We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taarena Rathore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taarena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

Despite COVID’s hardships, being in quarantine during 2020 made me start my journey with social media and art. With being isolated from people for so long, much of my time was spent online through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. I was 15 at the time, watching photographers and artists online, and it inspired me to try new mediums and projects and even start my own social media account. I learned how to use colored pencils by watching people draw on TikTok, and it soon became my favorite art medium. I would draw using my photos or photographs I found online for reference. I would then post videos of my process on TikTok, and a few videos gained traction. This brought my first commission from another young photographer, who wanted me to draw one of her photos. This was so exciting to me, and I likely charged around $20-$30. While this is not a lot for commission work, it was the first time someone wanted my art enough to pay for it, and that meant a lot to me.

Taarena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a photographer and artist currently available for photo projects and artwork. I grew up with an interest in creativity, whether it was drawing, taking pictures, or music. My love for photographing others began in middle school when I would set up photoshoots with my friends for creative portraits. I continue to do portrait photography, but I recently began shooting concerts and have dabbled in sports photography. I aim to work in the music industry by photographing concerts, touring, designing, etc. As for fine arts, I started getting more serious in high school when I took AP art classes. This opened my horizons to painting and sculpture, ultimately helping me build a portfolio to apply to colleges. I’m currently at Pratt for graphic design, where I continue to explore various mediums of art. The main thing I love about art is how versatile it is. There are so many different ways to go about a project and various materials you can use, and I strive to learn as much as I can in the next few years of school.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My current goal is to eventually work in the music industry through photography and design. As a musician myself, music drives a lot of my work, whether it’s through concert photography, fine arts, or mixed media. Concert photography allows me to combine my two passions of music and art, and it’s something I hope to continue doing in the future. Getting to finally hear music live after listening to it through your phone, a CD, or record, and also photographing the artist, has been one of my favorite experiences in the creative field. One of my dreams is to go on tour as a photographer, and I hope to accomplish this after college. I am currently studying graphic design at Pratt in New York. Designing merch, album covers, or tour posters is another goal that I wish to accomplish. All of these goals are currently driving my work at the moment, and I am excited for what the future holds.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Majoring in art, and especially going to an art school, can be seen as risky to many people. People with these viewpoints often forget that art is all around them. Art is the menu you are reading, the chair you are sitting on, the shirt you are wearing. It may be hard to see, but artists are continuously needed. I think it is important that people follow their passions if they have the ability to do so. If you have the passion and work towards it, you will find opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taarena.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taarena.arts/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taarenarathore/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taarena

Image Credits

1. Daniel Nunnelee
2. Utica Comets
3. Cage The Elephant
5. Giant Rooks
6. Montana Montgomery
7. Harper Robinson
8. Stephen Sanchez