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.

Jamar Silva | Director & Photographer

Breaking down fears is one of the biggest reasons I take risks. Fear holds me back from achieving my goals and reaching my full potential. The risk of moving away from home with no solid plan opened many doors for me and led me to discover my life’s calling as a director and photographer. Nowadays, I’m taking risks through my work, constantly challenging myself to step outside of the norm and go against the grain. It’s what makes me feel most normal. It doesn’t always work out, but it always feels good. It’s the right amount of adrenaline that makes me feel alive in the moment, and I’d rather feel alive in this very short life we’re given. Someone else can learn from my mistakes and take it even further. Listen to yourself. At times the voice is a mother’s warmth, holding and gifting you grace. Other times it’s relentless and unreasonable. Both can serve a purpose. Both dig to uncover the real you. Read more>>

Marlene Montano | Tattoo Artist

I’m all for taking risks in life. I believe that the greatest opportunities often come from stepping out of your comfort zone. In my early 30s, I took a leap of faith and decided to become a tattoo artist, even though it was a big change. Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and partner who supported and encouraged me to take this risk and follow my passion. Read more>>

Caleb Scott | Actor, writer

I am, like most of the artists I know, a freelance worker. I depend on temporary engagements to make a living, working on my own projects in-between paid gigs. I moved to Miami in late 2016, just before the birth of my first and only child. It has been a tumultuous few years, to say the least. We jumped from Zika to Irma and then to COVID. I saw opportunities in all artistic fields contract, many never to be replenished. I spent much of my time applying for relief and scrambling for work. Despite these challenges, I was able to gather together a community of artists in Miami, and my work continued, through collaborations, performances and the frequent exchange of critiques and ideas. Read more>>