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.

Grimmlockart

I was in the space of getting back into creating and working on my technique. I actually had no interest in selling my art work at this point. I showed my friend Ahar my art work and she was ecstatic and encourage me to sell and really light a fire that I can really go all the way with my art. I sold her 16×20 inch canvas and if I remember correctly it was a landscape. From that point on she always purchased my work. She is a fellow creative herself and she definitely inspired me. If you are a creative that is just starting out always remember you only need one person that believe in your work. Read more>>

Kim Watkinson

Strutting steps behind my mother on the catwalk in Tokyo, Japan at age 5. Modeling continued to be a good source of income in my hometown. But it was also way to be of service to fellow models and the crew. I speak, read, and write Japanese so I was able to serve as a translator and cultural liaison. BTW Later in life, in LA, I was also able to assist on the set of FOX TV’s “Bones” with my language skills. Read more>>

Jie Yan

I’ll never forget the thrill of earning my first dollar as an industrial designer. It was a small project designing a pet toy for a startup, but when I received the payment, the amount felt monumental. It wasn’t just about the money—it was a validation of my creative work and a powerful boost to my confidence. That first dollar marked the start of my journey, filling me with immense pride and excitement. It was a clear sign that my designs had real value, fueling my drive to continue pursuing my passion and exploring new opportunities. Read more>>

Megan Du

The first time I earned money from my creative work was when I was in elementary school, and my “client” was my elderly neighbor Mrs. Dai . We had a unique friendship that transcended our age difference. She always took great care of me, and when my parents came home late from work, I would often go to her house to wait. She would warmly turn on the TV for me to watch cartoons, offer me snacks like candied winter melon and mung bean cakes, and sometimes even invited me to stay for dinner. Read more>>