Often we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to learn something new – we can just ask experts in the field who can draw on their experience to enlighten us. Below, we’ve shared insights insiders from various industries have shared with us.

Gaby Lagarda | Singer, dancer and songwriter

In my opinion, some people are unaware that being successful in the music industry sometimes requires more than having outstanding talent. There are artists who contribute with incredible performances, entertaining charisma, great work ethic, being business savvy, or a combination of any of those, plus being in the right right place, at the right time, with the right people. Therefore, it can be frustrating for many artists to try to reach success when multiple things are at play but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t give it a try and create the art we desire. In my case, Read more>>

Staring Contest | Music Producer/DJ

I think one thing about the music industry, especially the EDM scene, that people are probably unaware of is that it’s not just one big party. This industry is hard work, from the creative, branding, networking, and practice side of things. It is an ever-changing scene that has so many new songs at any given moment that it takes a lot of time to learn new ways to incorporate sounds and trends into your style of performance as well as the music you create. Read more>>

Devon Mason | Fashion & Wedding Photographer

I think people might not be aware just how close-knit the photography community is. Before I started taking this art seriously as a profession, I assumed it would be a cut-throat industry with how readily available high-tech cameras are to the general public. I was worried I would struggle finding a photography community since newcomers could be seen as competition. As I attended photography meet and greets and volunteered my talents in the community, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that was not the case. Read more>>

Grap3z | Recording Artist, Content Creator & Creative Director

I think most people believe that all you need to make it in the entertainment business is talent. Don’t get me wrong talent helps a whole lot but it isn’t the key to success. Outsiders see it as a fun lifestyle full of traveling, partying and pretty much just living a Rockstar lifestyle. In reality I think the entertainment industry requires 90% work and 10% talent. So with that being said its not all its cut out to be if a Rockstar lifestyle is the thing you are looking for. I love what I do and I enjoy creating and pushing boundaries in an artistic way. So, for me, this isn’t work. It’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle of never ending production in film making, song writing and networking. If work is something you are avoiding than this industry is not for you. Read more>>

John-Jonne Smith | Actor | Comedy Multi-hyphenate

When you’re starting out, all of the weight of what you’re trying to accomplish for yourself all starts with you. In my case creating weekly cinematic comedy sketches and a two season web-series where you’re the person that everyone looks to for a final answer can be nerve recking. I’m the creator, writer, producer, lead actor, editor, sound score person, colorist, location scout, craft service guy, set PA, office PA, marketing strategist and thats just to name a few all done on my own, most of which were self taught. Read more>>

Erez Aviram | Composer

The amount of work. The notion an outsider might have is that musicians are focused on one thing – music. And this notion is wrong, because musicians are always doing at least dozen different things not related to music – booking, public relations and graphics to name a few. This also means that the amount of work is endless and even at the end of the day, I feel I could have done more, write another bar or improve a mix. Most of the time I’m not even aware of it myself because I’m busy doing the work. Read more>>

Ashley Byrd | Model

Often times people see the nice photos, the campaigns, and etc but what many don’t realize is that, it’s not always as glamorous as it looks. And just because you see us in stores or on brand websites, that doesn’t mean that we are making millions. Everyday is a constant grind and it’s very much a fact that you can be shooting with big brands while still living paycheck to paycheck until you get your big break. Read more>>

Margo Roykhman | Actor & MUA

It is definitely the competition and luck. The film industry might sound like a peaceful and fun job, but it is very hard in reality. I have noticed that in Los Angeles every third person wants to become an actor and only a few of them truly succeed. People who come to Hollywood tend to think that a prominent director will notice them on the first day and offer the lead role in their new movie. But that never happens. Unfortunately, we actors, have to go to many castings before getting a role. Read more>>

Clash | Artist

I feel like this industry is spontaneous. Although, through persistence and constancy you can make these spontaneous occurrences appear more often. With music, you can continuously reinvent yourself until the world is ready for you. You just gotta be ready for the unexpected. Read more>>