Taking Risk is essential, but how much, when and why? Taking risks effectively is as much of an art as it is a science and we’ve asked some of the brightest folks in the community to tell us about how they think about risk taking.

Laura Austin | Photographer

This question brings up a favorite quote of mine from Suzy Kassem, “Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will”. Thanks to my parents I was raised to believe that there were no limitations on what I could achieve. Everything was attainable if you put in the work. So when I was bushy-tailed, bright-eyed, and starting my career, nothing seemed like a risk. I knew what I wanted and pursued it without hesitation… and that certainly propelled my career to a certain point. Read more>>

Mike Green | Music Artist

Taking risks has allowed me to meet many brilliant people around the world, it has taught me to follow my gut instinct, and to remain inquisitive. I am usually on my own, away from family, in pursuit of a strange, hallucinatory dream. It’s scary at times, sure, but it can be very rewarding too. Whether it’s in your work, or your daily movements, or impromptu getaways, we should all take more risks because life is short. Read more>>

Sue Fisher King | Shop Owner

It’s terribly trite, but “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. To create anything personal that is true to your own creative impulses, you have to put ideas together and make selections that reflect your passions for color, shape, etc. and hope others are intrigued by them too. It’s so rewarding when you respond positively to your own creations. People generally like fresh looks and are attracted to them. Read more>>

Chad Chambers | Actor

Risk-taking has always been a key part of my journey as an actor. I see risk as the doorway to growth, both personally and professionally. Every role, audition, or project carries an element of the unknown, but that’s where the magic happens. The biggest leaps in my career have come from stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing challenges that seemed intimidating at first. I believe that in order to truly discover your potential, you have to take risks—whether it’s taking on a complex character, pursuing a passion project, or just trusting your instincts in a scene. Read more>>

Zamaria Thompson | Holistic Health Coach and Content Creator

Taking risks is exciting! That feeling you get right before you’re about to do something you perceive as “risky” yet it also lights your soul on fire with excitement and sends chills down your spine. THAT’s the sweet stuff. Success favors the brave! Taking calculated risks, taking the leap of faith before you feel fully ready… that’s what cultivates self-confidence and growth. Risk breeds innovation. Even if you “fail” you LEARN and GROW… and that’s a hell of a lot better than staying the same. Read more>>

Roux Chen | cinematographer

I believe that taking risks is an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. Throughout my career, taking risks has been a driving force in helping me step outside of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that might have seemed daunting at first. Moving from Taiwan to the U.S. to study filmmaking was a huge risk – I was stepping into a completely new environment and industry. But that decision opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, allowing me to develop my skills and connect with people who have shaped my career. Read more>>

Jennifer Messina | Recording Artist

Risk-taking has been a defining element in both my life and career. I’ve come to understand that every time I take a risk, whether it’s in my personal life or as an artist, it pushes me to grow in ways I never expected. For me, pursuing music professionally was one of the biggest risks—I let go a stable active duty military career opportunity to dive into an industry known for its unpredictability. On top of that, being open about my mental health struggles and the realities of my relationships through my music felt like exposing my soul to the world. Read more>>

Louise Zhang | Writer, Director, Cinematographer

I believe taking risks is inevitable in the film industry, and it’s where much of the excitement comes from. As visual storytellers, we constantly make decisions on how best to convey our ideas through sight and sound. Every step, from story conception to thematic choices and the filmmaking technologies we use, involve taking risks. Do we tell a familiar story and risk it feeling cliché, or do we experiment with form and risk losing connection with a broader audience? Do we trust our gut and shoot the story on 16mm film, despite the high cost and low tolerance of error even though the visual style calls for it? Or do we stay safe and shoot on digital? Being a filmmaker equates to being a risk-taker. Read more>>

Max Cazier | Actor

I think risk is probably the most important through-line in all aspects of being an actor. From the starting point, risk is what determines whether a role is an exciting one to take. I’ve played the “best friend with a secret” character dozens of times, and I’ve played odd character roles which allow me to entirely step out of myself. By and large, these are the roles that I forget two minutes after picture wrap. There’s no risk in familiarity, or in disguise, so a job that’s defined by one or both of these characteristics lacks any kind of inherent challenge. Read more>>

Iris Svis | Actress & Producer

I think risk taking is a crucial part of everything I do in life, not just professionally, but also personally. I believe it to be an important component of success. Sometimes taking a leap without knowing if there is a safety net down there is scary, but also can be rewarding. That’s why I want to bring up a current risk taking of mine. Great group of people I would like to work with on an upcoming project that is TV series called Mission Critical. Read more>>

Hester Van Hooven Ward | Mind/Body/Spirit Empowerment Coach, Shamanic Reiki Master and Ceremonial Facilitator

Risk (1) Any chance of loss, (2) Uncertainty.. A certain degree of risk is woven into every aspect of our existence. If we lend our awareness to nature for a moment, we begin to recognize risk as inherent in the growth and success of all beings in the animal kingdom. Take the birds leaving the nest scenario, as it applies to all creatures no matter how big or small, ferocious or vulnerable, there is a great degree of risk when the baby ventures out of the nest for the first time, and from that day forward, there will always be risk when they are moving through the great unknown world. Read more>>

Joyce Chang | Creative Project Manager & Visual Director

The biggest risk I took on myself was walking away from a sole creative career. I believe risk-taking is an inevitable part of life. Risk-taking has always been a big part of my life and career. I think that risks are there to give you opportunities to try new things, to challenge yourself, and to grow into your potential. My life and career have never been easy. To say the least. There were many risks and obstacles I had to overcome for me to have the career that I have and become the person I am today. The journey I had to take was full of unexpected turns and uncertainty, but it has helped me become more tenacious and determined in the face of hardship. Read more>>

Yi-fan Chen | Composer

Taking risks has always felt like a part of my life, especially since deciding to pursue my career in the U.S. and shift my path from writing concert music to scoring for multimedia. The biggest life change for me was stepping out of the comfort zone I’d built over more than ten years and choosing to explore something new. While composing for media is still about creating music, it involves working much more closely with other professionals, communicating, and putting yourself out there to get noticed in the entertainment industry—something that felt quite daunting at first. Read more>>

Seiji @seiji_tattoo | Tattoo Artist

Quitting my nice, good paying job as a product designer at a reputable design agency to become a tattoo artist was an extremely difficult and scary decision, but after years of working in the design industry it became the clear move for me. I used to enjoy trying to prove myself to the higher ups and meet client/ user needs with flying colors. Years later I found myself tired of the corporate environment, which felt increasingly inauthentic. I did not enjoy having a company control when I could take time for myself or determine my value. I did not enjoy having to report to a manager, or impress people with portfolio reviews. And I wanted to create my artistic vision, not design for theirs. Read more>>

Jörg Hüttner | Composer & Sound Designer

It is important to spread risk as a freelancer to different income streams if possible. I was always on the lookout for further projects, clients and companies to work for. Additionally, I tried to build up residual income over the last decade, which gives additional security outside of day to day business. The biggest risk, by far, was to leave Germany to see if I could make it here in LA, after my work permit was granted. But even for that, I was well-prepared with some savings, that would keep me afloat for a while, plus I had already business contacts over here, that I built up over yearly visits and a few projects I did from Germany. Read more>>

Shakera Robinson | Creative Producer

I’ve always embraced taking risks, even when fear or anxiety creeps in. The biggest risk I’ve taken so far was moving to LA. In July 2019, I was selected for NBC’s Below the Line Initiative for Production Coordinators and landed a role on The Voice Season 18. Just two weeks after receiving the news, my sister passed away, and it felt like my entire world came crashing down. Read more>>

Hanseul Kim | Calligrapher

Risk ultimately comes down to making choices. Every choice has two sides, and we use the word “risk” because there’s a possibility it could lead to something dangerous or produce a negative outcome. In that sense, risk is simple and clear. All you need to ask yourself is, “Which choice will I regret less?” Once you make a choice with no regrets, it brings satisfaction, whether it involves risk or not. In my tenth year as a fashion editor in Korea, I made the bold decision to quit my job. It was driven by a long-held desire to experience living abroad at least once, and that choice led me to Los Angeles. Read more>>

Noah D’castellano | Italian American actor-model, entrepreneur, polyglot and icon fashionista, and his approach to the industry

For me life in a nutshell is too short in human terms in how we develop and what we have to exercise our life, that is why we have to take risks from the moment we are born. We are all born the same but the role of life will be designed according to your criteria, your behaviors, what you like to do, eat and wear, for that reason I have gone through several stages. Read more>>

Cooper Campisi | Director & Filmmaker

I feel like risk has always been something I’ve had to deal with. I mean growing up as a competitive skier you have to learn these tricks that are scary and there is a lot of risk in the learning process. I have broken my femur twice, collar bone four times and have dealt with broken arms. It’s kinda of just comes with the territory, but I’m grateful for my experience with risk because I feel like it has translated into all the other aspects of my life.  Read more>>

Jesse Volk | Photographer

Risk is so important – especially in the creative field. The landscape is constantly changing with new technology that risk and evolving has become necessity. I remember when I was in college I lived walking distance to campus so I decided to sell my car and invest in camera equipment. I remember telling people and they were like are you sure you want to do that? Looking back now it does sound kinda insane but I had such a drive and passion for photography and making it work that it felt like a no brainer. Read more>>

Andrew Balayan | Health and Wellness Creator

In my early adult life, I was incredibly indecisive. The reason for my indecisiveness was due to my inability to take risks. I always thought to myself “but, what if this is the wrong decision?” Today, my approach to risk taking is much more lenient. I take calculated risks, instead of making spontaneous decisions that may not be in my best interest. I started social media, specifically YouTube and TikTok, by taking a calculated risk. I weighed the pros and cons, and decided to shoot my shot. One year later, I can confidently say the risk was worth it. Read more>>

Christian Haines | Actor, Director, Producer

I have a love-hate relationship with risk. On the one hand if you don’t risk you may miss out on life’s journey and on the other hand risk can lead to a lot of heartache. I had an experience coming out of grad school that made me really question whether or not I wanted to keep doing what I was doing as an actor. I did not get the response from my showcase in NYC that I was hoping for and I realized that this business was a lot harder and fickle than I thought. After a bit of time licking my wounds I had this revelation that if I’m going to be in NYC I may as well stand up and shout if no one’s going to pay attention to me, and if the only risk I was putting myself in was to be ridiculed I could take that and it’s paid off. Read more>>

Natalie Minerva | Celebrity Nail artist

I actually believe the entire beginning of my career was one giant risk because when I began 15 years ago, nail art was not what it is today. It had humble roots and at the time the general population hadn’t caught on. So when I told my parents I was going to quit college and pursue becoming a nail artist, they were deeply weary. But, I had a clear vision of what it would become and how I would do it, and the honest truth is the bulk of my vision came true. Read more>>

Tosin Oladokun | Tooth Gem Specialist and Photographer

I think for me, risk taking has always been something I shied away from when it came to me and my personal success; growing up I was always one who colored inside the lines; a rule follower. simply because it was easier, less disappoint when things go south. I never really betted on myself because I was worried and fearful of failure. It took me a very long time to understand that failure is apart of the process to success and failing at something doesn’t always have to be a negative and so bleak. So as I go through each day, I definitely am learning to invest in myself now so it’ll pay off long term; because no one will invest in you the way you will invest in yourself. Read more>>

Karam | DJ/Producer and Sound Healing Artist

I think that taking risks is only possible through overcoming our fears, and embracing this has been a big journey for me. I’m continuing to be more of a risk taker as I move through life, and believe that taking big risks is the only way to really leap toward your dreams. Read more>>

Andres Garcia | Producer, Director & Editor

Every project I work on—whether as a producer, editor, or director—involves taking risks. These risks are inherent in bringing a project to life from start to finish. My entire life has revolved around taking risks, but I prefer to think of them as investments or acts of trust in my work. It’s about trusting my potential and my capabilities because with that trust comes growth and experience. Each day, every moment. brings new lessons that help me mature, both personally and professionally, for future projects. Life is about taking risks, but it’s also about believing that these risks will lead to growth. Read more>>

Joseph Vasquez | Photographer

I’ve been navigating the ups and downs of risk since I was a kid. My free time was all about skateboarding or surfing with my dad and brother. With a passion for action sports comes the reality of risk: you either land the trick and feel an incredible rush, or you wipe out and you’re pretty bummed.
My parents had a unique way of handling these moments. Instead of rushing over to comfort me, they’d ask if I was okay and then tell me to get back up and try again. This blend of their encouragement and my own drive to keep improving has been a huge lesson for me in how to handle risk. It’s become a core part of who I am and what motivates me. Read more>>

Cassidy Place | Singer songwriter and performer

I think risk is the entirety of why I have had any success thus far. Starting with moving out of Philadelphia, leaving everyone I love, to musically taking those creative risks. I try to follow my intuition, and when it comes to creating my music and sound, I have tried to steer clear of the standard “what’s trending,” and make music that authentically resonates with me at that time. I have released the expectation of trying to do and create what other people think I should, and stick to what feels right to me, and so far it has worked out beautifully. Read more>>

Lenka Ulrichova | Fashion and beauty photographer

I wouldn’t exactly call myself a dare devil. I’m the kind of person who reads all the side effects before I take an aspirin. But when I think about it, there have been many moments in my life when I’ve taken enormous gambles. The most obvious was my decision to leave my home country and come to Los Angeles. I’d met an American in Prague, I decided to roll the dice and give America a chance. I had no idea what to expect, where I would end up, whether I was walking into a disaster or not. But I pushed myself forward. I took a chance. Read more>>

Vivi | Artist & Actor

Life itself is a risk. You never know what might happen, even if you think you have it under control; it’s an illusion. I believe taking risks is a beautiful thing because it means you’re truly living. The only ugly risk is being a couch potato and not trying to make something out of the time you have on this earth. Any opportunity that knocks at my door, I welcome with gratitude. If they forget my address, I go search for them myself. Read more>>

Jackson Baker | Photographer & Cinematographer

If I didn’t take risks then I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I think that if you don’t take risks in life then you will never know what could have happened. For me, I have always taken a risk in whatever I’m doing. That is how I moved to LA. I graduated college and decided that I was going to move to LA and move my photo and video business out west from NY. I also took the risk to go to college for advertising photography when I could have been expanding my business but decided to further my education to make my craft bigger and better. If I hadn’t taken any risks to grow my business then I think I would be stuck in NY still, but I will never know because I’ve taken any risk that I can to get to where I am. Read more>>

Alvin Lin | Graphic Designer

Risk is an inherent part of my creative journey. Rather than opting for the familiar or predictable path, I’ve learned that real progress comes from stepping into the unknown. Every new challenge offers an opportunity to grow, and it’s through embracing uncertainty that I’ve pushed my boundaries as a designer. By thoughtfully considering the potential outcomes and trusting my instincts, I’ve been able to take bold steps that have advanced my career and shaped my creative voice. Read more>>

Taquirah | Singer

Taking risks has played a huge role in success for me. As a creative I’m constantly forced to put my self “out there”. I have always forced myself to be seen no matter what I’m going through or what others may think of me. I’ve always prioritized expressing myself over silencing my voice because I try not to dwell in my fear. There are many days where putting my self out there and stepping out of my comfort zone has changed my life. To be honest when I first started making music I had no idea what I was doing… Read more>>

Daniela Lindh

In life, instead of focusing on “risks,” I consider the concept of “chances” or “opportunities.” While “risk” is often associated with negativity and fear, “chance” is a more positive and hopeful term. In fact, in French, “bonne chance” means “good luck.” Read more>>