Shoot your shot? Take a chance? Society bombards us with messages, phrases, examples and stories of how taking risk is the key to success, but is anything ever that simple? We asked some of the brightest folks we know to tell us about how they think about risk. We’ve shared their responses below.

Lance Lucero | A filmmaker that shoots on film and a comic book creator

I believe in being prepared to minimize risk. I study, I educate myself, and I seek out the proper experiences so that I can push the risk factor to a minimum. Any kind of creative endeavor is risky. Transforming images and words from my mind into reality has become a common process to me at this point in my life. Nowadays, I’m comfortable with taking risks to make my ideas reality. Risk is part of my life. I don’t let it get to me; I just execute to the best of my abilities, then I learn from the process and evolve. Read more>>

Vail Kuntz | Musician & Recording Arts Student

Risk taking helps guide me in everything I do in making music. When searching for inspiration I specifically listen for things in music that catch my ear that I haven’t heard before, which is where I find ideas to build around. Two years ago, I began my home recording journey after discovering artists that record from home straight onto cassette tape. I decided to get a tape recorder myself and part of me definitely felt like, “what am I doing?” The concept of recording to a cassette tape felt very antiquated, but there was something about it that spoke to me and I chose to follow that. Read more>>

Stacey Roberts | Professional Artist

For me, taking risks is a necessity. I have been an artist my entire life, but my professional art career began after I resigned from teaching almost 7 years ago. I was a full-time art educator with a Masters degree and earning a steady paycheck, but I was extremely unhappy and stressed out. Making the decision to leave was scary, but also very empowering. It taught me that it is so important to make decisions based more on health and happiness, rather than security and financial stability. Money is replaceable but time isn’t. Read more>>

Kenzie Schrock | Wedding + Elopement | Lifestyle Portrait Photographer

Risk has been a huge part of my photography journey. I spent years with a camera in my hand as a hobbyist, so desperately wanting to commit to being in a professional role, but I was too terrified to take the risk.
Looking back now, I am so thankful that I convinced myself to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. I wish I would have done it years ago.
I still take risks everyday, down to small things as simple as making a post on socials. You will never know the result if you do not try. If you set yourself up for success the risk is so worth the reward! Read more>>

Lindsey Gerstner | Professional Photographer

Starting my career as a professional photographer was a huge leap of faith. I wouldn’t have ever taken the risk into starting a career I was not familiar with if it weren’t for my husband believing in me. My husband lost his job not long after Covid-19 hit, and that really rocked our foundation. That was such a scary and trying time for our family, but those struggles are what can really help a person transition into what their are meant to be. “The wings of transformation are born of patience and struggle.” – Janet S. Dickens My very first photoshoot was completely free, just trying to find anybody who would be willing to let me attempt to use my camera and capture their story. Read more>>