forget. We asked some very talented creatives from the community to tell us the story of the first dollar they earned from their creative works.

Deion Lanthier

The first time my business, Runic Music Studio, was paid was definitely exciting and gave me a huge confidence boost. Someone had enough faith in me to give me their money for bringing their music to life. It let me know that I was on the right track. Read more>>

Elayne LeTraunik

Back in 1972 or thereabouts, a movie called “TR Baskin” starring Candice Bergman was shooting in Chicago. That was a rare event in those days. Read more>>

Superstar Symone

I’ve always accumulated funds from singing. The story before “The story” was as a kid I knew I could sing well and so did my family. So my family members would showcase my talent and people would ask to hear me sing and then graciously they’d give out of the kindness of their heart simply for the talent. Read more>>

Gorby Mufan Shih

I earned my first paycheck as an artist when I was 16. I was background (an extra) for the Taiwanese feature film “Au Revoir Taipei” which later got into Berlin International Film Festival. Read more>>

Oskar Laffont

i started exhibiting and selling my work from a very young age. My first exhibition was at the lobby of my elementary school, I must have been around 8 years old, which felt very important to me as without really meaning to Read more>>

CHANJUE YU

I was born and raised in Shanghai, China, where I also completed my undergraduate studies. Earning your first dollar from creative work is always exhilarating, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Read more>>

Ashley Martinez

The first time receiving money for a hat I made was a remarkable experience. I create a beautiful hat for my dear friend for her new song release. Read more>>

Nicole Schonitzer

The first painting I ever sold went to a guy from my K-12 school who we’ll refer to as Roger. Roger famously got into a senior party as a freshman with a bag of oregano that he claimed was weed. Read more>>