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.

Angela Gomez Lopes

I started doing Snapchat takeover back then if you know you know! During that time people started to love my work and followed me on all my social media platforms. Read more>>

Stephanie Wheeler

My mother encouraged me to try an unconventional local antique show that incorporated various other home furnishings. I will never forget the customer who walked into my booth—a complete stranger—who said, “I really love this piece. Read more>>

Eva Nomikou

When I was 6-7 years old, my friends and I would sell things on the street outside my house in Santorini, we called it “magazaki” which means “little shop” and we would draw on rocks, make jewelry or perform to people that passed by. Read more>>

Sean Augustin

My first venture into the world of creativity and entrepreneurship began during my elementary school days. Back then, my classmates would eagerly offer me money in exchange for my drawings of cartoon and comic characters. Read more>>

Amanda Linehan

My first dollar earned as a creative was from my first self-published novel, Uncover, a young adult suspense story. I published the ebook version in January 2012. Read more>>  

Ken Elliott

I vividly remember how I earned my first dollar from painting. I used to talk a lot about wanting to start painting, but I never took the first step. Read more>>

Alex Meltzer

Growing up my summers were filled with adventure and creativity. Each year, the lush landscape of upstate New York became my playground, where the days were filled with swimming, crafting, and exploration. Read more>>

Sarah Evans

The very first creative thing I remember making money on was in 2005 at the student/alumni sale while in my Junior year of illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Read more>>

Bruce Dean

As I mentioned in response to another question, my choice to become an illustrator was rather naive. My art school did not offer classes in illustration or graphic design. Read more>>