In this Hack, I describe the moment that inspired me to finally make a career out of my artwork. After years of struggling to find my niche in the art world, I finally found a reason to quit my job at The Olive Garden. Inspiration finally came to me through music.

I'm Michael Kreiser, a multi-media artist. I've been encouraged to pursue my love of art since an early age, but it hasn't always been easy.

Since graduating from college, I had been looking for any career path that was art-related. In 2012 I was doing oil painting commissions for friends and family. It helped supplement my income but never well enough to be my main gig.

I applied for graphic design jobs and never even had an interview. But I was driven to make a career out of my art.

In this Hack, I share how the music of Kendrick Lamar helped me find my style and make art into my full-time career.