Earning that first dollar is incredibly special and a moment many never forget. We asked some very talented creatives from the community to tell u s the story of the first dollar they earned from their creative works.

Pablo Bastidas

The first time I made money playing music was in high school with my first band Bears and Airplanes. We played at a local coffee shop called Sozo where a lot of young people in the Chandler area got their start. I think we just made tips, which we weren’t even expecting! I can’t remember if we pocketed it for making t-shirts or for breakfast burritos, but it was a special feeling to be rewarded for our “work” for the first time. We all play music in different groups now and base pay is sort of standard, but tips always feel like a more personal demonstration of appreciation. It was great to get that reinforcement early on. Read more>>

Cat Rigdon

The first painting I ever sold was to the artist, Tommy Fitzpatrick, who was my painting professor at Texas State University. I had been experimenting with using “ugly” colors to glaze my oil painted fossilized sea urchin-forms with intersecting groin vaulting. He selected this Ugly One to be added to his coveted prized students wall in his office. He cut me a check and it still lives in his office. Read more>>

Michael (Mike G) Garza

The very first time I actually got money from my music just being played and heard across the world, it was not only motivating but addictive! I was at home that day and happened to be the one to go get the mail. And there it was, my very first check for royalties from my distributor. Now, keep in mind. It was a far cry from a million dollars. Or even 100,000 dollars! Lol! But it was a CHECK to me for MY music! I can honestly say I’ve gotten several more since then from both my distributor and BMI, but I have many more to go. Just don’t stop, do the work and put it out! Pushing it afterwards is most important though! Read more>>

Kiara Brown

The first paid gig I had was doing background for a Dallas artist named Flowerchild. She found me on Instagram and took a chance on me, I had never sung in a background group or sung in front of many people before that. It was an amazing experience and I was incredibly affirmed and loved in that space. I ended up doing that for about a year or so and I was able to grow my confidence as an artist and I’m so thankful for that. Read more>>