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.

Vincent Taylor

My first dollars earned happened as I stood as a vendor at an educational conference in Tampa, Florida. The venue was replete with over 1,000 educators, and I could not wait to share my first published book, Rhythmic Reading with Rap which is a supplemental resource to support students with reading comprehension. Read more>>

Jeremy Jimenez

The first dollar I made as a creative is something that still motivates me to this day. In the Summer of 2021, one of my friends came to me about making a dress made out of polaroid pictures. at first I was unsure then, but the creative side in me made me take on the challenge. Read more>>

Stephanie Terrero

 

The very first proper dollar I earned as a creative was for “principal – on camera” acting back in 2017. My manager at the time sent me on an in person audition for Columbia University in New York City. Read more>>

Kai Storm

Picture it lol New York City February 2011 and I just signed a contract with an independent publisher to put out my first book.This was especially important to me because prior to signing my current contract, I luckily grew out of a previous contract with a so-called small publisher that intended to steal my story. Read more>>

Beth Aimée

I started dabbling with making jewelry while I had a day job running an art gallery. I mustered up the courage to put a few of my first creations on display in the gallery. Meanwhile, I was ready for a career shift and daydreamed about what to pursue next. I considered my favorite activities (hiking, cooking, art) and wondered how I could make money while doing the things I love. Read more>>

Dana Harrison

The first time I made money off of my creativity was about 7 years ago. I don’t know how they found me because I had just started my lettering account and probably had like 36 followers but I was commissioned to hand letter some large menu chalkboards for a conference at a hotel. Read more>>

Esther Fitz.

Earning my first dollar was quite thrilling, actually! I was in college, at least pretending to go for my parents sake, and I decided that if I was to be in school, that I might as well take classes doing things that I enjoy as well. So I sought out a vocal instructor to help me balance out my musical interests and school life. Read more>>

DORSEY COTTMAN

My first sale off my product was a friend from school. I started teaching myself how to do graphic design and wanted to design my own products. HOME was one of the first logos I came up with and was an instant hit. Read more>>

Onel Bascom

I ditched the traditional business I had last year. I earned my first check as a creative/content creator and it was a new day. It felt right! It reassured me that I made the right choice. Earning money for doing what you love makes it feel non-transactional. It happened after I helped a client develop a themed promo video. Read more>>

Emma Lang

I started my business, Emma Lang Art, in May of 2020 right after the COVID pandemic had slowed down the world. I had moved back home with my parents to finish my Spring semester of college. I began painting in my free time that Summer and spent the majority of my day working at my easel. However, it wasn’t until August of 2020 that I received my very first commission. Read more>>

Grace Breshears

October 9th, 2021 was the day I earned my first dollar as a model. Cassie Taylor , Fountain City and Co, had posted a model search on her Instagram story which I commented I would be over the moon to work with her yet again. I felt ecstatic once a received an email stating I was invited. Read more>>

Hayley Domin

Long evenings, unpaid gigs, and living life as the ultimate multitasker; let’s just say that my journey into travel marketing was anything but easy! I’ve always been a creative individual, and 6 years ago decided to take that creativity and take on a side hustle. Read more>>

Tracey Hawkins

The First Dollar I ever made selling my Erotic art was from my Art prints. My cousin went on my website and bought two prints which are now some of my most popular prints. The order total I remember was $45. I was smiling from ear to ear. I was so happy. It helped me see that there is an audience for the type of work I love creating. Read more>>

JOIE GREY

For a long time, it felt like I was allergic to making money through my music. All of my live performances were simply for exposure and my music was not generating enough streams for me to see an actual profit. It wasn’t until my song, UNTITLED, went viral on TikTok that I actually saw any real monetary success. Read more>>

TONE

The first dollar I earned as a creative was playing the alto saxophone at about 14-15 years old in my mother’s band. Her stage name is Deborah Kay. I also started playing piano and organ for churches at about this age. I learned at an early age it’s possible to be both a creative AND an entrepreneur. Read more>>