The world needs artists and creatives. Unfortunately, being needed doesn’t often easily translate into financial stability. The struggle is real for so many incredibly talented artists and creatives and so we think it’s important to hear from creatives who have made it work – there is so much to learn from the folks we’ve featured below.

Ezra Murry

I have recently been able to earn a full-time living from my creative works. It literally took years to get to this point. It started off only doing sound engineering then writing, then DJing all before the age of 15. The main step was self investing for sure. Teaching yourself mental discipline is a must in being self employed/running a business. Going out to eat, buying expensive items may seem tempting but it will only hinder your progress. Save those coins and get the equipment you need to advance ! If I knew what I know now… what I would essentially do is just invest in myself a lot sooner. Now would that lead to me being further ahead? Who knows, I probably would’ve relocated or things could’ve gone entirely opposite. Best thing I can do is stay appreciative of the road taken to get where I am & continue to do what I can to advance. Read more>>

Evan Nie

Since moving out to LA in 2009, I’ve always found work in various creative fields, although I felt my early contributions were more technical than creative. I started out as an electrician on various independent films and steadily grew my community until I had worked my way up to Gaffing (the Lighting Department Head). Only then did I get to flex some creative muscles. Even so, I felt something was missing. Read more>>

Brandon Bal-Lance

I was raised by a single mother who worked two to four jobs at a time. She showed me the value of hard work but always reminded me to chase my dreams, something she never got to do. School was a struggle for me because of my learning disabilities, and I was constantly told I was ‘different’—from my hair to how I spoke and carried myself. But that difference became my strength. I discovered my love for hair at seven years old, experimenting with every color I could—blonde, red, blue—you name it. Hair became my way of expressing myself and feeling confident. Read more>>