Working on something meaningful is a common desire – but how? We started asking folks to share the story of how they ended up working on a project they felt was meaningful because we wanted inspiration but also because we wondered if hearing from people from across a range of industries would help us identify patterns making it more likely for anyone to be able to find and work on projects that they would find meaningful.

Brooke Buck

I love this question! I find myself feeling the most creative and fulfilled when I am able to mix my two passions: working with children and families and telling stories through photographs. Last year, I collaborated with the clinic I work for (Playabilities) and we hosted a family picture event for families that attend Playabilities. The main mission was to provide a comfortable experience for these families. As occupational therapists, my boss and dear friend, (Kelly Reardon, Co-Owner of Playabilities) and I recognized a lack of access to this unique combination of services – therapeutic family photos if you will! Read more>>

Ricardo Groenke

Recently I gave a small workshop for a local business that offers, amongst other things, classes for kids about upcycling clothes, home decor, etc. The class was about teaching kids on how to take better images with their phones, small cameras or tablets. This workshop led to being asked to participate as photographer for a local Children’s Business Fair. The plan was to cover parts of the event but also to make headshots and branding images for many of the participating kids. Read more>>

Zack Whyel

To date, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my film Skateshop. It took over 5 years from conception to completion. It is my first feature film. Completely funded and produced independently. Distributed by Indie Rights internationally. It took a massive effort from some supremely creative individuals to make happen. From bumpy roads and rough business along the way it was a tough feat to pull off. We shot the film all in North and South Carolina. Read more>>

Julia Kahn

I’m really excited because I feel like the most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is actually the project that I am wrapping up right now. It’s my new EP coming very soon and a very special project to me that feels like I’ve poured my entire heart and soul into it. Sonically I wanted to create a world that was ethereal and raw, and it tells the first full chapter to my story. It’s about the feminine journey inward, and towards finding self-love/growth that I have stumbled upon throughout my own journey these past few years. Read more>>

Gabrielle Duffie

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my 3 part “a cold summer” series. I set out to depict the idea of a cold summer mirroring how summer 2020 started off with a lot of isolation due to covid (but I didn’t intend for covid to scream through the picture). I wanted it to be felt. Accordingly, I advised my models that my aim was to invoke feeling through the scene itself and my composition of the shots. I wanted something somber, irritable, and cold. Read more>>

Jasming (Millie) Jackson

When I started/finished my first mural this year. So, back in 2019 I wrote a list of what I wanted to achieve in the future, and having a mural was one of them. I started it in December of last year and finished it back in April of this year. Very thankful to have had this opportunity. I’m currently working on my second mural. Read more>>

Selena Anderson

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is a portrait of Maya Angelou and Oprah. At the time I was doing background for the movie Selma and it was one of the first movie projects I had been apart if since moving to Atlanta. Things in my personal life weren’t going so well and being on set was an escape from my reality. While on set I had many hours of down time so I would bring my markers, pencils and paper every day to work on the picture and other sketches. People on set told me I should show Oprah and I was like yeah okay..lol Like that was ever gonna happen. Read more>>

Diamond Elyse

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far was my first project, ‘1997.’ It was my introduction as a music artist. Most of the songs I’d written years prior to releasing it and they are so special to me. ‘Better With You (Naked)’ was the first song of mine that I performed when I was in high school. Seeing how everyone loved the song made me even more confident with releasing original music. I’m so proud of how it all came together. Read more>>

Bella Potts

In 2019, I told my mom I wanted to help kids in my community. In 2020, Bella’s Boxes was created. And In December 2021, I gave out my very first Bella’s Box. The most meaningful project that I have worked on so far was when we adopted the little girl for Christmas and my mom and I got all the items on her Christmas list. This box was special because it was the very first Bella’s Boxes that was given out. It gave me a sensation of joy knowing that a little girl got her Christmas wish. Read more>>

Shaqueria Arnold

My web series, Miss Nina, was my first ever scripted narrative script that I wrote. I wrote the first episode when I was 15 and the script just always stuck with me. After years of doing music videos, I finally felt the time was right to put together my first series. I spent a lot of time and energy putting this show together and to finally produce and release it was a beautiful feeling. I did it with not a lot of resources or money and we faced so many obstacles putting it together, but to finally see the end product was an amazing feeling. Read more>>

DAAS

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was the Color, Way of Love project in China during the years 2017 and 2018. It happened at a moment when I was just starting to get more recognition as a muralist internationally and also during a time when I was relocating back to the US from living in Japan for over 10 years. The project, which is sponsored by Nippon Paint Co. Ltd., brings international artists to China to paint murals in Shanghai and also in rural areas, rarely visited by tourists or travelers. Read more>>

Laurel Baker

I specialize in heirloom jewelry redesign. I work to preserve a sentimental piece by recreating it to fit the customers style. A recent jewelry redesign involved a father’s wedding and the mother’s diamond from her wedding ring. Redesigned and repurposed into a gorgeous diamond pendant. I’ve worked on pieces that involved several heirloom stones to create rings for grandchildren. Another popular trend is a bride that wants to incorporate heirloom stones into their custom wedding band. Read more>>

Robert Clark IV

I’m extremely selective in terms of what type of roles I decide to take on. I like to do characters and stories that move people forward. One of the more meaningful productions I’ve had the opportunity to work on more recently is a film named “Elena” which addresses the horrors of human trafficking and the redemption of the victims of it. I really appreciate this film because of the compassion it shows toward the women who have been taken advantage of and lets them know that they are not alone. There are many people and organizations around the world working tirelessly to put an end the sex trafficking industry. Read more>>

Yuuki Shimizu

I just wrapped a short film called “Cigarettes,” directed and written by Toby Loden and produced by Lyric Gonzalez. I had the honor to take on the role of the Director of Photography for this film and it was one of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on yet. The film is about an underage kid who tries to buy cigarettes and makes an unlikely friend in the process, which stems from Toby’s experience. Read more>>

Mark Moy

Being on the board of directors for 3 years and then being elected president of the prestigious Mayfair Dance Club. This is a club that started in Austin in 1940 and is still ongoing. Serving as president has allowed me to guide the club forward through the pandemic and loss of members to rebranding and reinvigorating in today’s age while maintaining the tradition, character, and decor of our black tie events. This has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my professional carreer. Read more>>

Chloe Morales

One of the most meaningful projects I have ever done as an artist is my portfolio I created for admissions into art school. As art students we were given a task: create 10 pieces with one theme, in one semester. We had to showcase our skills and create an impactful portfolio. I chose my theme as “The Emotional Connection Between Humans and Animals.” Read more>>

Amanda Robles

My very first project I worked on is the most meaningful to me. Before I turned this hobby into a business, I was making a body butter for myself during pregnancy. As a new mom, I was very cautious of everything, including what I was putting on my skin. I began learning about the best natural products for your skin, the safest products to handle, and learned about bonding with my baby. Every morning and every night I would run this body butter on my stomach and would sing or talk to my growing son. I’d feel his little flutters and kicks so it was a great bonding moment for us. Read more>>

Memphis Kee

The most meaningful project I have worked on is the upcoming record of my band entitled, “Wimberley”. The songs on the record were written over the last few years but a few didn’t completely come alive until me and the band sat up late at night while staying at the studio and rearranged and reimagined them. There is a song about my and my wife’s beautiful daughter and how we became a family. That one really means a lot to all of us as she made our family whole through the adoption process. Read more>>

Kenda Francis

I’ve become involved with a wonderful organization called Helping Rhinos (www.helpingrhinos.org) and this relationship with an animal welfare agency that is doing the right things for the animals I care so much about is heartwarming! I’ve not only helped to generate thousands of dollars in donations for this non-profit, but I have become one of their art ambassadors! Read more>>

Sarah + Elias Blenis/Pittman

While almost every project taken on with other people has some sort of meaning for us the most meaningful project we have worked on so far is the on going series we have been working on together called ‘grow with me”. It is a series of photos taken of body parts that are intertwined but also are not intertwined at some points, it hints at the idea of ‘letting go’ in relationships. The idea behind it being that relationships have an ebb and flow, seasons of flowering and dying back. We are intertwined but we are separate. We are hoping to make a book out of this series at some point in our lives. Read more>>

April Moore

The most meaningful design I have worked on recently was just the other week we opened a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde at Shorter University’s Theatre and Dance Department. This has been one of my dream shows to design for years not only because it is my favorite show, but the time period of late Victorian in the 1890s has always been one of my favorite fashions in history. Read more>>

Andreas Werner

There are too many to mention and being able to work with many of my musical heroes and mentors is something special I’ll never take for granted. That being said, the one I’m working on at any given time is the most meaningful in that moment as I dedicate myself completely to it. That’s the one that matters and the one all my energy goes to. Read more>>

DAVIS88

My most meaningful project to date was one I released last fall. The song and accompanying music video, titled “Get Up.” I wrote the song in homage to my hometown Rockingham, NC and people from the Carolinas overall. I used the video as a way to showcase my favorite parts of Rockingham and the coolest historical sites of the City. Read more>>

O’Jay Barr

All of my books are important to me for different reasons. However, the one that is the most meaningful to me right now is a black lesbian romance that I am currently writing. You know – girl meets girl, girl falls in love with girl and they live happily ever after type of romance. I’ve drawn inspiration from some of my recent favorite black love stories – The Photograph, Sylvie’s Love, and A Journal for Jordan, but of course, I am telling the story from the lesbian perspective. Read more>>

Kaya Strykes

So the most meaningful project I have worked on would be my first ever EP, The Prodigal Child. It’s essentially been a journey since I started to delve deeper into music. I started my musical journey in 2020 and from there it has been a slew of ups and downs in this creative project. I knew I was gifted with something when I first began the journey, but I didn’t exactly know how to present my voice and artistry to the general public. Read more>>

Isis Lazuli

Right now. I’m working on an EP! I released my first single back in September. I’ve been in school for audio engineering for a year now, and it’s helped me evolve my childhood passion. Making beats was always like my hidden talent, but I’m grateful to be able to pick it back up and take it seriously! Another project is my website! It took me a while to get it done, And I really beat myself up for it. Read more>>

Kieron Lewis

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was a publication in collaboration with actresses Suzette Luwellyn, Suzanne Packer and publishing company, HarperCollins. The book is titled, “Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism, 100 Ways to Change the Narrative” and was published in 2021. Read more>>

Teo

Origami Cranes has been one of the most influential projects through my musical journey. The idea came back in 2018 when I was in the middle of writing a script for another short-film called “Faded”. I was laying in bed on my laptop with a blank sketchbook to my left side and I was feeling inspired by sci-fi films and space themes. I had also just debuted the first season of my clothing brand Unlimited Inspiration, which was also inspired by outer space, sci-fi and minimalism, so my mind around this time was somewhere in the stars. Read more>>

Aalia Rahman

I think the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a collection of artwork about the idea of change. In my life I have been through various ups and downs, various twists and turns. I’ve lived and immersed myself in at least three different countries, I’ve been the poor kid and the rich kid, the underdog and the privileged, part of the in-crowd as well as the outlier. But each of these moments have made me into the artist I am. Read more>>

CJ Hoty

Currently my band, Murder The Mood, has been working on it’s 3rd album (as of yet without a title). We are always honing our sound it seems (the band having been a thing for 9 years now) but recently we have really found a groove. We have one track in particular that we are leaning into with precise detail though for this album. The message is especially meaningful as it’s pretty much a coda on one particular area of my life. The song’s lyrics have really encompassed this for me and the music underneath is some of the best we have done together I think. Read more>>

Miho Kinnas

I have worked on many projects that were meaningful to me. They allowed me to grow as a writer/poet/translator, reciprocate nurturing help I had received in the past, raise funds for various causes, help small businesses and organizations, or share the joy of creating with people of a wide age range and experience. The current project, however, is perhaps meaningful in the sense of all of the above and offers something more profound. Read more>>

Jeff Barlow

My most meaningful project is not an individual project. It’s the process of how I create my art. I draw the band in one song. I started out as an urban sketcher — I liked to go places with my sketchbook and sit down for a while and capture the moment by sketching my surroundings. One evening I was invited to go see a friend’s band play and decided to bring my sketchbook. Read more>>

Jelia Coleman-Hepner

I recently became an author and released a book called “Give God your broken pieces,” which is the most meaningful project I have worked on. I started on this journey of writing my book about a year and a half ago. My best friend, Nikki Davis, has a website she created where she writes prayers and her life experiences dealing with her relationship with God. She reached out to me and allowed me to write devotionals for her website that helped encourage readers. Sometime last year, God placed it on my heart to write a devotional to encourage others to go through life’s storms. Read more>>

Madisyn Welborn

What I enjoy as a documentary artist is that I often have the opportunity to start conversations by being a voice for others than myself. My ‘Beliefs without Basis’ project is a direct example of that; the project focuses on the stereotypes, dangers, and judgments that come with being a Black man in America. Being a Black woman in America, I’ve experienced some of these discriminations myself, but I’ve witnessed even more of these discriminations directed towards my Black male family, friends, peers, and even strangers. Read more>>

Kae Pershon

Wow, this is a big question, but probably (weirdly enough) the easiest to answer. My most meaningful project is, without a doubt, my photography series (less). I can say that with ease because it’s really the first project where it’s been a culmination of all of my experiences as an artist as well as bringing together everything I want to do as an artist. Read more>>

Kathleen Day Gomez

PEPPER Magazine, as a publication, is by far the most important thing I’ve ever built. Growing up as a late 80’s / early 90’s kid, I was heavily influenced by magazines and indie pop culture. I’d also developed a keen sense of self awareness and interest in psych, anthropology and other human affairs by the time I was 10 or 11. Though I was drawn to all the fashion and art, I felt pulled by the backstories and documentaries behind the creative projects and celebrities I’d read about. Read more>>

Emma Rubinson

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is probably the one I’m in the middle of now. I graduated from fashion school in the spring of 2021, and before now, all of my major projects have been under the guidance of a professor or mentor. Since graduating, I’ve had to learn how to push myself creatively and maintain a timeline for myself, rather than a deadline for a class. It’s been interesting to see how my creative process and inspirations flow with no assignment attached. Read more>>

Kimbi Tiez

The release of my album titled “From the Heart, vol 1.” It is a culmination of several years worth of stories, poems, observations, lessons and affirmations in musical form. It is a personal promise and message to anyone out there to let them know that they are not alone. Read more>>

Daivion Crawford

One of my projects that really stick out to me the most is my most recent release Lovesick. Lovesick is valuable in a different way because that’s my first official album everything was recorded and engineered by me and I actually sat back and sequenced each and every song at least 4 times . During the making a lot of traumatic events were going on in my personal life, I woke up spiritually, mentally, and physically. Read more>>

Hannah Li

I worked with Capstone and the Caldecott Honor Book author Bao Phi on a Children’s book, and it’s been a dream. “You Are Life” is a poem that celebrates Asian Americans and children of immigrants on the joy they are bringing to the world. Anti-Asian racism is something that is invisible in history, but sadly it’s been existing. Since the pandemic, Anti-Asian has surged in crime and as a female Asian living in the US. Read more>>

Quinn Xavier Hernandez

It is incredibly difficult to pick just one project as a most meaningful and I think that’s a true blessing. I also believe that it’s hard to say any one project was more meaningful than the others because I’ve been discovering that each one has led to the next. For example, I’m currently the Playwright-in-Residence at Actor’s Express. I’ve been writing a full-length play for AE since November 2021 and it’s probably the highest level project I’ve gotten to work on so far in terms of budget, scope, and reputation. Read more>>

Gloria Hernando

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my ongoing series “Terra Mater: Burn to Bloom” which is Latin for Mother Earth. I have been dedicating my practice for several years to exploring the relationship between natural elements and the human spirit. I began with fire, transitioned into light, and since the pandemic I have been focusing on developing work centered around the element of earth. Read more>>

Emily Wingfield

Without a doubt, the most meaningful project that I have had the pleasure of working on has been my online poetry collective, Tenderheart Collective. At the beginning of 2021, I found myself wanting to connect with more poets and creatives whose stories and experiences are similar to mine, but who I can still learn from. So I decided to create a space where I could do exactly that. In January, I connected with 5 other incredible BIPOC womxn poets and we launched Tenderheart Collective. Read more>>

Mona L. Scott

The most meaningful project I have worked on is writing inspiring books for children. The most important one I fell I’ve written so far; was for children living in hotel shelters when the corona virus hit in 2020. The title of the book is SAFE KLEAN KIDS, The characters are a sister and brother named Abbey & Isiah who tell the children that they are not super hero’s who came the save the day, but to remind them to stay clean & healthy. Read more>>

Tammy Thompson

My most meaningful project is filming and producing the music video “Hold Me Father” for Lynnmarie Hinerman. Lynnmarie has an amazing testimony, and this song tells a powerful story. She wrote and produced the song “Hold Me Father” twenty years ago when she was battling throat cancer that threatened to take away her voice. When God miraculously healed her, He told her He saved her voice, and she was to use it for His glory. Read more>>