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.

Dee Wolfe

In high school, I got into art journaling using craft paint and other some supplies from Micheals that I was using for nail art at the time. Eventually art journaling and nail art turned into an interest in painting, so for my 16th birthday I spent all my birthday money on some art supplies from Blick Art Supply; canvas panels, acrylic paint in the tube, brushes, sponges the whole setup. I was drawing dreamcatchers often and decided I wanted to paint one, and I was also not out at the time, but I wanted to make some rainbow art. I painted a rainbow galaxy, and painted a dreamcatcher on top and I was in love with it so I shared it on social media. A classmate named Alia then told me she wanted to buy it, and that was the first time anyone had asked to buy my art. She then went on to become my first commissioned piece. Read more>>

Brennen Johnson

So, back in 2011, I was a guest artist at a major radio station’s luncheon. They were honoring Donnie McClurkin, and I was the opener for him. His flight was delayed, so by the time he arrived, I had already performed and people were raving about me. Shaun Martin pulled Donnie aside and told him, “You have to hear this guy.” Read more>>

Jesse Francis

The first dollar I made with my music was dropped into an open guitar case outside of Tucson Coffee Roaster. I was 28 years old and had never played guitar or sung in front of anyone I didn’t know personally. As a super shy, introverted person, the idea of performing for strangers was terrifying. But I had always loved music with a passion, and my friends and family constantly told me I was good. By that point, I had been playing guitar and singing for 12 years—but always in a controlled setting. Read more>>

Amanda Hammarström

My first paid gig was in Hollywood at this cozy bar with beautiful lights, setting the perfect vibe. I sang soul songs with my band, and we hosted the night, wrapping it up with a jam session where anyone could jump in and play with us. I’ve always loved performing, and since this was also my first gig in LA, it felt extra special. After the show, I was euphoric—I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be, doing what I was meant to do. We ended up playing there for a few more weeks, and it’s still one of my favorite memories. Read more>>

Dorothy Graden

I grew up in downtown Gary, IN.. We had a small house on 8th and Tennessee Street and we lived just 4 houses from the railroad tracks and across the tracks were small dunes and swamplands. Back then, during my elementary school years my friends and I did a lot of exploring. We built bridges across the wetlands, caught frogs and salamanders and dug huge holes in the sand. We also walked through the alleyways collecting “treasures”. My favorite items were small and large boards, so exciting! I spent hours painting the wooden boards using black paint and lots of bright colors, painting symbols, zig zags, circles, dots, human and animal figures. Read more>>

Verner Maldonado

The first dollar I earned as a Director was a defining moment. One of those small but pivotal experiences that quietly shaped my views on my career choice. I was still a student at Florida Atlantic University when some friends and I decided to start our own company. We were all hungry to learn, taking on small projects wherever we could, and then came our first real gig, a commercial for a wine app. Read more>>