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?

Jody Miller

I grew up in a really small town in south Mississippi. My first musical experience was playing trumpet in the school band, but this was the extent of my training until college. Most of my friends grew up in areas where there were professional musicians who taught private lessons, but there were none of these near me. I learned early in my life that I had to seek out ways to improve. By the time I went to college I had gained skills that, in many ways, put me ahead of my peers. The motivation to have a career in music led me to learn many instruments, many styles of music, and from many different teachers. Read more>>

John Schaub

When I was very young, I would learn by watching others. Either people on the street, kids at school, or favorite actors on tv. In my experience, I’ve found that you never really stop learning! There is always something you can do differently and better, especially in this industry. But when I realized that acting was more than just a pastime, I started taking formal classes. Currently, I am enrolled in a weekly on-camera acting for teens with film actor Russ Russo and I not only get the benefit of his professional experience, but also have met some amazing friends. I definitely believe that finding reputable instruction and a safe space to create has really been key to my growth as an actor. Read more>>

Josef Kaufmann

It took a lot of practice over the years. I did go to school for art and design, however, I also spent a lot of time on my own teaching myself and practicing. The internet has many other creatives that are glad to help and there are also dozens of videos and tutorials available for free. Skill-wise everything can be learned all you really need is the perseverance and drive to work and enhance your skills. Obstacle wise I have had a few, I post all of my art to social media, and sometimes the piece bombs which definitely drains my motivation sometimes, and other times I have spent days on a piece and it just never really seems to turn out the way I want it too. Read more>>

Joy Rotblatt

I learned how to paint in the 80″s as a sophomore at the Otis School of Fine Arts under Mike Kanemitzu, one of my many instructors during my 3 years as a student. His method of painting was to throw paint onto a canvas on the floor after he had done a meditation. This spontaneous way of working influenced me a great deal and remained in my subconscious. As I painted, I began to appreciate the art of layering. I LOVED being able to see through the top layer to what I had done below. In 2000, I studied at the Santa Fe Institute of Fine Art under the renowned minimal sculptor Anne Truitt. While I was in that workshop I observed a woman working in encaustic.  Read more>>

Juliet Mendez

I learned a lot of what i know now through self taught practice. YouTube was my cake Instructor, being able to go back and rewatch the steps over and over was super helpful. Having a partner who also loved to bake and decorate cakes before me, he taught me a lot of what i know. To speed up my learning process i could have attended some in person cake decorating classes or even took on more orders. The only obstacle i think that stood in the way for me was time, having a full time job and very little time to explore my cake journey i feel did hold me back a bit. Once i knew i wanted to focus on cakes as a full time job i was able to really execute intricate designed cakes and larger cake orders. Read more>>

Karine Dieuvil

My entire childhood into late adolesence was focused on education and doing everything as excellent as possible, as fast as possible. I wanted out. Not necessarily of academia, but the ferocious chase to the destination of someone else’s dream. I had ALWAYS been an actress. I like to recount my first ever play written at the ripe age of 7 years old, a testament to my imagination influenced by heavy biblical allegories gleamed from my “Veggie Tale” days. I realized I had a story to write of my own and that involved getting very good and specific about who I am and what the heck I do. So I leaned into the things that brought the joy in the challenges, and the opportunity to challenge how big my joy could get. Read more>>

Kristen Long

My mother is an illustrator, so art has always been a part of my life. My siblings and I would get a new sketchbook at the beginning of summer, learned the color wheel, and visited art festivals frequently from a young age. She encouraged creativity in all aspects of life, and didn’t shy away from letting me and my siblings play with playdough, paper mache, cross stitch, perler beads, and paint. We went to the craft store frequently, and to this day, whenever I walk into Michael’s the familiar smell brings me back to being a kid. Read more>>

Lily Shea

Sometimes I joke around with people and say that I went to “Youtube University” but there’s more truth than joke to it. As soon as I was interested in taking pictures, I leaned heavy on the internet to show me real-life stories from people who had already solved the beginner challenges I was going through. Anything from gear to posing tips, Youtube is still the first stop I take when I face the unknown. It takes some patience, but I’m almost sure you can learn anything from youtube.  I’ve learned a lot from other photographers. Just seeing how other people operate and approach a situation can be inspiring. I think it’s really important to experiment in a safe space as much as you can so that you’re prepared when the bigger projects arise. Read more>>

Marcus Bell

I learned to improve my singing and produce music by learning from other artist’s in the industry that have accomplished a great deal in their own careers. Knowing what I know now, I wished I could have started learning early on in my 20’s and to get out of my own head thinking that I knew what I was doing. My most essential skills that helped me be to where I am right now is my vocal range and my musicality. One of the most important obstacles that stood in my way was my own self, not seeking out help and knowledge when I needed it. Read more>>

Margaret Anne Kean

I came to poetry later in life. After studying literature in college, I pursued other careers but always held a desire to write poetry “one day when I retire.” At age 57, while looking at my New Year’s resolutions, I decided I couldn’t wait any longer. After consulting writer friends, the first thing I did was begin to read the works of a wide range of contemporary poets. I then joined an on-line writing group, attended Idyllwild Writer’s Week (a week-long summer workshop) and participated in a quarterly writer’s workshop at the local junior college. Read more>>

Maybear

I started writing short little nonsensical songs as a kid and growing up, I taught myself vocal techniques and grew into my own vocal style, then picked up songwriting again in college. Currently, I’m songwriting, strengthening my voice for performing, and spending more time producing my own songs using Logic. If I could go back in time, I would minor in music to learn composition, audio engineering, and production. All other ways I could’ve sped up the learning process of my craft stems from my anxiety about putting myself out there, being vulnerable in front of others. Read more>>

Monk Turner

I was in middle school when I sold my soul for rock n’ roll. My parents dragged me to see The Who’s Tommy. I didn’t want to go because they told me it was a ‘rock opera’ and all I knew was that I didn’t want to watch an opera. But eventually I acquiesced. I walked out of that theater a completely different person. I knew I had to get my hands on a guitar as soon as possible. It started with strumming a tennis racquet, then eventually after much cajoling, my parents purchased a cheap acoustic guitar for me to bang on. I’d play it until my fingers bled and my primary interest was to make little songs up and record them. I guess I never grew out of it. Read more>>

Natalie Torres

I worked in fashion as a model since I was 18, in New York City. During that time, I was so disconnected from my body and I lived in a hustle mindset. I had frustrating relationships and traumatic experiences with men. I spent most of my 20’s blaming men and life. I was in one 6 year codependent relationship that drained me to the point that I had chronic pain and fatigue, by the age of 25. I started studying different spiritual paths and I eventually realized that I was both the solution to all of my frustrating experiences with men. Read more>>

Nicole Cowen

Learning photography takes time, patience and a lot of trial and error. I’m a hands on learner so for me I needed to get out there and practice getting my settings right. Sure, I took educational courses, listened to podcasts and did a ton of research. But it didn’t all truly click until I put it into practice. I would have my family and friends model for me whenever possible so that posing and using my camera became muscle memory. I think the most essential skills is experience and figuring out your workflow. Read more>>

Praise Posh

During the beginning stages of attempting to become a creative, at first I had no idea what niche I wanted to indulge in. I liked to take images, I liked images taken of me, I enjoyed editing, and I also enjoyed styling/fashion a lot. I wasnt sure if I would be able to express creative across all of those mediums, but over time as i tried one after the other, I came to the conclusion that the best way to get the best of all worlds would be to have ownership over something someday. Thats how my brand was born! Read more>>

Rebel Riah (sarah Kim)

As a music producer, audio engineer, and songwriter, I’ve developed my skills through a deep commitment to both critical listening and hands-on practice. Each role requires a unique set of skills, but they all converge in one essential practice: listening. As a producer, I focus on the intricacies of production, sound design, and arrangement. As a songwriter, I tune into melodies, lyrics, song structure, and chords. As an audio engineer, I’m attentive to the technical aspects like mixing, recording quality, and audio processing. By consistently practicing and actively listening from these different perspectives, I’ve been able to refine my craft, with each attempt—successful or not—bringing me closer to the desired outcome. Read more>>

Reilly Day

I first picked up my first camera when I was eleven years old. At the time, I learned everything from trial and error. As my craft began to grow, I began watching YouTube videos and bringing my camera nearly everywhere with me. If I had known what I know now in the beginning, I would have told my younger self to keep practicing. The more you get out there and practice with real people the more confident you become + the better your craft becomes.  In the photography industry, it is easy to feel as if you are just another photographer, there are numerous photographers everywhere you look. However, if you want to stick out in this industry, it is so important to have a heart full of passion + great communication skills. After all, each session is as if you are auditioning for your next gig! Read more>>

Rob Gill

I’ve always been fascinated with pictures and the ability to capture a specific person, event or emotion at a specific time. As a young man I was always enamored with the photographs of the great Gordon Parks. Fast forward a few decades when I first picked up a camera seriously, I knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue to see where it would lead me. Early on I learned from a wide range of sources: taking photography classes, studying the work of other photographers, experimenting with different techniques, and keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Read more>>

Russell Shaw

I have been thinking a lot about the gulf between “taste” and “craft” lately—the gap between the work that you envision and aspire to in your mind, and the reality of how it measures up to your original idea once it is tangible, executed, and right there in front of you. In school and starting out, you learn all of these amazing things and are exposed to a whole world of great art and design, and it sets your mind on fire to create things and join in that chorus. But what you are able to actually produce often misses the full vision of grandeur. Even if other people love it and think it’s perfect! Read more>>

Ryan Thewes

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, architecture really wasn’t a part of our everyday lives. Our only exposure to it really was from television (Family Ties and The Brady Bunch). However, I excelled at drawing and art, so it was repeatedly suggested to me that I become an architect, as that was what people thought architects did. Taking their advice, I attended Ball State University in Indiana and began my career. That first year was an eye-opening experience as I quickly realized that the skill of drawing wasn’t what was important, but rather the ability to think and be creative. Creativity was something I didn’t regularly exercise, and I immediately questioned if it was something that I possessed.  Read more>>

Sarah Rafferty “penguin”

The path to becoming a professional tattoo artist wasn’t quick or easy for me. At the age of 21 I had started my first tattoo apprenticeship after graduating from The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. This was a truly humbling experience. I learned how to build a coil tattoo machine, solder needles and run the autoclave in-between drawing and cleaning. I was learning skills but it wasn’t a perfect place. I was around crime, drugs and misogyny. So, when I became pregnant with my oldest son, I had to leave. One unfinished apprenticeship loomed over me for the next decade. Read more>>

Savasia Vida

I say it with pride that I’m a self-taught creator in all of my endeavors. I do of course appreciate what schooling and formal training has to offer, I honestly did not have the patience to learn in the more traditional way. I learned my skills from graphic to fashion design through YouTube! Such a highly recommended source for any creative—there is no shame in taking advantage of this source for your own journey. Learning the basics of sewing, graphic design, and pattern-making have been the most essential skills I’ve learned on my own. Read more>>

Scotty Gaine$

I learned how to rap and produce music by first listening intently to all my favorite hip-hop artist. Before I was an artist myself I was a avid fan. I listened and still do to all the relevant music in my particular genre as well as from other genres as well. Knowing what I know now I could have speed up my learning process by learning music theory and practicing drumming out my favorite beats on the MPC. I think having a sense of direction when I create is most essential to my process. Read more>>

Shotsbyskylaflame .

I Began Learning Photography By Taking Outfit Photos Of My Former Friends Whenever We Went Out Doing Whatever We Felt Like Doing During Those Times. From What I Know Now I Don’t Believe That I Could’ve Sped Up The Process Because I Feel Like I Learned What I Needed To Learn During The Time I Needed To Learn Them. The Skill Of Using Natural Light Is The Most Essential Because It Set The Foundation Of Understanding How I Could Manipulate Light Especially When Its Not Totally In My Control. There Wasn’t Any Obstacles That Stood In My Way Of Learning More. Read more>>

Starr Lewis

I learned to sew and create fashionable pieces by watching YouTube and having a mentor early on. I also went through a lot of trial and error by just going in blind and teaching myself as I go. To speed up the learning process I could’ve skipped purchasing cheap equipment and went straight for the heavy duty machinery. Another thing that would’ve been essential was learning how to make clothing patterns or purchasing them instead of guesstimating measurements. The most essential skill is to be very patient! There will be days where fabric just doesn’t want to cooperate or the needles may break and get jammed into the clothing. Other skills that are important are having an aptitude for sewing and being creative overall. Also paying attention to detail wouldn’t hurt! Read more>>

Thato Malapile

Learned music through a very good friend of mine from a young age of around 12 years when he installed the program(FL Studio) into my PC, he had asked me to borrow him. And then like that, he taught me how to use it to make music and then I took over and started learning for myself. At the point that I am I wish I could’ve invested more time into the theory to balance out with the practical skills as well, because believe me I a very good.. Read more>>

Tom Ehrbar

I think the learning aspect of filmmaking goes hand in hand with a healthy obsession with movies. These strange time-locked artifacts say so much about that specific moment and the people who made them. You must appreciate cinema if it’s what you want to make your life. I did go to film school, I guess I’ll start there. There seems to be this separation of opinion around filmmakers attending classes or not. The obvious truth is everyone is different. To be a filmmaker someone does not have to go to film school to learn anything essential about filmmaking. What I did gain there, was an understanding of how to form consequential creative relationships with my fellow filmmakers. My first serious creative collaborators, essentially. Read more>>

Yasmine Tanres

I got into TV hosting and journalism by experience rather than any formal education. During my German and Modern Language studies at King’s College London I came across a media training scheme for young adults wishing to deliver news features for a couple of TV networks in the UK. I was able to get into the program once I completed my studies. There, in the first couple of months I learnt how to pitch newsworthy stories, film using a broadcasting camera, professionally edit videos, and interview a variety of personalities from celebrities to politicians and your everyday hero. Read more>>

Varun Chounal

From a very young age, I was a chronic daydreamer. Whether I was trekking through the hills, wrestling with complicated math problems, or basking in the lazy warmth of a Sunday afternoon, my mind was always busy cooking up wild scenarios and stories. One of my earliest (and most hilarious) memories is of roping my friends into making an entire movie during a crucial exam week. We even sold copies to our classmates. Spoiler alert: the movie was a disaster! But it ignited a spark of joy that nothing else has ever been able to replace. Read more>>

Réya Wahab

I learned how to do what I do now by being curious about different genres and styles of music. By finding ways the different styles could work together and compliment each other. I think it is very important to be curious about the huge variety of music styles there are in the world. The more you listen, the more you expand your vocabulary and the more you have tools for your creations. I did not come from a musical family, and growing up, I listened to limited styles of music. My parents listened to alot of folk lebanese music and some lebanese pop music. And my friends at school listened to american pop music, mostly RnB and Hip hop. Read more>>