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.

Sissa Strain

The first time I booked as a professional dancer I was the shadow of a trash can. Let me explain… In college, my dream company was Pilobolus, an innovative dance theatre company known for their strength and creative use of partnering. Read more>>

Alissa Salvatore

After graduating high school I was ready to start auditioning for professional work. As a celebration to end the school year my friends and I went to Rye Playland, a local amusement park (Mariah Carey filmed her fantasy video here!) After circling the park I passed by the stage an saw performers rehearsing for their show. Read more>>

Mac Welch

If we want to get extremely technical, my first dollar I earned as a creative was working at these strange, wealthy people’s Halloween parties each year. Read more>>

Su Cheatham

My first dollar earned as a creative was working for a major department store in California in their Visual Merchandising Department. Dressing mannequins, climbing ladders, designing large window displays, printing signs in the sign shop were all part of my daily job duties. Read more>>