Often there is no book or course to learn how to do what you want to do – so how artists and creatives overcome such challenges? How have some of the most talented artists and creatives in the community managed to learn their craft?

Amanda Pasquini

When I was in high school, I had a number of really unsupportive arts educators. They were individuals who were focused on product over process, wanting to put on a good show with very little concern for the cost. Being a teenager with a strong interest in the arts puts you in a vulnerable position. Art is so personal and comes with an innate yearning for others to appreciate it. I had dreams of going to Broadway, as many youngsters do. I wanted to share my love of theatre with others and I wanted them, in return, to love what I was doing. To be told by people that I looked up to that I, “didn’t have what it takes” or that “I would be a stronger teacher then performer” (for the wrong reasons) really hurt to hear. It also inspired me to be a better leader than they were, to lead with encouragement and to not weaponize others’ insecurities, especially someone who looks to me for guidance. Read more>>

Jamyiass Brown

I stared off by having passion for art. I Transition into graphics designs and shooting videos. One of my main clients needed a logo and cover art it challenge me. So I took the time to learn photo shop for music-logo and cover art. The Project came out well that I preferred to do more work for someone else. I’ve In general I self taught myself how to be a graphic designer by learning from a previous client, and just having a passion for art in general. Knowing what I know I don’t think I would change my learning process. Reasons why is due to the fact my in-tress was in multiple places and dealing with each customer I learned some new. Read more>>

John Richards

Having been a High School Physics Teacher, art was secondary in my life until I started looking at museum pieces; they impressed me and interested me tremendously. I started drawing and painting during my free time and when I retired from teaching in 2004, I sold my first painting, beginning this quest. As time went on, my wife kept telling me to take lessons to hone my skills. I resisted for some time but eventually took some workshops with established artists…and the rest is history. For those interested in becoming good artists, I can’t say enough, “Learn from the best artists you can afford.” While you may have talent, it’s imperative to learn the skills to let that talent blossom.” Read more>>

Jon Murrill

As a muralist I am often asked how I scale artwork onto such a large surface. Studio work is one thing, but painting on a multi story building is an entirely different challenge. I always answer that I have been blessed to learn from a variety of world renown artists over the past few years. However, I also answer that failure has been my greatest teacher. As a former high school educator I always challenged my students to take risks. When I was first approached 5 years ago to create a mural I took my own advice. Over the first few years there were some serious growing pains and remaining uncomfortable constantly challenged me to be looking for greater efficiency in my process. I had reached a point were my growth needed outside enrichment. Surprisingly the opportunity to learn came to my doorstep. Read more>>

Austin Gomez

How did you learn to do what you do? I grew up watching movies with my dad, who’s an artist and musician, so he always broke down the layers of storytelling for me. That’s where my love for film started. Then going to SCAD really helped me turn that passion into something real. I learned how to bring my ideas to life and hone my technical skills. Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? I could’ve gotten into film earlier instead of focusing on sports. But honestly, all those other experiences—sports, working in corporate, and life—made me a better director. They gave me a broader perspective. Read more>>

Lilith Dorsey

It’s hard to explain how I learned to do what I do. I’m a voodoo Priestess, filmmaker, author, anthropologist, and the list goes on. With a name like Lilith I think I always knew I was a magical person. I reveled in the stories and sublime power of my ancestors from an early age. I welcome the divine feminine in every aspect and she has my back. I think honestly, my best skill is resiliency I faced every obstacle known to humankind. I don’t talk about it very often, but I’ve had a lot of trauma, but in a way that teaches you lessons too whether you want them or not. Read more>>

Chelsey Mckee

In 2016 when my twin boys were only almost a year old, I had a major surgery to remove my left adrenal gland and the rare baseball sized tumor inside of it. After that surgery I was diagnosed with Addisons disease due to it, and put on four steroids a day. That medication was brutal mentally and physically, for someone trying to be a new mother to twin boys, and because of how much higher the steroids made my anxiety/ insomnia all around. So my partner and father of our twins, decided one night. That he would teach me Epoxy Resin and custom Silicone mold making, in hopes to help me find an outlet at night. It then became one of my favorite mediums to work with, despite how many different art forms I had always created with throughout my high-school and college career. Read more>>