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.

Hunter Rensink

The first dollar I earned as a creative was when I made my first sale at a gallery exhibition that took place at my university. The exhibition also had a market portion I was a part of so at the start I was running around setting up my table and organizing all the prints I made so far that semester. I didn’t know what to expect until a classmate of mine came up to me and asked if a piece I had hung up in the gallery was for sale. Read more>>

Patrick Doherty

Playing our first show in Tacoma Wa I was able to put $20 in my pocket at the end of the night. I can still remember the feeling of putting that money in my wallet and knowing it was from performing our craft. Being able to eat a meal and put a little bit of gas in the tank all from our own thoughts and dreams. That $20 felt like a million at the time. Read more>>

Justine Beech

In high school, a friend asked me to assist in painting murals for her mother, sparking my journey into getting paid for my art. Starting with odd jobs the muralist declined, I relished being paid for my passion. This experience became a foundation throughout art school, post-graduation, and in my Brooklyn work. Read more>>

Ralph Nochete

The first time I earned some bread through my art was back at my college newspaper org. I didn’t expect I’d end up earning some money with drawing. I only applied so I could learn and expand my knowledge. Next thing I knew, I was earning some money already. It ain’t much but I was overwhelmed knowing that this could be something I could do in the future. Read more>>

Christen Munroe-Jones

My first dollar as a creative was earned during my very first dance teaching job in April 2019. On Indeed, I was applying for jobs in my college dorm when I came across an advertisement for dance teachers. Initially, I was hesitant to apply, wondering, “Am I good enough?” Read more>>

Uriel Artiaga

When you think of artists, creatives, and visionaries, it’s hard to wonder about earning your first dollar in a career field with no guarantee of financial success. Artists typically prioritize passion work over earnings without any financial knowledge and confidence to take advantage of their well-sought skills and ability to create. Read more>>

Mike Béke

The first time I ever made money from Music was when I was 18 years old. At the time I was having a little album release show at a local coffee shop. I didn’t really want people to have to pay to get in but they left a tip jar at the door. Read more>>

Dixon Darling

I’ll never forget the first dollar I earned as a musician. December 31st, 2018, I was opening for a band a little restaurant called Goose and Chey’s in Tahoe City, CA. The owners were friends of mine and let me open for the band to get my feet wet with gigging. Read more>>

Kennedy Kuo Harris

One of my biggest hurdles so far has been monetizing my work. I was commissioned to do my first mural in 2022, and was subsequently asked for my going rate. I bounced some ballpark numbers around with my friends + family, and was surprised to discover nearly every person I consulted thought that my initial pricing was far too low. Read more>>

Danny Salzhandler

In 1994 my wife Norma and I moved from Dallas to Cardiff By-The Sea, California. Norma had a job offer so I closed my conveyor company, packed up my welder and began sculpting terrariums and vivariums, art that contains life within. A gallery in the Gas Lamp district in San Diego accepted a small sculpture that included two Madagascar Golden Mantella frogs and I made my first sale. I was happy someone liked it enough make a purchase. Read more>>

Cindy Amaya

Earning your first dollar as a creative is very gratifying. It’s so rewarding knowing that someone is willing to spend their hard earned money on something you created. It gives validation that you’re doing things right. It doesn’t seize to amaze me that I earn my living by something I create. It gives me the motivation to continue creating and coming up with new ideas. Read more>>

Abel “Aybul” Wagner

Besides money I’ve made from streaming through Distrokid and BMI, the first check I ever earned as a creative was for a performance on April, 20th 2021. I was asked to open for a friend of mine (she was headlining) and I performed a 15 minute set and made over $60. I laugh about it now cause it was only $60 but that was the first time I was ever compensated for a performance. It was an awesome experience and really inspiring. Read more>>