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.
Jonathan Diggs
Growing up my father always pushed me to be an entrepreneur, and looking back I definitely appreciate the drive he has given me. As a creative, working a 9 to 5 feels restrictive, but because of my endeavors I know eventually I can work for myself. My journey as an entrepreneur started in high school at a time when I could not drive nor was I allowed to work. I had no vehicle of my own in a family of 5 with siblings who are my age or around it (I am a fraternal twin!). Because money was always tight, my dad pushed me to use my artistic abilities to generate income. Read more>>
Krisana Soponpong
My first major experience of earning money as a musician didn’t have a first instance or moment, but I’d like to take the experience memory back before the different stages of what we might call success. The name of the band was Black Taxi and were an Indie Rock band in NYC during the early 2000s. In the beginning, it can be a struggle where venues might not be concerned about the kind of music, as there are usually audience thresholds – can your band promote and bring 20+ people. to the gig. Since we were a band of four, it was up to us to try and bring 5 people each. It can be a hustle, but those were days where motivation meets energy. Read more>>
Sotero
The first dollar I made off my art was from a painting I auctioned live on Instagram. It was a bird’s-eye view of a 7/11 in my city where two men were killed back in 2014. That place always stuck with me, so I painted it, more for the memory than the money. My homie Leo from high school ended up buying it for $60. I donated the money to an animal shelter. I wasn’t trying to make a profit, I just wanted to make something that felt real and give the money to something that mattered. Read more>>
Leah Khambata
The first time I ever earned as a Singer-songwriter was when I sang at The Blue Frog – a concert venue in Bombay – during my summer break from college. It was the first time I performed a full solo show (was incredibly nervous!) and made me feel like my songs had a bigger purpose; they were not just for me anymore. It also felt really empowering to actually be paid to sing words I had written! Read more>>
Joanne Ungar
After I graduated from The School of Visual Arts in 1984, I left New York for what I thought would be a fun summer in Nantucket, Mass. I ended up staying there much longer than the summer, working menial day jobs and making collages in my free time. Over time I made friends there who introduced me to the local artist’s association. Sadly, I can’t remember the name of the association. But with their encouragement I applied to my first ever juried show there on Nantucket. Read more>>
Dorit Schwartz
The first dollar I earned as a creative felt like the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. I was the featured artist at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas — a moment I had dreamed of for years. As I made my way to the gallery, I was approached by the art curator, who informed me that a couple from England was interested in one of my sculptures and wished to have it shipped to their one of their resident in Zurich. Read more>>
Deane Arnold
When I was in 7th grade, I copied a One Dollar bill. I used a ball point pen, and drew it as precisely as I could on a piece of loose leaf note paper. I sold it to a teacher for five bucks. Not bad for 1975. Read more>>
Tanaya Ree
Growing up in New Jersey, I had the opportunity to shoot local events around the town and build up a reputation that enabled me to shoot a live concert featuring the legendary Chuck Berry! That was all pro-bono, but I knew I would have to do that to build up a reputation first. Read more>>