We asked some of the most talented folks in the community to talk to us about projects they’ve worked on that they still think about, projects that really meant something. Have you had such an experience? Are you looking for inspiration for your next project? Check out the stories below, they are exciting, entertaining, and most importantly – inspiring.
Brandon Butler

I’m in the process of having my poetry book published and also working on new music. When it comes to my music I either been through it, seen it, or understand the feeling. My poetry type is freestyle in which I write to be understood or explain a feeling. I also make my own quotes and post them on my instagram social media (My instagram is: BloomTheCancer). One of my most recent quotes is ” Show Love- Love will get you killed.. Butt.. Love isn’t what’s killing Uss.. is it?” Meaning to me is that some rappers or some old sayings in movies or tv shows is that they say love will get you killed, but if you think about it now. Love isn’t why people are dying in my opinion. Another quote of mine I like is ” A step is a step, Like Downloading, it’s a process”. I Love Music and I Love Writing Poetry. My inspiration comes from music, anime, movies, cartoons, or just about anything that moves or feels me with a good feeling. Read more>>
Ryan Murphy

My recently released EP, Up In The Air, is hands down my most meaningful work yet. Writing music is my way of processing my feelings and emotions the same way others journal or write in a diary. It is where I feel most comfortable expressing myself. This collection of songs essentially fell out of me over the course of 6 weeks from start to finish. I had a lot of big feelings I realized I needed to address and process head on after rewatching one of my favorite movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It reminded me that I wanted to feel everything and not close out the more difficult parts of my life at the time. Read more>>
Kieran Brown

The most meaningful project I have worked on has to be my debut album, ‘Loving You’ which will be released in 2025. This collection of music is deeply personal to me and shows an intimate side of my artistry that I have yet to show. The album is a reflection of the last 3 years of my life and navigating the world us a young woman. Over the last few years I have experiences, love, loss, change, and have grown into the woman I am today. My hope is that audiences can hear a unique blend of the past and present, and my deep understanding and love of jazz history with contemporary sensibilities and diverse textural adaptability. I think there is something for everyone on this album, and the music presents deep themes and rich lyrics that transcend time. I am honored to be a part of the young generation of musicians preserving and revitalizing jazz for the 21st century, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly! Read more>>
Alexander Mcmahon

With every musical collaboration I have taken on I have always considered it in terms of a collage. Every skill, experience, success, failure, loss, gain becomes something to be worked through and recontextualized. A constant state of growth and decay, but usually consisting of some artifact (a recording, performances, etc…) that lives on. All of these experiences start to blur into one another like a gigantic watercolor painting that grows another layer with each project taken on. Read more>>
Zilin Zhou

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the OurAbility Connect dashboard system. This project was designed to empower career connections for people with disabilities, and it holds a special place in my heart. The backstory of OurAbility Connect is rooted in the desire to create a more inclusive and accessible job market. People with disabilities often face significant barriers when it comes to employment, and OurAbility Connect was developed to bridge that gap. Read more>>
Shadice Greenup

I’ve always had a big imagination. Growing up I was immersed in the world of cartoons/anime, movies, video games, and all sorts of narrative media. It’s had such an influence on me and since childhood I’ve created stories, but now I know, without a doubt, I really want to tell stories. My current project, The Consequence of Gods (aka TCOG), is what I consider my most meaningful. It’s the amalgamation of things I love, art-wise, and a testament to what I’ve accomplished, how far I’ve grown from adolescence to now. Read more>>
Garcia Wittick

My most meaningful project is my first published book: ‘From Brokenness to Hopefulness’. Published on October 3, 2023. I wrote this real and riveting story as I want others to know that it doesn’t matter what deep mess you’re going through, God can use your brokenness for His glory. He can create something beautiful from any painful experiences you may be experiencing. Though it may be hard, I want to encourage someone to accept and appreciate their current life’s situations, believing that there is greatness within their brokenness. Read more>>
Megan Medley

The project we’re working on is extremely meaningful to me. I started writing the play ‘Without God As My Lover’ directly after we closed the production of the first play I ever wrote which was also our first time producing a fully realized piece of theater. After such an accomplishment and high, I was experiencing a sort of depression. I felt creatively emptied out, dead, like there was nothing else in me. Like I would never be able to make another piece of art. On top of that, there were a lot of dark and difficult things going on in my personal life. I couldn’t shake the conviction that everything was pointless. During that time, I started writing ‘Without God As My Lover’. Read more>>
Angelino Beaubrun

A lot of my work will have religious imagery as I am working through my spirituality. One piece that stands out today is a digital Painting of a self-portrait that represents how I’ve felt about religion throughout my life. I was raised in a Christian family that practiced mostly Baptist and Catholic traditions. I went to a catholic school. The church I went to on Sundays was pretty closed-minded and discouraged questions. I remember being in Sunday school asking why things are the way they are, only to be dismissed for not reading the scripture enough, or praying hard enough. The inconsistencies in what I was taught were clear as day to me from the moment I could read, and rather than open a conversation I was silenced. Silenced by the church, by family out of the fear of eternal damnation. Read more>>
Sean Conner

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is “Kinky Links,” a mobile gaming app and game show tailored for adults. The idea came about during the pandemic when my friends and I started hosting regular game nights as a way to stay connected. Those nights were filled with fun, competition, and an opportunity to express ourselves, which made me realize there was something special about bringing people together in this way. That’s how “Kinky Links” was born—it’s a fresh take on game night for grown-ups, designed to create genuine connections through playful and sometimes steamy challenges. Read more>>
Xiiro

Honestly , “Mercy” ft Lilithzplug is my most meaningful project because it was the first song I made that switched the direction of the path I was taking in music . I started out making R&B because as a black woman that’s what is considered the norm but I felt more like myself when I started to pursue a more alternative sound . Read more>>
Irina Márquez

Many of my photography sessions carry deep meaning, as each is inspired by the personal journey of my clients. My project, ‘Photography for Personal Development,’ often leads me to work with extraordinary stories. One session that left a lasting impact on me was with a woman who had lost her husband to illness. She chose to wear her wedding dress for the session as a way of finding closure—not to forget him, but to transform the meaning of his passing. The session was incredibly emotional, and we even created images using glitter to symbolize her tears. I found myself feeling deeply moved throughout the process. When she saw the final images, she cried and expressed her gratitude for the experience and the photos. That session remains close to my heart, reminding me of the power of photography in healing and transformation. Read more>>
Stephanie Hong

Though it’s yet to be filmed, my series Everything Is Fine already feels like it’s going to be my legacy. Back in 2020, I began ideating a television series about a 20-something sexual assault survivor who, after losing everything, finds herself suddenly surrounded by an eclectic group of roommates who help her to rebuild her life, one moment and one shenanigan at a time. It’s a half-hour, network-friendly, ensemble comedy drama, with an emphasis on the comedy. Think 90% shenanigans, 10% gut punch. Throughout the course of 3 seasons, Everything Is Fine explores what joy & healing can look like with chosen family, whether larger systems of justice succeed or fail. Read more>>
Jude Barton

I have found my most satisfying projects have been collaborative. I love the process of curation; bringing together like-minded artists to exhibit together. I have a strong affinity for modernist architectural, hard-edged aesthetics rooted in historic movements such as early Russian avant-garde, Art Concrete, Constructivism, Bauhaus, graphic design and general 20th century avant-garde. There are a number of artists in the Denver metro area who work in related styles. In 2019 I threw out the idea to a few colleagues about showing together. As a result, we met together at the 40West Reed Street Studios in Lakewood Colorado to brainstorm. Read more>>
Taylor Eby

I was asked a few months ago to work on a background design for an underwater scene. The brief was incredibly broad and I truly wanted to think outside of the box. I was reminded of my late grandpa and all of his many jobs and adventures. One of which was his time spent in the Navy retrieving portions of space ships from NASA when they fell in the ocean. My grandfather was a massive inspiration for me and my creative pursuits, unfortunately he passed away this year. It was incredibly meaningful to be able to honor him in this way, and take his life experiences and turn them into something unique. This project turned out to be one that I am very proud of and truly pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Read more>>
Vince Minniti

My most meaningful project has been my screenwriting. I find an unparalleled joy and excitement from being able to transmit my passion, emotions, thoughts and overall creativity onto the written medium. I’ve always liked writing short stories since as early as I can remember and although life can take you away from things you enjoy, it’s important to reconnect to that which you loved as a child. Read more>>
Prolific Wone

End of the Weak, weekly open-mic in NYC’s Lower East Side, turned Global Hip Hop Movement. We started as local artists coming together to facilitate an open mic on Sunday nights in LES, and with the creation of a groundbreaking rapping competition, we traveled the world spreading hip hop culture, love and dope vibes. Read more>>
Jermaine Thomas, Ii

The project that has been the most meaningful thus far is the family documentary I made called “The Big House.” I first had the vision of creating a documentary back in 2021, and that vision basically guided the next three years of my life up until now. The idea was born when I felt very disoriented, personally and professionally. That year, I quit grad school and ended up getting a job in the short term to get to Chicago, but when I made it here, I had no idea where to go next. I spent weeks researching, journaling, and looking for inspiration and direction. One day, I took stock of the things that brought me joy and realized it all came back to tell the stories of my people: Black people. Read more>>
Dawn Gregg

My husband and I endeavor to use our storytelling gifts via filmic avenues. We both have an industry background, married young after meeting on a set, and write as partners on each passion project we have in various stages of development. Currently, we have three ready to go screenplays that we would love to see turned into films and/or limited series. Two are family dramas, (Family Drama …is the name of our production company) and one is a Civil War era Western. Read more>>
Don Kilpatrick

I have a few different projects throughout my career that have been meaningful, but some that stand out to me more than others was the opportunity to design an Olympic Medal for the XIX winter games in Salt Lake, my teaching both at CCS (College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI) as well as for Domestika (online courses/workshops), and my collaboration with Bespoke shoemaker / Artist Noriyuki Misawa on a pair of shoes that we both contributed to. Read more>>
Bailey Tollan

The most meaningful project I completed was a memorial piece for a friend’s cherished family dog who had recently passed away. She commissioned me to create a drawing to honor and remember their beloved pet. Working on this project was incredibly special to me, as it required a deep level of trust to be chosen for such a significant task. It was not only an honor to contribute to their memorial, but it also marked one of my first commissions as an artist. Read more>>
Julian Ii Rivas

Creating the first Tattoo Studio inside a shopping mall next to big brands like Nike, Burlington and others was and still is an incredible accomplishment for us. Starting Red Monkey Tatts from the ground up with no formal education, no credit and zero resources the odds for success where not promising yet the results of years of sacrifice have proven that our heart, talent and resilience compensated and exceded the prior. Read more>>
James Martin

In terms of the arts, my efforts to establish Arts Alliance of Central Texas (AAoCT) in February 2018 and the Dripping Springs Youth Orchestra (DSYO) in the Summer of 2019 has brought me great joy. In the Fall of 2018, community members gathered to discuss the establishment of a youth orchestra program in Dripping Springs. At the time there was no orchestra program in the Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD). In Spring 2019 discussions where held with Hill Country Youth Orchestras (HCYO) of Kerrville to pursue the establishment of a satellite program in Dripping Springs. Read more>>
Jeff Mercer

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the video production company I co-founded with my partner. Initially, our plan was to use our past Reality / Documentary TV experience to create unique wedding videos. We quickly found out that the wedding video market was a tough sell. The wedding videographer is often the last thing a couple is willing to add to their budget. At the same time, were also filming pole dance and burlesque-related content, like live shows and personal dance videos. This niche area of our business was inspired by my partner’s passion for pole dance—she was a part-time instructor who often spoke about how the art helped her discover her sense of female empowerment, her inner goddess. Read more>>
Rolando Gonzalez

Working on Dhar Mann episodes has been an incredible journey. Collaborating with such talented individuals while sharing inspiring messages has been a dream come true. As a Mexican-American actor, I’ve often been typecast in roles that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. While I relish the opportunity to challenge myself with complex characters, I’m deeply passionate about showcasing the richness of the Mexican-American experience. Our community is brimming with hardworking, compassionate individuals who possess a profound cultural heritage. I believe that by portraying authentic and positive characters, we can help shift perceptions and inspire a more inclusive and understanding world bringing more opportunities to showcase our gifts and talents. Read more>>
Winona Lu

The most meaningful project I ever worked on came after one of the most humbling. The first film I was ever asked to shoot fell apart during production. We completed shooting but the film will never see the light of day. It is the second film I ever shot that has impacted me the most. After the failure of the first, I was plagued with doubt, particularly around my desire to pursue cinematography. But then, a director asked me to shoot their short film, saying that she thought my work was brilliant and that she’d love to work with me. Their name was Alicia Qian and we would go on to make a very close-to-home film called ‘Did You Eat Yet?’ The film follows a Chinese-American woman who is throwing everything away to start her own restaurant but is now faced with something even harder – telling her mother about the decision. Short and sweet to film and as a final product. Good food, good people, and good lessons learned. ‘Did You Eat Yet?’ has screened in front of many crowds on both coasts, and more importantly, has received the approval of numerous Asian mothers. Read more>>
Sharon Daniel

One of the most meaningful projects I have had the honor to work on was with our wonderful friends at Folks Farm & Market during their Fall Festival. This festival was a celebration of the end of the farm season with locals and vendors from all over the Moorestown, NJ, and Philly areas. There are many reasons why this project felt special. One reason is that the farmers are such great friends of mine and have a deep passion for cultivating an incredible farm that benefits their community, friends, and family. They are the salt-of-the-earth kind of people—the kind that makes you sigh with relief, remembering there are good people in the world. Read more>>
Tzu Yun Wei

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my solo exhibition, Things We’ve Done Here Make it “Here.” This exhibition presents an evolving landscape formed from my past notes and drawings. The collection traces the ongoing exploration of my body and mind, inspired by everyday moments such as lifting a dumbbell in front of a mirror or doodling characters on sticky notes that reflect stages of my life. These fragments, initially private, are now brought into a public space where the intimate act of notebook keeping—traditionally a sanctuary for self-expression and discovery—becomes a shared experience. Read more>>
Marla Tortorice

In October 2022, I spent a month in Lisbon. At that time, I already had a bit of a following on Instagram, and I ended up meeting with five different people that had messaged me. Even though they were “strangers,” talking to each of them was effortless. Connecting with people that way was the most inspiring experience. Some were fellow yoga teachers or practitioners. Some were people with whom I just shared a similar outlook on life. We were all walking our own paths, but there was an overlap that you almost didn’t need words for. Read more>>
Winston Lord

I created a full-length album entitled BLK about the black plight during the early stages of the Coronavirus pandemic. The concept revolved around BLK representing the “ticker symbol” of the black experience. For millenia, people have borrowed our religion, artistic creativity, science and medicine, our people for labor, precious metals and even our entire existence for their personal gain or to be deemed “cool”. They kill us for fun, pimp our music to the masses, dress like us, help us sign over our rights, break up our families and communities, all for one purpose: their profit. If we had a way to publicly trade this black consciousness, we would be the wealthiest people around the globe. Read more>>
Sean Makhuli

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my upcoming album, “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing”, which I plan to release in October. It is also the most painful piece of music I have ever worked on, as it deals with very personal pain I have gone through over the past five years. It’s been interesting navigating writing something like this, because I didn’t want to approach it simply as a victim, the “you hurt me, now time to get my payback” type of thing. I feel like I see so much of that right now, and it just doesn’t seem helpful, healing, or productive, for anyone. I simply sought to deal with my own honest feelings going through some very deep pain and abandonment in my life over the last five years. Read more>>
Lynn Marie Cherry

There is nothing quite like a full circle moment, when you can look back and see how the events of your life have prepared you and positioned you for the role you find yourself in. Twenty years ago, I was just trying to survive the trauma of a relational betrayal. Today I am the author of an award-winning book and Program Chair for Hope Rising Conference for Betrayed Spouses. Read more>>
Jade Yuan

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been a part of took place last year. I worked with a well-known skincare brand whose core message emphasizes the importance of having a skillset. As part of this mission, they support a cosmetology program at a women’s correctional facility, providing advanced training, products, and equipment. This program helps women develop valuable skills while incarcerated, giving them a foundation for success once they re-enter society. Read more>>
Meech Justice

Back in 2016 I had the honor and privilege to work on this television show that was filming at the White House. During one of the performances there was a special memorial tribute for Prince performed by Aretha Franklin. During dress rehearsals, I just thought it would be really amazing to have the White House turn purple as Aretha Franklin sang Purple Rain in tribute to Prince, who had just passed away. Read more>>
Nate Habben

The most meaningful project is our first production as a company for a small brewery in St Peter Minnesota, called Paddlefish Brewery. Paddlefish Brewery was founded by two of our college friends, so it was super exciting to be able to help tell their story through videos and photos. Mad Tap Media strives to share stories that showcase the passion of local business owners and this was our first step towards that goal. Read more>>
Jessica Nguyen

One of my recent projects that have been extremely meaningful to me is my video project called “duality.” I executed this with the help of another DMV creative, Brandon Nguyen, for my 24th birthday. I always make an effort to bring in a new year with a creative project that’s intentional and reflective of my life, personal experiences, and culture. The purpose behind the video was to express how life has been a constant push and pull between multiple dichotomies of my experience and how those “opposites” have ultimately merged together to make me the woman I am today. As a Vietnamese American woman who is masculine yet soft, structured yet fluid, and so on, I am who I am by accepting that I am a woman of duality, someone who can be all these great things at once. I have always struggled with the very binary ideas of the human experience, so I figured that I don’t have to subscribe to this or that and can just be both at the same time; I get to use my creativity to negotiate my identity that may not fit into the traditional idea of a woman. Read more>>
Kayli Cottonwood
The most meaningful project thus far is my recreation of a cottonwood tree titled “What Have We Lost?” in which I rearticulated reclaimed cottonwood twigs with brass wire and erected it onto a steel base. In total the sculpture is a little over 6ft tall and 4ft wide with skeletal branches that reach out toward the audience. This piece deals with the difficult topics of climate change as it impacts our Colorado Plains ecosystems; specifically researching the ecology of cottonwood trees and their importance in riparian ecosystems. The sculpture accomplishes bringing the audience into a state of reverence and reflection, providing space for them to experience their climate grief in a culture that denies these feelings. Read more>>
Aby Rao
“Home is Distant Shores” is undoubtedly one of my longest-running and most meaningful projects, and it remains ongoing. The initiative has two key components: one related to a film festival and the other, more recent, focuses on experiential events designed to introduce community members to diverse cultures and customs. My journey into refugee and immigrant storytelling began in 2009 with my first short film, Singhing Bee. Following that, I embraced the challenge of creating a feature film with limited experience, which led to Parallel Parking—a narrative exploring the relationship between a Tibetan refugee and a Dominican-American truck driver. This project truly ignited my passion for telling immigrant stories. Read more>>