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.

Ruibo Zhang

As an independent curator, my sources of income generally come from various parts. The first time I received a curatorial fee was when I worked for a commercial real estate project in Hangzhou called Ins Park. Read more>>

Parker Louis

Once I dove into playing guitar, and writing my own songs, I knew I wanted to get out and perform. My friend Luke and I had this duo setup at the time – he was on drums, and I was on vocals/guitar. Read more>>

Jessica Ourisman

In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho writes that every search starts with a sort of beginner’s luck that belies the series of tests that will follow… and this completely resonates with my journey to becoming a professional writer. Read more>>

Cody Esp

The first dollar I earned as a creative was from my one of my dear friend’s frenemy. I don’t know if she bought the piece out of spite, or out of a genuine desire. I was surprised and a little hesitant to sell. But it was a good lesson on how to be professional and polite a a business owner. Read more>>

Madison Tompkins

The day your dog dies is always difficult. I remember the day Champ died and I’m sure you remember that day if you’ve lost a pet. It was this feeling that hit me as a coworker told me they’d said goodbye to their family dog the night before. Read more>>

Lyle Pace

The first thing I can remember is being a vendor at the Powwow held at the Seminole Rec Center. I was just getting started, was going under a different business name, and barely had any handmade items. It was mostly old jewelry I didn’t want anymore and was trying to get rid of. Read more>>

Julianna Robinson

It was my first year of college and I was doing a play called La Bête with the Santa Barbara Shakespeare Company. My character, Dorine, only spoke in monosyllables that rhymed with the word blue (shoe, knew, slew, boo, rue). After the show a woman came up to me to say she loved my wacky performance. Read more>>

Jamila Starwater Tazewell

I went to art school and they don’t teach you about business. I am lucky because they did help me get delusionally optimistic about being a “professional artist” though. I remember the exact moment in class that I decided that I would move to NYC and become a “famous handbag designer.” Read more>>

Y$N

The first time I got booked to DJ a wedding was a crazy experience for me. At the time, I had 0 motion going and was still trying to get myself off the ground when I got a call about someone looking for a wedding DJ. Read more>>