We recently connected with Fifthpower and have shared our conversation below.

Fifthpower, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

My first experience earning money from artwork was a lesson within itself. I was fifteen at the time and growing up I didn’t have a grasp of what being an artist looked like; I had no idea you could make a living through creating, honestly. All I knew was that I enjoyed creating and wanted to share my work with the world. The person that commissioned me was looking to get some cover art done for a new single of theirs; the artist was from Pittsburgh and his name was Mars Jackson My initial price was twenty-five dollars at the time; my family thought I was crazy for being okay with such a low rate. I didn’t understand that my time and effort was valuable, no matter how fast or slow I worked on a project. Mars didn’t allow me to lowball myself, he sent some extra money on top of the initial price and gave me some advice moving forward, He told me to never sell myself that short again and to value my time and art. My experience earning my first dollar as a creative trajected me further into the right direction and has continued to propel me as an artist. Understanding your worth and time is one of the keys to making a living as an artist; especially in today’s age.

Chauncey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been in the art world since I was fifteen; utilizing the internet as a means to help share my work. I always was drawing and creating but I wouldn’t share it; and I think that stems from just not being aware of how big the internet was at that time. I was more so focused on video games and school at the time, but as I was looking more and more into the internet I was seeing that their were artist using the internet to their advantage. It inspired me to do it myself. I am a full-time visual artist; I can draw , paint , 3D sculpt , and animate. My ability to help bring someone’s idea from their mind to physical form allows people to move forward in their businesses, create more products, etc. On the same coin, sometimes creating other peoples ideas are just as simple as someone wanting a painting for their home to give more life and color to their space. I believe what sets me apart from others is my unique and rich style. I am most proud of my work ethic…there are artist who lack in that field. I hear stories often from clients being scammed and abandoned after working with an artist. Its very unfortunate and can often get in the way of other artist who are out here doing their best to make a living as well. We should make an effort to deliver as best as we can for those that support us; but in that same breathe clients have to understand that we artist are human as well and are not perfect, Its your intentions and have integrity that can make you a resilient artist.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to make a living off what you love to do in the first place…CREATE! Its the ultimate job for someone who loves to create, express themselves, and to bring ideas to life while still having all the necessities you need to survive in today’s world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pivot in my career was when I had enough of just being an internet artist…I wanted to be known but what I didn’t know is that fame doesn’t equal respect, notoriety, and longevity. I wanted more out of being an artist, I wanted to be taken serious as an artist, and to solidify my name as an artist. So I started working on less pop art and honed in on more of my emotions and creating from a deeper place of feeling. I think that solidifies you more as an artist, getting more personal with the world and yourself; not focusing on what is popular and ” working” for the times. Getting caught up in what works is a dangerous loop to be in; sometimes you see people never make it out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fifthp0w3r.com/
• Instagram: instagram.com/fifthpower
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthp0wer
• Twitter: twitter.com/fifthp0wer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fifthpower5028/featured