Pursuing a creative or artistic career can certainly be fulfilling, but it’s far from certain. Over the years, we’ve heard about the struggles from thousands of artists and creatives – it’s incredibly challenging and it can be tempting to wonder – what if you hadn’t pursued this path. We asked artists and creatives from across the community if they’ve every had those doubts themselves.

We’ve been fortunate to connect with so many brilliant artists, business owners and leaders over the years and so we reached out to some of these talented folks to discuss what it takes to be successful.

Ashton Angle

Drive. You have to want it. I definitely messed up my fair share of film in the beginning. There have been more than a few shoots that I am not very happy with at all, but those things have made me so much better. Working with clients always has its downsides, but once you find the right clients for you, it doesn’t even feel like work. I have to work every day to be able to support my passion because it costs a lot of money to start a business. I’m sure everyone knows by now how much film costs and has been rising all year. It gets very, very pricey, but it’s something I cannot simply give up. The difference between people who make it and people who don’t is sheer willpower. Read more>>

Melissa Lopez

Success has a million definitions and means something different for everyone. For me it means achieving a goal but also having enough self-awareness to understand that sometimes goals can look different than the original plan so that I’m allowed to always learn and grow in my achievements. Read more>>

Molly Mahoney

I truly believe that any industry/food related business should be started at the farmers market level. During Covid I had the opportunity to start and manage an indoor farmers market located in Boise, Idaho called Eat Drink Shop. While it originally started as a means for myself and other small businesses, farmers and ranchers to stay afloat during a pandemic it has helped me realize even more how coming together as a group can bring success to brand new businesses and established businesses/vendors alike. Local communities are hungry to shop from and to support any and all small companies, especially now. Read more>>

Joshua Haggerty

Resilience! It’s the only motivation that you can’t teach you have to have it, or you don’t. Just because they can’t do it, doesn’t mean it won’t get done. When you allow other ppl fears to outshine your own mindset is the opposite of a leader. Be out of the box, be realistic, but be unforgiving in your actions! Learn from lessons and continue to grow you only lose, when you quit. Read more>>

Carlos Valles

It’s all about the perspective. Being successful takes an understanding that success doesn’t come from having a lot of money or fame. It’s comes from being happy within yourself and working very hard on those things that bring you happiness. Being consistent and always working on becoming a better version of only yourself and not comparing yourself to others. Read more>>

Daniel Harris

Passion. In this day and age passion is what you need to get you where you need to go. Having passion for what you do will always make it a rewarding experience. I am very passionate about my business and my work, so this makes it that much more exciting for me to go to work each day. I am passionate about helping others with their brand identity and this really makes it fun to design and help them grow. Read more>>

Amy Ledgister

I believe there is a certain x factor that one must have in order to be successful in any avenue they desire. What I mean by X-factor is do you have the grit, determination, and perseverance to see any dream through? Whether in business or education you must possess those qualities because as they say to much is given much is required. Read more>>

Allison Andrews

This market is very saturated. There are lots of talented professionals in this industry. I have found that the edge truly is treating your clients like you would treat your close friends and family in terms of loyalty and dedication. I strive to go above and beyond with my clients and really empathize with their needs – give them extra products/images, being flexible with changing session dates and creating fresh ideas that are unique and outstanding over my competition. Read more>>

Jamie Sterling

Being a Private Investigator involves many skills; however, here are the five I have found to be the most useful and beneficial to becoming a successful PI. First, one must have incredible observation and intuition skills. An eye for detail is a must have in this profession. Catching the smallest bits of information is critical and can either break or make a case. It is vital that an investigator is constantly paying attention to their surroundings because every clue is important. Read more>>