Is there ever a “right” time to start a creative career? Our goal has always been help people pursuing their passion. Helping those people often means helping them think through important decisions such as when to start, when to take the leap. Below, you’ll find our conversations with successful creatives reflecting back on when they had to decide whether to start or wait.
Akanshya Upadhyay
I stumbled into design by accident, but once I started learning about it, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Even though I was new to the field, it felt like the right move at the moment to go for a BFA, probably because I was trying to keep up with what’s often seen as the ‘normal’ timeline.. But I was excited about the chance to do something in the creative field, and I’m very fortunate my parents supported my decision. Read More>>
Doug O’Connell
If I could go back in time, I’ve definitely had moments where I wondered what it would’ve been like to start my career in hair earlier—but truthfully, I think I started at the right time for me. I was 21 when I graduated from cosmetology school and officially stepped into the industry. I was young, motivated, and excited to finally be doing something hands-on and creative, but also something that had real impact—helping people feel confident and seen. Read More>>
JaKija Hargrove
When I started college in 2010, I started my YouTube channel with authentic videos as an 18-year old. Just singing and dancing with my roommate and friends. I never thought anything could come from sharing my personality online. I wasn’t aware of the opportunities that I could be afforded or even really how to use the platform. I didn’t watch other creator’s content at that time. Read More>>
Taylor Morgan
I tell all of my students that are younger how lucky they are to be able to start so early. Overall acting is just easier to get into when you are younger. It does not really matter your training level or skill level, all that matters is that you want to work, and you will get booked. If you’re a youth actor and you’re not getting booked it’s time to take a look at your team and materials. Read More>>
Josef Standteiner
Start as soon as you think about it. Every idea, thought, drawing, scribble, and mockup, save it all. Execution of an idea is all it takes to realize the creative potential of all the prior ideas you missed. Never pass one up. Always carry a journal and always be writing, drawing, painting, and singing. Read More>>
Helen Jiang
Born and raised in China, I moved to the United States alone at the age of 16 to pursue higher education. Taking such a step during my teenage years played a major role in shaping both my personal growth and my development as a professional musician. Read More>>
Sean LA’MONT
I wish I would have pursued my dream sooner. I spent my entire life working for somebody else’s company. That is how I was raised to take care of myself, get a job and work hard. I never believed in my gift as an artist. I considered my art as a side hustle a way to generate another source of income. I decided to pursue my dream before it was too late, instead of would of, could of…. Read More>>
Isabella Hilditch
I’m currently working in both digital and production design but my first true passion in life was track and field. I was 16 when I first travelled abroad for my sport, I was in Istanbul for the European Championships representing Great Britain. For about 10 years of my young life every decision I made was entirely influenced by this big athletic dream. Read More>>
Janna Blackburn
I don’t have any regrets about returning to my art practice later in life. In fact, I believe it has enriched my creative journey in ways that wouldn’t have been possible if I’d started sooner. My perspective has shifted significantly over the years, allowing me to see my surroundings, my work, and even myself with more depth and understanding. Read More>>
Liz Derby
I didn’t start working as a designer until I was 31 and didn’t start pursuing my own design business until 34. Even though I’ve always been creative and made art as a hobby, I was scared to pursue it as a career. Why would I be an artist when I’m good at math? Why would I give up stability to pursue a creative passion? It just didn’t seem like the safe choice, especially when I was making those first key decisions about my career path: Read More>>
Amelia Jáuregui
While I think there is a part of me who wished I knew exactly what I wanted to do as little girl, I think I figured it out at the exact right time (as cliche as it sounds).
When I was a kid, I was drawn to photography as a hobby. I asked Santa for a little digital camera when I was just three years old and got my first DSLR when I was in middle school. I used to force my friends to model for me while I did random photoshoots. Read More>>