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?

Charity Wade

I am “self-taught” – in a sense. There was aLOT of late night YouTube-ing, I followed every photographer whose style I loved and read every blog I could find on photography and/or business. Once I figured out the basics of using my camera, I practiced, practiced, practiced! I took my kids outside and grabbed shots of them in different settings with different lighting as often as they would let me. Read more>>

Kiet Vo

I learned photography in a graphic design course in High School. Knowing what I know now, I wish I would’ve been more open to seeking mentorship. A lot of my struggle was because of my fear of asking for help. There are good and bad people in the world, but you’d be surprised with how many are actually willing to help. You never know until you ask. I realized that allowing myself to be vulnerable is also what allowed me to grow. Sometimes, you can be your own worst enemy. Read more>>

Craig Flux Amosun Singleton

I learned to do what I do by playing around, my high school learning, professional experiences, trail and error, listening, observing, applying some of the knowledge I gained, doing what I wanted to do and prolly some more stuff. HAHA. Knowing what I know now, I could’ve taken my career a bit more seriously. creativity seemed to come easily to me which showed me that I have the gift but constructing better outcomes for my self is another type of work one has to put in. Some essential skill were learning how to assess my feelings and perception/observation. Which means knowing what effects me and the why, how and what I understand. Read more>> 

Dominique Hazzard

Creativity has to be nurtured in order to make an impact. Growing up, I’ve always been surrounded by creatives that inspired me to perfect my craft. My father was a musician and a photographer in his spare time. His work ethic and drive inspired me to pick up photography and music. I was always the kid taking pictures on our family vacations with the disposable camera. At Christmas time, I was asking Santa for camera upgrades. I learned most of my initial skill from my dad. Not only was I engaged in photography and music at home, my primary schooling also encouraged me to pursue my interests and topics that I am passionate about. I was able to work on my photography and videography by working at the school’s television station as a camera operator. Read more>>

Andrea Gilson

Growing up my grandmother, Yeya, and I would make jewelry for each other and my mom. Often times gifting pieces to my close friends and relatives. She taught me how to use tools effectively and introduced me to new techniques all while allowing space for creativity and exploration. Having someone experienced in the art form working along side me gave me the foundation I needed to create the complex pieces I make today. Knowing what I know now, I would have invested in better materials and ergonomic tools early on. Read more>>

Leo Rain

I learned how to do what I do through meeting the right people and a lot of trial and error. I’ve mentioned in other interviews that if it weren’t for Atlas Gold and Brandon Williams, I would not have grown into the artist I am today. But furthermore, the “doing” behind learning the knowledge I was given was what really taught me a lot. And in that doing, I encountered a lot of trials and errors, but they helped me hone my craft. Read more>>

Elena Karavodin

I was drawn to the Arts at a very young age. As a child, being creative and making art was a way for me to explore the world around me. I gravitated to other creatives around me, to glee inspiration and information. I poured over every gigantic art book that I could get my hands on. I was fortunate enough to grow up with another professional Artist in my family. So, I was always encouraged to follow my dream. Immediately after high school, I went on to study Illustration at Laguna College of Art & Design. Read more>>

Mercedes Vega

Since my medium is digital, I had to learn how to use Adobe Suite. It was a challenge to complete my work exactly how I wanted it because I was lost on how to properly use the software, and I didn’t have time to learn it due to the workload; I learned enough to complete my assignments. As a result, my digital art wasn’t my best in comparison to my studio art. Once I graduated college, I was able to make more time to watch tutorials on Youtube on how to create different projects with the software, and I improved tremendously. I also took more time to practice before going into a big project. If I could’ve done things differently, I would have made more time to watch tutorials to improve my assignments. Read more>>

Arlon Johnson

My craft and skills that i’ve learned over time was built from me being in many Performing Art Schools and having early access to knowledge and information on the basic techniques and skills in my field of work. My family also exposed me to many things that influenced me artistically. Read more>>

Meka

I learn by doing. A lot of times, when first starting out at something, there’s the urge to wait until the “right time” or until you have every piece of equipment that you’ve seen the pros use. Luckily, I learned early that making do with what you have available to you can lead to a deeper learning experience. I like to refer to it as “ankle weights”. One of the toughest challenges of learning to be the artist I am today was learning how to mix. If you can learn to mix with a cheap microphone in a non-ideal recording space, you’ll build the skills necessary to mix anything, anywhere. Read more>>

Silver Kitsune

Mostly the best way to learn art is to just… do it. The only “right or wrong” way to go about creating is if you are unsafe in your choice of methods, materials, or results. Art did not spring to life fully ready to be produced. There is no tree out there that produces, say, acrylic paint in tubes. Everything you know about how to make art is the result of years of R&D. Read more>>

Lisa Rissmiller

Like a lot of artists I learn by doing. Trial and error. Art classes help with the basics like art history, color theory, and painting techniques, but nothing takes the place of doing, practicing, and playing. Encouraged by my mother and grandmother I began drawing and painting at an early age. I think children make the best artists because they have no self judgement and lack the skills to create exact replicas of what they see. You get a pure version of their reality when they create, sort of like painting with your non-dominate hand. Read more>>

Noelle Ramsay

Performing in dance showcases and at events was sort of the start of my artistic education. It was through dance where I learned some of the most important skills an artist should have: punctuality, preparation, adaptability, communication, and more. I don’t know if I can say one is more essential than the other. They all need to be exercised at different times when necessary. Preparation can be one of the trickier ones because everyone prepares for things in their own. When starting out, you tend to take all the advice you receive but then you have to know how to apply them to fit you best. Read more>>

Eliana Miranda

I primarily learned to make art in school where my teachers encouraged me to continue creating and turn it into a career. While in college,I realized that the people I surround myself with are just as important to my growth as my academics. Being in the company of practicing artists, educators, and my fellow schoolmates helped me become a better artist. I eventually received my BA from Hamilton College, and an MA and MFA from the University of Dallas. Read more>>

Lucy Tolkunova

I started on my art path about 15 years ago and of course there was a lot to learn. I have no formal art education but I love art and I wanted to be able to do it myself. Learning always starts with an interest, interest brings an excitement about the subject, and excitement makes you find opportunities to learn. I always try to find the best resources available for me at a particular time. There are many great artists who teach classes, workshops or have mentorship programs and I study and learn from them. And for me the one thing that is a key to learning is practice. Read more>>

Joe Jennings Jr.

I learned how to write screenplays from a book titled, ‘Screenplay’ by Syd Field. I also read other screenplays online. I used to practice on Microsoft Word 95 before I had a screenwriting program (Final Draft) by tabbing character names and dialogue into the right spots (laughs). As for filmmaking, I learned from being on set as a production assistant, which I consider to be the most valuable training I’ve ever had. PA’s get to watch and learn from every department on set. Its film school, essentially. Read more>>

Lu Ross

Like many artists, my love for art began at an early age. My mother was a painter, and her art turned out to be one of my greatest inspirations. She loved Impressionism and as I became exposed to it, I learned about the style and painters of that era. Their use of light, color, highlights, and shadows deeply resonated with me and became a big influence and inspiration for my photography. Read more>>

Johnny Duncan

Everything I do now I wanted to learn. I just dove into what I was interested in and I’d always study the work, the process, and everything in between. Also just getting up and doing the work, even if it is just a flailing try at first. I’ve always learned by watching and doing. Knowing what I know now I wish I wouldn’t have been as picky or strict with my interests. I find myself having to learn things I initially muted. As open as I was with being able to learn from everywhere I wasn’t as relaxed as I am now. Read more>>

Shane Sevier

Learning the craft has almost been a lifelong journey really. I started practicing martial arts at the age of seven and never really stopped after that, so I guess really you can say I started when I was pretty young, but I am still constantly learning more and more about the work I do! The skills that help me the most in my career so far I have to say are definitely martial arts, more so on how to hit the ground and keep getting up after you do! The biggest challenges I face with my career now are past injuries I have acquired over the years, they tend to give me a hard time every now and then, but I won’t let that stop me! Read more>>

Prince Finest

I learned how to Create by having a vision & not being scared to take risk . everything I know is from watching others . EVERYTHING Was / is self taught . Knowing what I know now You can’t rush greatness, you have to have patience , stay focused & learn from others and yourself . You can’t speed the process , what’s meant for you will be for you . Read more>>

John Sawyer

I have always been a “Maker.” Even as a kid, I was fascinated by how things worked and what I could build. For me, it wasn’t the destination, but the journey. My friends must think I’m a little nuts, because when I get really good at something, I get bored! So for me, the whole Maker/Creative thing is less about what I make, but learning how, learning a new skill, and applying it for awesome results. Unfortunately, sometimes this means I have a garage full of potential or 1/2 finished projects that are waiting for inspiration. Read more>>

Ashley Nova

I play multiple instruments, but in the beginning I was very very self taught (still am!). I decided to start learning an instrument when I was 13, my first year in highschool. That’s when I started really getting into music. I began with guitar, but quickly gave up and took up bass instead. I think self learning is an effective tool especially when starting out, but can definitely come with some cons. For example, I never learned how to hold a pick properly when starting out, and i never really learned much music theory either (because I found it sooo boring). On the bright side, I found time to practice every day, and I only learned songs that I really really liked, so learning how to play was super rewarding and exciting for me. Read more>>

Lauren Reyes

I’m very proud to say I am mostly self taught. I used to be embarrassed because I have been shamed by other hairstylists when they’ve seen me in a corner watching YouTube videos, or live streams on Periscope. Like most industries, there’s a status in the hair community that says where you were taught determines your potential. I went to a small hair school instead of a name brand one, I worked at a great clips instead of assisting in a high end salon, and I’ve never had a personal mentor. Read more>>

Lauren McGarrett

It’s no secret that the best way to learn filmmaking is by making films. Your films don’t need to be big budget productions with seasoned talent; you can start with simple videos or skits filmed on your phone with your friends and family. My first films were recreations of my favorite segments from “All That,” filmed on my family’s camcorder. I also first started editing as a teenager, creating fan videos on YouTube. Back then, I just considered it a fun hobby and had no idea how I could turn it into an actual career. Read more>>

MARSHEENA RIGGSBEE

I learned how to make candles in March of 2020. I signed up for a Candle Making 101 class & I’ve been making them ever since. I could’ve made my wax hotter versus making it the temperature told to me to prevent holes in your wax as it dries. The most essential skill is placing the wick in the jar properly. I didn’t let anything stand in my way of learning more. I always put my best foot forward in any & everything I do. Read more>>

Jessie Lark

I learned how to play music and perform mostly by putting in hundreds of hours since I was young. As a child, my Mom signed me up for quite a few local performances where I learned how to deal with stage fright. When I was a teenager, I started to write my own songs, and then as an adult, further honed my craft through songwriting books and associations like NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). Knowing what I know now, I could have learned these skills earlier and faster had I embraced new connections in the industry. I’ve always been a bit shy in social circles. Read more>>

JDR MOB

I learned to do what I do from constant practice and years of repetition. It takes a lot of perseverance and patience to work through the beginning stages and struggles of finding your sound as an artist. The one thing that would’ve sped up the learning process is moving out of your comfort zone is a big key. Read more>>

Victoria Klotz

The portraits I would make at age 14 of the models in teen vogue launched me into my first “artistic study.” Being self-taught I would always go through these stages of drawing similar subject matter collectively. This was not intentional, just a drive from within that I allowed to come out. Being self-taught is something that I pride myself on, but I also realize now it is extremely important to be authentic in the art world! As I have met other artists, I noticed there is a common trend of desire to achieve a specific style of art. Read more>>

Devotera Hill

As a kid, I learned how to dance by watching my family and TV. My mother, Aldona, taught me how to Chicago Step, and My sister, Nita, taught me how to freestyle. My sister, Shawn, taught me contemporary and a bit of ballet. My brother taught me how to Chicago House Dance. I was the type of dancer that put together movements without copying every step of choreography, which is called freestyle. I would figure out creative movements with my body and create a dance routine. Read more>>

Christopher Nez

First off, i went to an art school for filming. I later did an internship at an audio studio that was trying to get their foot in the multimedia. They wanted to produce more video content than photos. While working there I ended up doing some photos for them and didn’t really think too much of it. The owner liked my images and showed them to some of his clients and from there i had a couple ask for shoots. At first I got a little big headed and thinking that my images are amazing, until I showed them to a buddy of mine from school who actually took photography classes and knows what to look for. Read more>>

Alec Cabrera

I started down my path of music just listening like everyone else. We all have songs from childhood that hit us in a special way. I was eventually put in front of the drums by my Dad and I realized I could be a part of the music rather than just a listener. Knowing what I know now, I always wish I had started earlier, taken more chances and had been less afraid to put myself in front of audiences at a younger age. Read more>>

Tina Wiggins

I grew up watching my mom who is a self-taught artist. While at college I studied art and more or less learned the basics, however I did not finish my degree. If I would have stayed and taken all necessary courses it would have sped up my growth. So I learned everything after the basics on my own. Skills that were most essential as an artist would be patience, always keep practicing, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. The obstacles that stood in my way was myself. I always doubted my abilities. Sometimes I still do but just take the leap and go for it. That’s how you grow as an artist. Read more>>

Nia Shanay

I started by being inspired by other artist’s and watching their process. I learned that the foundational structure of your art in any form is very significant. I honestly didnt wish to speed up my learning process. I finally accepted and found a process that works for me and with learning anything I’ve learned to make friends with time and consistency. My first skill was learning how to cut hair, once I learned how to do it the right way it showed me that people would always support my work because I was good at what I do and I completed the task. The main obstacle that stood in my way was me. I had to learn to unlearn and relearn a lot of negative habits and patterns to get better results based off the decisions I was making. Read more>>

Calvin Lin

I have been drawing since I was a kid and would often draw as I watched my favorite cartoons on TV. From elementary school to high school, I would constantly draw Pokemon and anime characters on my homework and in sketchbooks. However, I wasn’t really serious about drawing until college when I got a tablet and a laptop and started to try out digital art. With the onset of social media and the ability to post my art online, it really pushed me to improve my digital art skills so I could share my art online. And aside from two semesters of elective art classes in college, I am entirely self-taught when it comes the digital art medium. Read more>>

Joseph Andrade

I pretty much had a knack for this at a very young age , when my parents were sick I always made them breakfast in bed, or a simple chicken broth from scratch. Back then it was Julia childs on the TV, and I was just fathomed of the dishes she would make and I try to imitate it. At the age of 16 I could fabricate an entire piglet, make traditional sauces and make minor dishes . In high school they had a culinary program from there I learned basic cooking methods and knife techniques and also there was Iron chef (Japanese version) on Food network at the time Professionally started at the age of 20 when I graduated from culinary school at that time it was called Florida culinary institute . Read more>>

Megan Cornelius

I was extremely intimidated by the Web3 NFT space when I started my current position. I had never bought or created an NFT and didn’t know where to start. The first thing I did was buy a book called “NFTs for Dummies” to nail down some of the essentials. I then immersed myself in the space. I spoke with creators and people who had been working in Web3 for awhile. To speed up the learning process, I would have stopped letting myself get in the way. I was nervous to speak with others because of my lack of knowledge. I found that networking and speaking with others pushed me way further than a book ever could. Read more>>

Andre Ellington

I learned about becoming a writer through pure experience. During the winter semester of my sophomore year at Eastern Michigan University in 2013, I sought to become a published writer. After I wrote my first story for the school’s newspaper, The Eastern Echo, I knew I wanted to capture that particular feeling of accomplishment consistently, so I started seeking internships. Read more>>