We asked some of the most interesting folks in the community to open up about how they think about taking chances and the role risk has played in their lives and careers. Risk is by far the topic folks talk to us most about and we hope the responses below will help shed light on many different perspectives.

Rachel Hoke

Risk by definition is: “the possibility of loss.” The word “possibility” informs me that “risk” isn’t a fact, there is only “possibility.” With everything in life… it can go either way. My job is to show up.

As this pertains to my career or artistry, I choose to walk past the word “risk” or I will never discover anything new. Part of being an artist is letting go and staying conscious so I can see. I enjoy learning and discovering new things about myself; along with any medium I choose to work with. Read More>>

Diego Tapia

I’m originally from Lima, Peru. At 17, I made the decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television. Back home, I had started studying business administration, but after a year, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. I had always loved movies and been fascinated by the entertainment world, but I’d never seriously considered it as a career. Determined to find something I was passionate about, I started researching the entertainment industry and learning how people built careers in it. Read More>>

Daniel Seyum

I think taking risks in this industry is very important. It’s always good to think outside the box, and do what no other photographer has done before. Forget about people not supporting you. I mean, it’s always good when people appreciate your work. But if you don’t get to support you think you deserve, do not feel discouraged.. I always quote the movie Field of Dreams “If you build it, they will come”. If you keep laying those bricks down, eventually you will build your house . And to add to that, being humble and sticking to your word always go a long way. Read More>>

Paula Jane Hamilton

I think Risk taking is something that many people in a Creative Industry have done to pursue their goals. It’s also what we do when we are young with no fear.
I took an early risk moving to London from Australia when I was 21, with only one local contact.
I had various jobs but the one that changed my life’s direction was being a Hair Model for the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Mayfair. They introduced me to the possibility of Makeup Art as a career. Read More>>

Juan Gil

To me, risk is a requirement if you want to live without regret. I took one of the biggest risks of my life when I quit my advertising job right out of college and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a writer and director. It wasn’t a glamorous leap. It was terrifying. But I knew that if I didn’t bet on myself then, I’d be stuck living with a thousand what ifs. Read More>>

Kris Kidd

I didn’t really think about “risks” at all when I first started writing. I was a teenager, so… very young and reckless, I guess. Writing for me– and all art really– has always been a means of catharsis. A way to express what I’m feeling and try to get it out of me, so to speak. I know that sounds cheesy, but whatever. That being said, I do think that writing candidly about my issues with substance abuse and addiction came with a whole bunch of risks I wasn’t anticipating or even aware of in the beginning. Read More>>