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.
Grant Ray
Technically, my first income, as a creative was in my childhood, and not from singing, but rather for my artwork. I was a trained visual artist from a young child, who went to magnets all of my whole life. That’s allowing me to earn money for my artwork grow up competitions connected to my schools. Read more>>
Dariann Leigh
My first dollar earned as a creative came from playing a small gathering hosted by a longtime family friend. I had a very small idea of what I was doing, but the confidence they instilled in me by believing I could do it is something I will forever remember. There may have been 20 people total, all getting absolutely attacked by mosquitos in a park in northern Minnesota. Read more>>
Arianna Wellmoney
The first time I made money as an actor, I was 21 and was in my first Off Broadway show! It was so exciting, I was part of the Chorus of an adaptation of Sophocle’s Antigone and it was showcased at the Queens Theater. It was directed by Leonidas Loizides. Read more>>
Yuanyuan (Yuanimos) Zhou
The first dollar I ever earn is from the art market my school held. It was such an exciting moment for me that I would never forget. The booth we had is MICA prepared for all students from MFA Illustration Practice and seeing customers seeing my potential and willing to choose my work among 23 talented artist also boost my confident. As a person who had no background in art, I always put myself in the position as an amateur and take art making as an hobby. Read more>>
Sophia Dashing
My first ever performance was in my home-town, Atlanta, GA in Piedmont Park. I performed at Atlanta Pride and it was my first big check I ever got as an artist. The idea of me performing at Pride started as purely a manifestation and a dream, so to be able to take the stage, do what I love and also make revenue was incredible. It showed me that anything is truly possible with drive and determination. Read more>>
Rainbow Mosho
Imagine this: You’re a teen artist and author on the autism spectrum and you receive an email that says, “We want to hire you to create an art on bikes project!” My first reaction was, “What?” And then, “How did you find me?” Read more>>
Melissa Mark
I was at my first in person Minneapolis Craft Market event** , an August 2017 Linden Hills Farmer’s Market. My friend came to help set up my tent and table and she stayed to keep me from turning into an anxious mess. While I had sold some of my jewelry pieces before, it had only been to friends and their acquaintances. This was different. Read more>>
Maya Rose Phillips
The first rime I earned monetary value and generated revenue from my content creating, was from a natural hair business who saw one of my viral Instagram videos. It was the first time anyone reached out to me for paid promotions and it was exciting! I felt so blessed representing their brand as a natural hair enthusiast & content creator. Read more>>
Haley Joyce Oliver
The first commission I ever did professionally was in middle school. The mother of my best friend wanted me to paint a portrait of her and her significant other. The painting was supposed to be a surprise gift which made me extremely excited to work on it. I remember asking my best friend to pose for me so I could get reference photos for the piece. Read more>>