We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Arzt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

While studying for my MFA in film, I directed a talented young actress in a few of my short films. When she got an audition for a feature film out in Los Angeles, her parents asked if I could help her prepare. I was happy to volunteer my time—they had shown up for my unpaid student projects without hesitation.

At the end of our session, her mom thanked me and handed me a folded bill. I accepted it with a smile, assuming it was just $20. Later, when I unfolded it, I was shocked to see it was $100. She had valued my work, my time, and my vision enough to go above and beyond. I couldn’t bring myself to spend it. Even as a broke student sinking in debt, I held onto that bill as a reminder to always value what I bring to the table.

This experience kicked off a tradition for me: I created an email tag called “$100” where I’d log any win, big or small. Whenever I achieve something meaningful, I capture it in an email, screenshot it, and tag it with “$100.” It’s now my go-to collection of positive moments—a source of encouragement through the ups and downs of creative work. It’s like an adrenaline boost for my creative spirit, a reminder of my growth and worth.

Jennifer, 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 always been a creative at heart. Over the course of my career, I’ve directed films, produced commercials, and designed websites and apps for everyone from major corporations to indie productions—and even for my own startup. While all of these pursuits were undeniably creative, they were often confined within corporate boundaries, driven by client needs and business goals. I was channeling my imagination into other people’s visions, not my own.

Now, I’m making art—bold, vibrant, joyful pieces that feel like an extension of my truest self. There’s something deeply satisfying about breaking rules, following instincts, and creating for the pure love of it. My work is playful, alive with movement and color, and unapologetically happy. It’s art that feels good to make and even better to share.

What excites me most is the freedom I’ve found in this process. Using my body to paint, experimenting without limits, and embracing spontaneity feels like rediscovering a long-lost part of myself. My art is my way of saying, “Let’s celebrate joy, beauty, and creativity,” and it’s been the most fulfilling chapter of my journey so far.

Alongside my art practice, I also teach artists how to harness the power of their websites to showcase their work and share their stories. Through my course, Studio to Screen, I guide them in transforming their websites into dynamic, ever-evolving spaces that reflect their creative practice. A website is never truly “done”—it’s a living portfolio that grows and adapts with an artist’s journey, putting them in full control of their narrative.

Websites are one of the most powerful tools any creative can have. They’re more than just a gallery; they’re a place where artists can connect with their audience, build their brand, and tell their story on their own terms. Whether it’s through sharing new work, celebrating milestones, or experimenting with ways to engage collectors and followers, a website is an artist’s digital home—a space as unique and vibrant as the work they create.

If you’d like to stay in the loop on new art launches, upcoming shows, and the next session of Studio to Screen, sign up for my newsletter—I’d love to keep you in the know!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve always gravitated toward creative fields, but the most transformative pivot in my career came when I decided to focus on using my creativity for my work rather than someone else’s.

Before that shift, I worked on large, collaborative projects—movies, commercials, websites, apps—and I loved the creative energy that came from working alongside artists across different disciplines. But over time, I realized I was pouring my voice, energy, and time into amplifying others’ stories. I was leading projects and creating space for other creatives but I wasn’t creating. My identity was getting lost in the hustle.

I realized that I was either not wearing the creative hat or I was asking for permission to create. Either way, I was done. I had hit a wall. I didn’t want to just pitch ideas, accept feedback, or shape projects to fit demographics. I wanted to make things. I wanted to share my view of the world. I wanted to use my body to make art and not just sit at a computer or run about from film set to production office. And, most powerfully, I was no longer interested in asking for permission to do so.

So, I pulled out my watercolors and drawing pencils (the case still had the masking tape with my name on it from undergrad), bought some acrylics, ordered oil sticks, and started playing. The ideas flowed, and it felt amazing. Eventually, I saved up enough to take time to focus on art. Suddenly, doors opened, and I found more opportunities—and more yeses than nos.

I still work in some of my past fields but in new ways. Now I am teaching artists and makers to design and build their own websites. Instead of building sites for them, I show them how to use this tool to elevate their own work. It’s far more rewarding and gives me more time to create my art.

This pivot marked a new chapter, one where I could fully embrace my voice and story. It was a leap, but it’s been one of the most fulfilling choices I’ve ever made.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy their work! Go to their shows! Value handmade! Seek out artists, crafters, and makers and buy their work. Support their business so they can stay in business. If you can’t buy then share their posts. Tell your friends about them. Like their reels. Sign up for their newsletters (and reply when something moves you).
We need to move away from big box store solutions and support creatives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jenniferarzt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferarzt_art/

Image Credits

Megan Denhardt or Jennifer Arzt