Often there is no book or course to learn how to do what you want to do – so how artists and creatives overcome such challenges? How have some of the most talented artists and creatives in the community managed to learn their craft?

Danielle Costa

I started off as an intern at a radio station where I learned the basics and went from there. In my first full time radio job, I became a producer where I learned more of the technical aspects like editing, prepping, recording, etc. From there I was able to transition to being an on-air personality. I created my own show/podcast while also remaining on a commercial radio station and continuing to develop my skills. Read more>>

Cam Malone

I learned Photography through watching/imitating my grandmother. She’s been doing photography for over 25 years and the essentials skills like lighting, angles, patience is definitely what got through to me. I guess in hindsight, had I gotten out of my shell more, I could have made those connections to build a genuine clientele; faster. Read more>>

Chris Dupree

Like most piercers , I went through an apprenticeship (a period of time under an experienced mentor). While apprenticeships aren’t something you really speed up, I could’ve probably used my time more efficiently in hindsight. More questions , ideas, and insight that I could’ve taken in during. However with the knowledge I have now, those questions came later , before I even knew I needed to ask them. Read more>>

Christopher Kenji

From a young age, I had this dream of being a musician ––specifically, being a guitar player in a rock band. That’s it. That was the dream. Instead of going outside and trying to make friends with the other kids, growing up, I’d just play guitar for 6 hours a day in my room by myself. Read more>>

Marialexia Hernandez Imbert

How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more? Read more>>

Jitzel Vallecillo

After attending University and receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Public Management I came to figure out there was more to life than just living to work. I realized if I wanted more, to continue growing, and learning I had to keep working to live. Starting as just another job, I was working in banking which as I continued to apply myself it grew into what it is today as my career. Read more>>

Juliana Forero

Going to art school for my undergrad opened the door to learning new techniques and tools for self-expression. Connecting with groups of like=minded artists, agreeing to disagree and diving into art history was key in my formation as an arts manager and curator. When I moved to the US I understood the barriers that I needed to break to be part of the cultural scene, and after a few non-significant exhibitions, I enrolled into a graduate degree to be on the other side of the barriers, as an arts administrator and arts educator. Read more>>

Liz Galvao

I studied screenwriting and filmmaking in college, at Vassar College and Prague Film School, and then afterwards, I studied sketch and improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York. When I was first starting out, I was obsessed with reading books by writers and filmmakers and listening to podcast interviews with my favorite comedians. I was always hoping I would somehow get ahead by finding some secret formula to success. Read more>>

Sharmine Park

Learning to be a singer in a band and running a language school business are distinct yet equally fulfilling journeys. As a singer, I focus on mastering vocal techniques, stage presence, and harmonizing with fellow musicians. The path to musical excellence demands dedication and continuous practice, as well as a deep connection with the soul of music. Read more>>

Timothy Maticic

I went to school for television & film but really the way that I learned how to be a Television Story Producer was being thrown into it and just getting the experience. I was lucky enough to have great Producers above me who had my back and pushed me when I started out as an Associate Producer on So You Think You Can Dance. But I also think one of the key things is to fake it until you make it. Read more>>

Mihara India

In the heart of the city, Washington, D.C., I, Mihara India, a wide-eyed and hopeful aspiring actress, nervously crossed the threshold into the dimly lit theater for my very first acting class. Anticipation and excitement swirled within me as I joined a diverse group of fellow dreamers, all lured by the enchantment of the stage and the promise of personal transformation. The air crackled with potential, a tangible energy that hummed with the shared dream of becoming something more than ourselves. Read more>>

Sullivan Whalen

I learned a lot from my older brother and past teachers. After I got out of school I spent hours upon hours on the internet. Just listening and learning from masters of the craft and studying from them. The things I learned from the old masters where all things I wish I was told when I was much younger. Read more>>

Corine Olarte

Despite the technological advances in phone cameras, many small businesses owners and everyday people do not know how to take an image that truly matches the feeling of the good moment they are trying to capture. And despite the “over-saturation” of the photography industry, not many photographers understand how to implement photoshoot processes and editing techniques that makes a WOC client feel seen and heard, such as capturing accurate skin tone and providing them the creative space to collaborate. Read more>>

Kaytlin O’Neall

Everyone has to start somewhere, and for me, that meant embracing every opportunity that came my way. From day one, I was determined to learn every setting on my camera and connect with every client I worked with. I began my content creation journey at 16 by starting a YouTube channel, where I gained self-taught experience. Throughout my journey, I have always strived to operate with integrity and a strong work ethic. Read more>>

Mark Bajic

Well, back in the ’90s, we immersed ourselves in the sounds of bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Social Distortion and spent countless hours jamming in our garages, playing along to our favorite records, and dissecting the guitar riffs, drumbeats, and vocal styles of those iconic bands. Read more>>

King Alexander

When I first picked up drawing, I taught myself what I could. Keep in mind though, I started in middle at about 10, so the rules were simpler. “If it looked cool, it worked” was what I stuck to. Eventually, I took proper art classes throughout middle school, high school, and now college. I always wanted to learn animation ever since I saw All Dogs Go to Heaven on my dad’s VHS player, but never really knew where to start until I went to Riverside City College. Read more>>

HARLOWE NOIRE

How did you learn to do what you do? Music has been an evolving journey for me since 7th grade when I started making R&B tracks as an emotional outlet. By 9th grade, my first song went viral on Myspace, igniting my passion. Throughout high school, I performed in various venues, honing my skills and searching for my unique sound. Read more>>

Jennie Sweo

I don’t know if I could have sped up the learning process. A big part of the process is allowing yourself to take the time you need to learn, to experiment, to explore and make mistakes. And an important skill to have is to be able to teach yourself and to trust your learning. Read more>>

Chrysta Nichols

I sharpened my content creation skills through a combination of formal education and hands-on experience, with YouTube being a significant teacher. My choice to major in multimedia journalism in college was driven by my interest in improving my video production for social media platforms. Read more>>

Cody Eichelberger

The most common question I—or most artists— get, is “How did you learn to do this?” and I never have an answer that I think quite satisfies anybody. There are simple answers to give—youtube, books, friends, other artists etc., but the common thread is curiosity. We live in an age where anyone can learn anything that they seek out—the knowledge is there for all who journey to find it. Read more>>

Neeltarni Pratap

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have trained with renowned improv schools such as iO West, UCB, and Second City, while also delving into the Uta Hagen acting method under the guidance of one of the finest acting teachers, Howard Fine. The combined experience has been nothing short of transformative. These institutions and teachers are legendary for a reason, and their insights have not only sharpened my acting skills but also enriched my understanding of stories and how to tell them. Read more>>

Renata Vontobel

For sure working in any creative industry requires talent but it also requires a lot of training and working on your craft. As a singer-songwriter and actress I have taken many courses and lessons to learn how to preperly work in those fields and to be prepared for the market. I took my first vocal lesson at the age of 8 years old and I enrolled at Musicians Institute at 19, where I have graduated in their vocal associate program and their independent artist program, where I further learned technique, music theory and business. Read more>>

Cilin Chen

I started my journey with an old camera my parent gave me. It was a rainy day when I wandered about the street and took my first short film. I was then intrigued by the moving pictures since I was astonished by the emotional power hiding behind them. Since then I started carrying around my camera and shooting random clips. Read more>>

Benjamin Statser

Like many ceramic artists, I was first introduced to the medium in college, where I took the course as an elective. Clay is quite addicting once you get the hang of things, so I decided to continue in ceramics courses and eventually changed majors to make ceramics my primary focus. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I was balancing a full-time job alongside being a full-time student, so it was initially a struggle to find dedicated time to learn the craft. Read more>>