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.

Hanelle Culpepper

My first dollar earned as a director was shooting a series of informational videos for LAFLA: Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. These videos would be on rotation in their lobbies across the city. Read more>>

Bianca Levan

I had started papercutting in early 2012; and a few months later, there was an open studios where the studio building opened to the public and people could visit the artists’ studios. Read more>>

Jordan Thompkins

While I got to do some small freelance shoots in my late teens and early 20s (mostly graduation photos and a few unpaid shoots for start up brands) my first really big paid gig that made me feel like I was really a “professional” came around a few weeks before my 22nd birthday. Read more>>

Nicholas Kaufmann

When I made the decision to take my writing seriously as a profession in the year 2000, my very first short story submission was purchased by the first market I sent it to. I received a check for I think around $300. Read more>>

Sydni Peeler

After painting during the pandemic I decided to show my works for the first time in January of 2022. I sold my first painting ever here for $500 and for me it’s still one of my most validating and meaningful sales. Read more>>

Yolanda Galery

My first dollar earned as a creative actually came fairly early in life for me. In 5th grade I would sell drawings to my classmates for $1 a piece. I would draw cartoons from SpongeBob to Rugrats and other characters people requested. Read more>>

MJ Toling

The first time I earned as a film creative was from this project I worked on in the Philippines titled “Inlababo” directed by Dan Villegas. I acted in a television commercial short film and it is on YouTube if anyone would like to check it out. Read more>>