We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Jeff Knapp | Actor

I’ve made my living for years in commercials, voiceovers, modeling, theater and a bit of the Soaps. What wasn’t easy was I grew up in a violent and ignorant household. I was told I could do nothing and my parents would never help me so don’t ask.
I put myself through the University of Binghamton. That is something I will forever be proud of. It’s very difficult to say what kept me going. I played for the university’s soccer team but had to quit because I couldn’t offered enough food to have the energy to play. Read more>>

Sheng Wan | Focus Puller & Filmmaker,

For me, OCD helped a lot, haha; attention to detail and strong organizational skills are crucial in the camera department. Knowing exactly where each piece of equipment and media is at all times may seem basic, but on a long production day, it becomes essential. Keeping track of everything ensures a smooth workflow and helps avoid unnecessary delays. Read more>>

William Barclay | Portrait Photographer

Taking short breaks and embracing a “just do it” method are two habits that help me be the most excellent version of myself. I am a person who loves planning projects before I do them. I used to do so much planning for a photography project I would blow them off and say to myself, “Well, it’s planned; I’ll photograph this later.” Saying that would lead to unfinished projects. This mentality had to stop. So, I created a system that gives me four days to finish a photography project. Read more>>

Chase Lock | Artist

I grew up racing motocross so I feel having that competitive mindset and that “never give up’ attitude helped me a lot, never getting discouraged when things don’t go your way. Practicing your craft everyday is the only way to master your craft in my eyes, work hard and it will pay off in the end. Read more>>

Sarah May Taylor

One of the most transformative habits has been recognizing and challenging the rhetoric of late-stage capitalism that pushes us to work at an unsustainable pace, prioritizing productivity over well-being. I want a juicier and more balanced life that makes sense to me.
I’ve found that prioritizing stress management using somatic techniques, spending time in nature, spending less time on devices, and more time in solitude works best for me. Read more>>

Heather Cronan

Over the years I’ve learned that I have had a habit of collecting mentors, the benefit of which is truly immeasurable. Now, when I say “mentor” I don’t necessarily mean an old, established academic with a white beard (though I do literally have one of those as well in the founder of my gallery, David Fahey). I stay open to learning from those I come across, and in this I’ve discovered most are willing to share with you their road map. Read more>>

Andres Aparicio

Creating a strict schedule for yourself at the beginning of the year is crucial. Every year I come up with a plan for the entire year on what exactly it is I want to achieve. It usually looks like, Touring in the Spring, shows in the summer, release music in the fall, and tour again in the fall. If I can achieve those basic duties I feel like I’m on the right track on my career to continue to grow and potentially get bigger tour oppurtunities.  Read more>>