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.

Isaac Allanarem

I’m excited to reminisce on my modeling journey by sharing the story of my first paycheck. Nothing beats the thrill of landing your first booking. In 2019 I signed to a talent agency in Scottsdale. A few weeks after signing, I got my first commercial print booking with Banner Health. Read more>>

Annie Clavel

I had just arrived in Long Beach from France. in the neighborhood a coffee shop was showing local artists art. And my art was selected: first exhibition in the US. Shortly after the opening reception, a shooting of Miami CSI took place in front of the coffee shop. Read more>>

Cocky McFly

I’ll never forget it. I got my start hosting poetry open mics here in the city of Jackson. I had no clue what I was doing, and I really was just hoping I could get in front of the right crowd to show off my talents. I got that opportunity doing a benefit gala for a doctor here in the city. Read more>>

Cassandra Clark

It was the heart of the 90s, and the only thing that made slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts even cooler was pairing them with hemp jewelry. As a 80s/90s kid, I was as eager to jump on this craze as I was to keep my Tamagotchi pet alive (it never stayed alive…). Read more>>

Mike Sarcinelli

The first time I was paid for acting… what a day. I was 18 years old and cast in a independent feature film shooting in Upstate New York, playing the drug dealer. The pay was $300. I remember the audition process was so different to me. Read more>>

Michael Vasquez

The first dollar I earned from my work was a commission piece from making a concert poster for a local musician. It was a great experience because it was almost immediately after graduating from college with my graphic design degree, and I was still determining my next steps. Read more>>

Melanie Valentine

The first time I ever earned money as a creative was back in 2018. I had networked my way into my first gig, and, to be honest, my performance didn’t go the way I had intended at all. Read more>>

David Williams

I couple years ago I really started to focus on the online marketing and advertisement of my music. From there I started to get brand ambassador opportunities. I seen that as a good opportunity to grow my social media. Read more>>

Sherri Ezell

I was in my twenties and decided I wanted to try solo gigs with my guitar. I visited a local fine restaurant and talked to the owner, explaining that I would love to sing and play for any private party he might have. Read more>>

Christina Tatum

I had been doing poetry for about a year before one of my close friends and another fellow poet asked me if I wanted to perform for Toyota for MLD day! I was so excited and taken aback cause because I’m like you have many other artists and friends you can ask but you asked me. Read more>>

Carey Scott

The first dollar I earned as an actor was appearing in an episode of “Archie Bunker’s Place” for CBS. It was very exciting because I was a big fan of “All in the Family” and knew what a legend Carroll O’Connor was. Read more>>