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.

Suzanne McCormick

My first paying project was ‘many moons’ ago. I was an extra on an Aaron Spelling TV pilot, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida called Pier 66. The scene I was needed for was an office scene and I was to be one of the many office workers that day working at a cubicle. It was the first time I was ever on a film set! Read more>>

Nicole King

I was 22, with nothing more than three pliers, some wire, and a head full of ideas. Every evening after work, I’d sit down and twist wire and stones into little creations. One day, someone asked to buy the necklace I was wearing—literally right off my neck. I was shocked, but that moment changed everything. Read more>>

Cole Kovnesky

The first dollar I earned on social media made me cry. I have a screenshot of it actually saved in my phone. I told my mom, fiancé, brother, and best friends immediately after I saw the deposit hit my checking account. Read more>>

Tamara Marlene

My first real sale as a painter was also my boldest leap of faith. I had previously participated in the Black Girl Art Show and took note of what caught people’s attention. I told myself that the next time, I’d be ready with a large, show-stopping piece. Read more>>

Crystal Bao

The very first time I earned money from my creative work was when I was around 11. Read more>>

Steven Randle

I wish that I had stopped to smell the roses on the very first dollar I made from the first copy sold of my first book. But, I was in such a chaotic state in life that I didn’t even keep a copy of the book for myself lol. Read more>>

Beki Song

The first time I earned money from my artwork was in 2021. I was fortunate to be invited by a young artists’ program under a well-established gallery in Korea that had been active for over twenty years. That show became my first solo exhibition after graduating from university. Read more>>

Esme Auster

The first paying job I ever had in the film industry was a doozy. I was a sophomore in college and I was hired through the alumni network to be a PA on this random woman’s first film project. The project was a combination of her poetry and other writings with carefully timed videos of her art installations. Read more>>