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.

Wenting Gao

I grew up in different cities, with moving being the constant theme of my life. I was born in Paris, France, moved to China at the age of five, lived in four different cities there, and eventually came to New York for graduate school. Because of this, my work doesn’t have a strong regional identity, but one recurring theme remains—being a stranger in a foreign place. I have always been drawn to stories about people who feel out of place, about fleeting connections between strangers and the unexpected impact they leave on each other’s lives. Read more>>

Blairé

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my upcoming 23-song album, Space and Boundaries, set for release in 2026. This album is an unveiling of my life’s journey and experiences as an artist, touching on deeply personal themes that many are afraid to explore. One of the most impactful songs on the album is Pretty Face Girls, which started as a “sad girl” song but evolved into an anthem challenging beauty standards in the music industry and the way women like me are often boxed into limited roles. Truth Is pushes the envelope on religious perspectives, addressing misconceptions about crystals and gems while offering a different interpretation of their biblical significance. Read more>>

Joy De Rose

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my recent immersive audio album Who Am I. It’s deeply personal and represents a transformative period in my life. I transitioned from a secure medical career as a dermatologist to following my true calling in music and multimedia art. This shift wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for my personal growth. The project took nearly a decade of emotional exploration, experimentation with sound, and immersive technology to come to life. Read more>>

Albert John Belmont

Considering a project as a body of work – something beyond an individual piece – the most meaningful and challenging pieces have been those that have sprung from a series of autobiographical drawings I created between 2023 and 2025. I jumped into these quickly and with the only goal of capturing my story through key frames of life. If we’re going to really analyze why they feel meaningful I guess the real answer is that the idea was just for me. I wasn’t doing what I thought I should do; I was doing what I wanted to do. And I suppose I’m approaching being real about my experiences more so than I have in the past. They are pieces that aren’t meant to sell pictures or please someone else’s narrative. I say that recognizing that I’m not fully there, but it’s approaching that pure look at myself, which makes it a challenge and therapeutic. Read more>>

Kara Lynn

A local children’s hospital was renovating their adult inpatient unit and I got brought onboard to assist with some of the artwork installations throughout the ward and in each patient room. I worked closely with the hired art consultants, but I really enjoyed being able to work with the nursing staff and get their input since they would be the ones who would be seeing it every day. I had previously gone through extensive orthopedic surgery there, and it was nice to be able to have the patient perspective of what would be nice to have in a room as well as for the families. The new construction turned out really nice and it warmed my heart to hear from the staff on how different and beautiful all the pictures were. I hope that the images from my travels will make their stay in the hospital a bit nicer. Read more>>

Eric Chen

The Cut is my most recent short film, which I wrote, directed, and produced. Filmed in 2022 and completed in 2023, this period piece is a deeply meaningful project.

The film is based on a true story set in the late 19th century when China was still under imperial rule. After centuries of isolation under the Closed-Door Policy, a group of young Chinese students was given a rare opportunity to travel to Connecticut, U.S., to study Western science, technology, and engineering. However, they were closely monitored by Qing imperial officials, who were tasked with ensuring their unwavering loyalty to the emperor. As part of this control, the students were regularly forced to worship the emperor’s portrait—an act that directly contradicted the values and knowledge they acquired in their American education. Read more>>

Jungmin Yoon

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Timeless Clock, a digital installation that reimagines how we experience time.
At its core, Timeless Clock challenges the standardized way we read time. The installation stacks the minute and hour hands vertically, allowing time to be read from above. However, when viewed from the side, all you see is the speed at which the hands move, rather than the actual time. Read more>>

Dj Inferno

From spinning records on LA radio to curating the perfect soundscapes for music icons and top retail brands, DJ Inferno’s influence extends far beyond the booth. Blending a deep passion for music with an expert ear for atmosphere, they craft immersive sonic experiences that shape culture, set trends, and define brands. Whether it’s energizing a live audience or curating playlists for global retail spaces, their impact on the music industry is undeniable. Read more>>

Jade Raines

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was creating a silicone prosthetic inspired by Vecna, the iconic villain from Stranger Things Season 4. From start to finish, I sculpted the character from clay and transformed it into a wearable silicone prosthetic piece. As a longtime fan of the show, I was thrilled by the opportunity to bring this impactful character to life and push the boundaries of my creativity. Read more>>

Justin Ranes

In late 2021, as the Covid Vaccine Mandate was being enforced on US citizens, I was told by my employer (NFL Network) to get the Covid vaccine or be fired. At the time I did not trust the vaccine and was not about to let the government force me to put something in my body that is untested. So, under my doctors care I was told not to get the vaccine and with my doctors note in hand the NFL forced me to go on medical leave without pay. Sidenote: I had just bought a house and have a wife and two kids. Read more>>

James Beauton

I am currently involved in a project that aims to create the first ever live performance of the music from the award-winning Netflix animated series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Once I learned that this incredible music had never been performed live, I felt inspired to one day bring it to the concert stage however I could. Read more>>

Emily Lange

Prior to working full time as an artist, I spent over twelve years working professionally as a geologist. Even though the transition to art has been an exciting one, I didn’t want to completely abandon my academic roots entirely. I started a series called “Mineralogy” that blends the firm, rigid beauty of some of my favorite minerals with the soft curves of human portraiture. I created portraits that visually represent the mineral to me, and what’s been so fun is how people react so differently to the series. I’ve had some people know immediately what they’re looking at (and have even learned new facts about the minerals) and I’ve had others ask if they’re visual representations of medical ailments. Read more>>

Zeynep Alpan

One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on was designing and directing a music boot camp in Nairobi, Kenya, in partnership with the Art of Music Foundation’s Ghetto Classics program—a community music initiative that provides music education to young musicians from underserved areas—and the Althafen Foundation. This project was about more than just teaching music; it was about creating a sustainable educational model that promoted excellence, access, and empowerment for both students and teachers. Read more>>

Joseph Zhou

One of my most meaningful projects has been my Memento Mori enamel pin collection. The theme of mortality, impermanence, and the beauty found in fleeting moments resonates deeply with me, and I wanted to translate that into wearable art.

This wasn’t just about making cool pins—it was about creating something that carried emotional weight. The collection was based on my Memento Mori skull paintings, and I was blown away by how much people connected with it. Some buyers even shared that the imagery helped them process grief or honor loved ones. Those moments hit me hard. Read more>>

Katie Estay

Being a creative who works with various textiles is much more than a 9-5 job that pays the bills, it’s a way to give life to a once loved item; such as an old tablecloth that used to grace someone’s grandmother’s (or great grandmother!) table. Old curtains from a once young little girls bedroom, looking through windows, gazing up at the stars with wishes and wonder. It does make me wonder what stories these things could tell if they could speak! Being able to repurpose items that hold a story, makes for a more meaningful and truly unique experience in the guise of wearable art. Being able to create a dress that cannot be found in a store is always my goal. Read more>>

Yanci Chen

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is “Crevice – Weihai Art Museum,” a rural art museum in Shandong, China. This project is particularly significant to me because it embodies a deep connection between architecture and nature, blending contemporary design with the organic rhythms of the landscape. It also represents my approach to architecture—where built form emerges from its environment rather than imposing upon it. Read more>>

Chief Rock

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on would have to be my album ‘RedSkin Boy’. It really marked a significant turning point in my growth and evolution as a music artist. You see, for a long time I had been pigeonholed as just a rapper, and I was honestly starting to feel creatively stifled by that limited perception. Read more>>

Emily Singleton

The most meaningful project I created was my senior project. I created a brand based on my late grandmother and her love for cooking. She always made something delicious, and her recipes have started a legacy in my family traditions. This brand is called Cherri, which alludes to her name, Sharon. I developed a whole website full of her recipes so that my family can still enjoy the food she once made for them. This project was difficult for my mom and me as we flipped through her old cookbooks, full of scribbled notes, and dove into old photos. It feels so great and sweet to honor her with this project as she is a big part of who I am and what I strive for today. Read more>>

Priscilla Ortiz

Oh yeah, this question is right up my alley because all my work comes from a meaningful space. For me, every piece has to feel alive, like it carries a little bit of my energy, my experience, my perspective.

About a year and a half ago, I felt like I needed a reset. So, I went into hermit mode, stepping away from social media, shows, collectors, all of it. I just needed to go inward. I found myself back in my sketchbook, which has always been my safe space, the rawest form of my creative process. I started sketching, letting ideas flow without expectation. My previous work was layered, large-scale, and deeply complex: Oil paintings on giant canvases that felt like entire worlds within themselves. Read more>>

Eva Zalenga

I am an opera singer. I decided this when I was seven—and somehow, it stuck.
I sing in theaters and at festivals across Europe. My dream came true. But as a musician, there is always more—more opportunities to prove yourself. For us musicians, that often means challenging each other in competitions.
Since my time as a student, I have known about the Deutscher Musikwettbewerb, the biggest competition for musicians in Germany. In 2023, I decided to take my chances and participate. One of the prizes includes the opportunity to record a CD—an incredible chance to express yourself in a unique way. Read more>>

Rhonda Miller

For the past two years I’ve organized a fundraising art show for our local wildlife center. My experience as a gallery owner, as well as my certificate in nature-based education, has made this process run smoothly; from finding a venue to inviting artists. I have loved learning about the good work of the center, and was inspired to help them raise awareness and funds. The opening last year was well attended. People loved meeting their ambassador animals and viewing the thoughtful and well executed artwork. Read more>>

Eric Mancha

My solo show in Beverly Hills was by far the most meaningful event I’ve worked on. I had been making a series of paintings inspired by traditional household brands I used as a kid. Brands like Tres Flores, Fabuloso, the Catholic candles you buy at the market, etc. I was tapped into by this curator who began working for a brand new gallery space right in the heart of Beverly Hills’ golden triangle. This was the galleries first show, and I was asked to be their featured artist. I was unsure how to approach this show since I had only had a couple of group shows and had never shown at that scale before. I tapped in with super-talented graphic designer Richie Moon, and he created one of the raddest flyers I’ve seen to this date. Shout out to him for real. Read more>>

Faith Miller

Every new project I take on becomes more meaningful, as I’m constantly learning more about myself—how I process life, emotions, and the experiences that shape me, both as an artist and as a young woman. The song I’m currently working on has had the biggest personal impact on me so far because it explores the longest relationship I’ve ever been in. That relationship was my safety net, and learning to be comfortable on my own has been one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced. This song became my way of expressing that journey. Read more>>

Naomi Rubin

In 2024 a short film I worked on, Thirteen was released. Thirteen is the story of a mother’s fight to have her high needs and non-verbal daughter become a Bat Mitzvah in a congregation that is clinging to the past. It’s based on the writer/director’s experience as the sister of someone with a complex disability. In the film I play Yael, based on Allison Norlian’s sister, Becky. People with high support needs like Becky are almost never portrayed in film and television and when they are, it’s by a nuerologically typical actor. Read more>>

Kayliani Shi

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my debut novel – I’d written many short stories and novels before, but nothing to the extent of this one, and that’s because this is the one I’ve put most of my soul into. I’d written since I was twelve (not well), but over the last thirteen years, I’ve really honed in on the good, the bad, and the ugly with writing. I’ve often written stuff that leaves a sour taste in my mouth, and I tend to be my own worst judge. But with practice comes proficiency, and I have jammed a lot of amazing stories in my head (whether these be dramas, movies, books, comics, music, etc) that have greatly inspired me. Read more>>

Kris Litman

I usually approach writing songs based off how I’m feeling at the given time, a collection of songs may represent a snapshot of time for me. Each project I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of has meant something to me. Whenever I write a new track, it usually takes on the most meaningful title. Read more>>

Ruihan Sun

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the Pu Side Table, a furniture piece inspired by my cat, Pudding. As a designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of functionality and aesthetics, but this project was deeply personal. It stemmed from observing Pudding’s playful nature—his movements, curiosity, and love for enclosed spaces. I wanted to create something that not only catered to pet-owning families but also reflected the organic, dynamic forms found in nature. Read more>>

Rich Furniss

Rather than one meaningful project, I feel strongly my life has been a series of transformative ‘projects’, starting with my growth and metamorphosis as a DJ/producer, pivoting to creating and leading my own business, to my most meaningful project yet; shaping the next generation of DJs and musicians at the Sound Collective. Read more>>