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.

Ashley Poulin

The first dollar I ever earned as a creative was when I was in the fourth grade. I had just signed with my first agency (who I’m happy to say is still a part of my team today) and I was ecstatic to have booked my first real job. I was set to make my “big break” in a commercial for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy. All I really remember from the audition was them asking me who my favorite turtle was and me replying “all of them” because I had never watched TMNT.  Read more>>

Brett Brooks

Fourth grade. When I was in elementary school, not paying attention to the lessons, I would go down each row of students in my class and I would draw them, one by one – the best I could – in the style of The Simpsons. I wasn’t even allowed to watch The Simpsons. But I was obsessed with Itchy and Scratchy…Krusty…Radioactive Man. So anytime I could sneak an episode in, or pick up a Bartman comic at the local shop, I would. I dunno. Maybe that was the allure of drawing my fellow classmates in that way. Read more>>

Cal.

The first time I ever earned a dollar with my craft I was ecstatic. Mostly because it was from something Ive done for myself for years. I worked for a Record Label in Los Angeles Named HRDRV records. I was brought on to do visualizer promotions for musicians. I learned alot in those years and one thing that stood out for me in my business, which I learned quickly is to make sure you are valuable and determine what peoples needs are. Read more>>

Chickabass

When I first asked for payment, it was because I felt ready to start charging for my work. But the prospect of requesting money was daunting. I worried about coming across as pushy or greedy and feared the client might question the value of my work or reconsider their commitment. I second-guessed whether I had set the right price and whether I was overstepping by discussing money. Even now, talking about rates still feels awkward and uncomfortable, no matter how many times I’ve done it. Read more>>

Daniel Munguía Göetz

I remember at the very beginning when I first started pursuing my spiritual and creative endeavors I was a bit scared of offering my services in exchange for monetary retributions. It felt a bit unnatural if I am being honest. I wanted to share my wisdom and to transmit my energy to as many people as I could because I knew that those who resonated with my message would truly and fully appreciate it. Read more>>

Frederick Goodall

The first dollar you earn from your creative work is always exhilarating—it’s like turning the page to a new chapter in your life. For me, that moment came during my college years, and it was an unforgettable experience. I had written an article for one of my writing classes, a piece that I was quite proud of but never imagined would go beyond the classroom. My professor, however, saw potential in my work that I hadn’t recognized. She encouraged me to get it published, which was a surprising and confidence-boosting suggestion. I had no idea how to navigate the world of publishing, but she guided me through the process, helping me prepare the submission and send it off. Read more>>

Hank Mehren

One day in high school, must’ve been 9th or 10th grade, my dad was giving me a ride to school. When we arrived we soon realized that it was holiday and school was closed so it being before 8am, my dad suggested we go to Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena for a bite. Well, it wasn’t long before I found the piano they had at the shop and started playing. I spent 30, maybe 45, minutes improvising some instrumental, quasi-classically influenced music. When I finished, to my surprise, there was about $50 in a tip jar that people had left as I was playing. Read more>>

Karlie O’hearn

The first time I made money off of my artistry was when I was 15 years old. I had auditioned for a play at Peoria Theater Works called “The King and I” in the next town over (Peoria, Arizona) from my home town. I had been cast as one of the kings many wives, a.k.a. “ensemble”. Getting paid for a theatrical performance is an occurrence that is few and far between in Arizona, so to say that I was stoked well… yeah you could say that! Read more>>

Kayla Sun

After I graduated from film school, I focused on promoting my short films and writing new scripts. And I was suddenly approached by someone from a talent agency, telling me that there is a narrative sci-fi short film looking for writers to pitch. They have a very good budget to provide for s medium size crew and everyone would be paid decently, and we were getting paid to just put together the pitch. As a new filmmaker it was a super good opportunity and I almost didn’t believe that I was being seriously considered. Read more>>

Lingyan

As a creative, I never thought I could translate my skillsets outside of the art arena. My expertise in film and writing actually come very useful to other business owners, big and small, in different industries. My first project as an integral part of GFS was to direct the effort to establish North America presence for a foreign clothing brand. It might seem like a total shot in the dark for me, a writer and a director, to lead a marketing campaign. Read more>>

Maureen Petrosky

I was working in Atlanta and a local magazine called Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles gave me my first feature editorial story assignment. I remember Lisa Gaddy Frederick who was such a great mentor and cheerleader encouraged me to pitch to the editor Oma Blaise Ford. I don’t recall what the story was but I remember she gave me my first real story and once it was published the check was for $500.00 I was so excited my husband and I made reservations at the famed Ritz Carlton with the renowned chef Gunther Seeger. They offered a glass of Champagne and we said sure, then any upsell they offered we said of course. Read more>>