As almost any entrepreneur or creative will tell you, unexpected problems are to be expected. Below, you’ll hear some incredible stories that highlight and illustrate the kinds of issues and problems entrepreneurs and creatives are dealing with everyday. It’s not easy, but the silver lining is that dealing with unexpected problems is one of the best ways to develop antifragility.

Rachael Banks

As a graduate student starting a long-term project in 2013, I mistakenly thought photographing my family would be easier than working with strangers. I didn’t anticipate the pushback from people who have known me my entire life and aren’t afraid to challenge my creative decisions. Artists sometimes have the comfort of not having to explain their process until a project is complete, but I’ve learned I’m not entitled to that luxury. My family deserves an explanation for why I am photographing them. This “problem” has ultimately helped me become more articulate and aware of how I present my work. Read more>>

Yalda Eskandari

As a female artist, and more specifically, an Iranian female artist, I have faced many forms of censorship. One of the most difficult challenges is that the “boundaries” are never clearly defined; you never know exactly what is forbidden until you cross it. This uncertainty makes taking risks extremely difficult, even though as an artist, risk-taking and challenging societal norms are at the core of creative work. Read more>>

Shiyan Chen

Being twenty in this world that constantly feels uncertain and fast-paced is quite challenging on its own, but trying to be a creator and artist is getting more and more testing because efficiency and profitable outcomes are deemed as more “valuable” compared to the human hand process and experience. When I applied for art school in high school, I always knew that making art and drawing were my backbone, a part of who I am, because I knew I was good at it. I appreciate my parents’ support and belief in me to pursue my passion and strengths, but only when I had to face the real world, especially during the first year of college, I was struck with the feeling of helplessness and I felt like I was not good enough to compete with other creatives so I can give back to my parents who invested in me. Read more>>