There is so much to learn from investments that went really well as well as those that went really poorly and so we asked some of the wisest creatives and entrepreneurs in the community to tell us the stories of their best and worst investments.

Roy Patterson

Success isn’t measured by the size of your portfolio, the accolades on your shelf, or the approval of others. It’s something deeply personal—woven into the fabric of each day and the energy you pour into your work and relationships. As a creative director and color specialist, I’ve come to learn that the best investment I’ve ever made has been in time—time dedicated to learning, growing, and showing up for myself and my craft. Let me take you back to a moment early in my career when I faced a pivotal decision. I was working tirelessly, pouring my heart into projects, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I realized I was so focused on perfection that I wasn’t giving myself the space to listen, to adapt, or to truly evaluate my work from a fresh perspective. I was stuck in the loop of doing rather than learning. Read more>>

Tiana Gandelman

In early 2024, I brought to life a passion project that became ‘Project Fabulous’ – a dance concept video celebrating women’s artistry and power. It launched perfectly on Women’s Day. As executive producer and creative director, I fully backed this vision creatively and financially. The magic started when my incredible collaborator, Nicole Rivera, came to me with the seed of an idea. We built an all-star creative team: Alyx Andryshuk’s brilliant choreography, Kaylan Duran’s expert eye for branding and wardrobe, and Becca Nelson’s masterful direction. Each woman brought something unique to the table. Read more>>

Michelle Ramin

The best investment I’ve ever made is in myself. I have doubled-down on myself over and over again in my life, and I’ve trusted that things would work out for me. And, generally, I think they really have! Growing up, I was constantly being swayed towards something more “practical” than art. I’ve never been good at following rules or instructions, but I have always been good at being honest with myself and following my heart. I invested wholly in that. I feel very lucky and grateful for that, but I am also acutely aware of how much work it took to get to where I am. I tell my students this all the time – never let someone else dictate your future. You are the only expert on you, and you are capable of anything and everything! You do, however, have to be brutally honest with yourself, in all of your strengths and weaknesses, and the clarity of those dreams – and absolutely follow through, every time. If you do this over and over again (for larger, career-based goals, this can take years – be patient and keep going!), things start to align with the path that you’ve set out for yourself. No one else can do that for you. There’s so much freedom in that, but also so much responsibility – to yourself. It’s a lot to take on as an individual. But, if you’re someone who’s willing to go that distance, to continuously battle on behalf of yourself, you will succeed in literally anything you set your mind to! I truly believe that. Read more>>

Christopher Squier

My collection of books, which includes fiction, biography, and theory, exhibition catalogs, old textbooks, artist objects and ephemera, vinyl collections of atmospheric music for when I work, and so many random things picked up in life. It has definitely been an investment in time, money, and back pain! I continue to lug all these wonderful things around with me, always thinking there will be a time when I’ll want to pull on that one very particular thing for a project or a new idea. There’s a quote from Borges on one of my tote bags which says “I cannot sleep unless I am surrounded by books,” which is absolutely true, but I also feel that I’m at risk of becoming the character from W. Somerset Maugham’s short story who’s become completely dependent on his collection, hauling a giant laundry bag of books behind him throughout his assignments in the Pacific Rim! Read more>>