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?

JJ Magix

Music has been a part of my life since a kid. Growing up I would play keys at church and over the years I’d experiment with other instruments. I started learning how to record and structure songs using a phone app called pocket band, then I found out about FL studio. With the help of my parents and summer jobs I’d get a computer, interface, and a mic to start recording full songs and learn how to mix for different genres of music. Read More>>

Essi Sings

Learning basic English and having musical influences was enough for me to become interested in weaving words into different contexts to create different emotions, especially on top of music. Combining words and feelings, I used music as a diary, burrowing stories of my life into analogies and imaginative wordplay. Read More>>

Sarah-Grace Donnelly

Studying the craft of acting is a tricky thing. It’s not like music, where you can run your scales every day and know you’ll see improvement from repetition. Acting doesn’t really work that way—it’s more nuanced, more subjective. For me, the time I’ve spent learning this craft has completely changed my life, both personally and artistically. And it hasn’t been a short journey. Read More>>

SADFAM Records

Through this project, we appreciate the function of music in the context of a community and outside the context of mainstream modes of online engagement. Song a Day for a Month operates without play counts, like buttons, or monetization. It’s donation-based, following the model of the Vipassana retreat centers. This creates a social space where music exists for creative expression and community connection that is outside the logic of advertising and algorithms. Musicians offer thoughtful feedback instead of likes, and raw creative ideas that might never surface in other social media or streaming platforms. Read More>>

Yujin Son

I’ve always learned by following my curiosity. When I first started drawing, I was surrounded with manga, internet culture, and cartoons, which naturally led me into illustration. I loved turning imagination into something real, so I taught myself with pen, colored pencils, and eventually painting. Read More>>

Vivian Kwabia

I have always had an eye for decoration and interior design, but that alone did not translate well into a scalable venture. My passion for aesthetics, but most importantly for sharing moments of celebration with the people I love, pushed me to the place where it felt almost necessary to do more with this. Not knowing how, I researched various skills courses on entrepreneurship, decorating, and design. I first started joining in on online workshops and business trainings, to learn more about the ins and outs of what business ownership would actually look like in my life, and if it was something I was willing to take that leap of faith for. Read More>>

Chad Abbley

I am a self taught painter. I learned how to paint basically by doing graffiti when I was a teenager. You get used to using a certain material and then over time it makes sense to transition from painting walls to painting on a canvas or panel. Read More>>

Amol Ramani

I often learn from observing other people in my space. I learned most of the theoretical side of acting from the extensive programs at the New York Film Academy. Excellent instructors meant I always received critical feedback regarding my craft which helped me improve in a short span of time. My biggest strength was my willingness to make a fool out of myself. Letting go isn’t the easiest thing for a rookie actor. Read More>>

Libby

I attended numerous writing conferences. While many were helpful, I wish that I had focused more on developing my own skills. Hearing countless people tell how you “have” to do things in order to be successful can be intimidating and downright confusing. Listen to your gut and focus on learning the craft of writing. Write and keep on writing. It’s a muscle that grows stronger with use! Read More>>

Sarah Elise Walker

I have learned most of what I know about photography from making bad art over and over again. Always remaining a bit unsatisfied with my work has proved to be necessary. It leaves me wanting more from myself. I never wish to be at a place in my career where I believe there is nothing I can improve upon. If I was perfect every time, what would the point of any of this be? Read More>>

Chrissy Norman

I studied interior architecture in graduate school. When I finished with my masters, there was a major economic recession – interior design jobs were few and far between. I found my place working in visual merchandising. I helped plan art installations, sorted product into seasonal messaging, and was accountable for driving sales through styling and product placement. The company was extremely visually driven and so design and presentation were top priority for all aspects of the business. Read More>>

A.V. Hamilton

I learned what to do by becoming obsessed with research about the craft, and taking piano lessons at an early age, which eventually led to me teaching myself to DJ and songwrite. I decided to invest into music school to take it a step further and learn professionally how to make smart decisions in the music industry as well. My learning process was perfect timing, and I don’t believe I’m ahead or behind in my process, but right where I need to be. The skills that are most essential even today are patience and humility. And the only obstacle standing in your way is yourself whenever you don’t have those qualities when pursuing anything. Read More>>

Kel

I always like picking apart stories and story telling. I dug into a lot of the process of any books, tv shows, or movie. That then lead me to attend college to study sequential art. I tired to make sure I was well read in all mediums and as many genres as I could. Read More>>

Rob Hinton

Doing it as much as possible and experimenting to try and gain some sort of expertise and lean on-the-job by actually doing it, not just talking about it. Also, trying to work with as many different people as possible. I always learn something new working with artist, producers & engineers, songwriters, etc., I’ve never worked with before. Early on, I had an internship in a working recording studio while in high school in Dallas that turned into a job. Read More>>

Sarah Fletcher

My mom likes to say my love of clay began very early when she introduced me to biscuit dough and a rolling pin , and maybe she’s right! When I was in high school I decided to take ceramics as an elective. I had no idea I’d enjoy it so much, but I was quickly addicted to working in clay. I bought clay, and tools and set up a space in my bedroom to work regularly. It probably wasn’t the most ideal work place , but I made it work with my parents permission. Read More>>

Stefan Dresler

Besides being an art form, music is also a craft, one that is constantly evolving and changing. I’ve spent years working to deepen my understanding of music and to take my bass playing to the next level. It’s a never-ending pursuit. Patience and determination are essential when one dares to chase this dragon. I’m incredibly grateful to have been surrounded by great mentors and musicians from a young age, people who were eager to introduce me to a wide variety of music. Their influence helped shape not only my musical taste but also my overall approach to playing and creating music. Read More>>

Rus Bradburd

Ravi, I should have had for ‘description’ “Author, former college basketball coach (and poor player), fiddle player.” Read More>>

Kai Kubota-Enright

I’ve most often heard people talk about the craft of composition, which is certainly worth thinking about, but for my work and what I specifically do, I think I would rather frame it as learning the craft of sound, with composition just being one facet of how that practice might be expressed. Read More>>

Claudia Robles-Gil

Most people think of “learning the craft” as just technique: mastering oils, brushwork, and color. I’ve studied those things, but beyond early training, I’ve been largely self-taught – painting obsessively and letting each canvas be a teacher. Read More>>