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

Tiffany, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I was working full time as a theatre actor in Chicago, but when I moved to New York ten years ago, that changed. My unemployment ran out and my savings dried up, so I became an Instacart shopper and driver to make ends meet. That really took it out of me, hahah. Having to navigate the Costco in Brooklyn on a time crunch is no joke. After about a year of that, followed by a year of selling vintage clothes on Etsy and passing out samples in Whole Foods, I decided to quit it all and figure out a way to make my living solely as a creative/performer.

Foolish? Maybe, yeah, at first. I became extra broke and actually emptied my 401k (would not recommend). But it also forced me to get really creative, and I started writing custom songs for people. And because I was making these custom songs, I discovered I was pretty good at music production, and I Kickstarted my debut album, which I self-produced (along with my friend Isabelle Banos, a huge talent). And before I knew it, I was producing and writing music for a TV show, a huge Netflix movie, and music supervising and scoring a really exciting indie, while also working as an actor in regional theatre productions. It took a few years, and I’m only now coming out of debt from that time, but I think I’m better for making that hard rule for myself. My only regret is that I didn’t start producing music sooner.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was crowned Tiny Miss Illinois when I was three years old. That’s when it all started. There hasn’t really been a moment of my life where I thought about doing anything other than working in arts and entertainment. I went to school for musical theatre and will always be an actor/singer/dancer, but I’m most proud of the work I’ve done as a songwriter and music producer. I released my debut album, “Sophomore Effort,” in October of 2022, and I still go back and listen to it and think “wow, I made that. That’s me.” I wouldn’t change a thing about it. In a field still so dominated by men, I’m really proud to be a female music producer. I’m proud that I’m self-taught. I’m proud that I didn’t start until I was in my 30’s. And, honestly, I think being a theater kid at heart has really helped me think outside of the box when it comes to making music. I mean, I made a pop record that features a make-believe all-girls show choir. I don’t think anyone else has done that. I’m proud of that, too.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Once in 2018 I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, crying, wondering how I was going to pay rent. On a whim, I posted on social media “Venmo me five dollars and I will write a five-second song about you.” I ended up making over $1,000, and I wrote something like 150 tiny songs for people. It was a huge hit in my fairly small network, and really saved me that month. It made me realize that no matter what, I’m always gonna figure out some weird way to survive, and it’s probably gonna make me better in some way. And that I should always trust my creative instincts. And that I have a lot of people who love me and want to support me. I’m extremely lucky.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I know so many people forked over big bucks to go to the Eras tour (believe me, if I could have, I would have. I love Taylor Swift). But I wonder what it would look like if we were all equally as willing to invest that kind of money in smaller artists. There are a lot of unknown talents out there who don’t have the resources to invest in growing their audience. If you’re not already financially secure, it’s really hard to make it. So! I’d love it if people were just as enthusiastic about putting money towards independent/local artists as they are spending money on arena tours. Let me make myself clear, though: I REALLY wish I could have gone to the Eras tour and I’m very happy for anyone who got to go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiffanytopol.com
• Instagram: @tifftopol
• Other: TikTok: @tifftopol

  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3B69yJEA7UUiD4FGMtHEhC?si=7j7U2vfDRPOezsl0k21lPQ

Image Credits

Meghan Marshall, Anthony Mulcahey