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.

Sierra Banks

The most meaningful projects are when a client allows me to become a part of their healing journey through my artwork. People get tattoos for many reasons, but the most special for me are the moments when I get to witness a client love a part of their body that would have otherwise been an area of discomfort. I have to remind myself how impactful my job is and the pivotal roll tattoos play in people’s healing journey. Tattooing is transformative and can help a client reclaim confidence in their body. Read more>>

Chip Baker

The most meaningful project that I have worked on is The Impact of Influence book series. The Impact of Influence books are compilation books that are filled with stories from powerful influencers. They share about a person or experience that has influenced them. It influenced them in such a manner that it has impacted them and caused them to be who they are today. They now have taken the lessons they learned and are using them to be a benefit to others. Read more>>

Emma Baker

Earlier this year we had the privilege of planning and executing an editorial shoot with some other amazing vendors from the local area. Our inspiration came from my love of the French painter Renoir. I wanted to evoke imagination with romantic and whimsical details at a luxury venue and the outcome was some of my favorite work I’ve ever produced. The shoot was published in Southern Bride magazine and on SouthernBride.com this summer. Having our work published in a national publication is a dream come true. I doubted myself a lot for the first several years we were in business so having that kind of validation meant so much and was certainly a confidence boost! It spurred more excitement and dreaming for the possibilities of the future. Read more>>

Geisha

As of right now the most meaningful project of worked on is the gallery collection I am currently creating. This work is such an intense, in-depth multimedia production that I can’t wait to share in a very pivotal way. I say pivotal due to the fact of my beliefs with art and how I plan to allow the public to experience it. Read more>>

Kodisha Bivins

The most meaningful project to me would be my book, “Love with a Compass.” I’ve always wanted to write my own book, but for some reason or another, I didn’t feel like I could do it or that it was too complicated or expensive. I had been talking about having my own poetry book for almost 15 years, but the “know how” or drive just wasn’t there. I was even told that I needed to focus on other things instead of poetry or writing a book by someone really close to me. Read more>>

Drew Dapps

I know it sounds kinda silly but I actually think my most meaningful project to date has to be my new Tote Bag Merch. There was a time not long ago, when your boy was actually sleeping on the Tote Bag lifestyle. I can’t believe I used to be walking around like a normie wearing a backpack with a sweaty back leaving me with a moist fit… makes me feel ashamed of myself just thinking about it! Read more>>

Manuela Obas

The most significant projects I worked on this year were “The Fights Within Podcast In DA Streets” and our yearly “Dear Women’s Luncheon”. The Fights Within IN DA Steets Podcast was my first time doing an interactive display with a live studio audience, bringing focus to numerous subjects on mental health, women’s rights, gun control, and relationships. I teamed up with a local restaurant here in Houston, “Quotes Willowbrook” to have this podcast live with my co-host Taiese L. Nevels and friends to host this unbelievable event. Read more>>

Tiffani Michelle Mapp

The most meaningful project that I have worked on is my current forthcoming 7th studio self-titled album, ‘Tiffani Michelle’ and my debut magazine, “Music Therapy.” These projects are a manifestation of my healing and evolution as a “Woman Divine designed by the Most High.” My albums and visuals captures my journey as I continue in my purpose to speak life to women in my diverse platforms fusion as a Neo-Soul Artist-Songwriter-Producer, Psychology & Mental Health Services Professor, and Counselor. Read more>>

Angela Thomasson

In 2018, before I started Three Elle Creations, I wanted décor for my home that wouldn’t break the bank. In particular, I wanted something San Diego Padres related, however finding anything proved to be a huge undertaking. I came up with nothing. It was then I made the decision to take matters into my own hands. I ended up making my own wreath. I thought and thought about how I could make my own wreath, what materials I’d need, and what I wanted it to look like. Read more>>

Timothy Schramm

The most meaningful project I have worked on is LVnTheLife’s “LView”, an IGTV show on Instagram @lvnthelife in which I single-handedly build 117k followers for interviewing multidisciplinary and disabled artists of Texas providing them exposure in hopes they are recognized for their talents and potentials. LVnTheLife’s “LView” wants to be an apparent social media show, highlighting the state of Texas and its ability to be on the same plane of professionalism and significance as New York City and Hollywood. Read more>>

Pamela Williams

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far is my first baby girl nursery. My client had a very minimalist style and harked on the importance of not having too much “extra fluff”. It was also very important to her to have a room that would transform over time as her daughter aged. The main aspect of this project that I still treasure is the fact that I was able to create a space for a person that wasn’t on this side of the world yet. Read more>>

Beverly kleiber

I would say this stained-glass window seems my most meaningful project given the span of years and umbrella of its message. Over 40 years ago an architect named Jim Ishimaru commissioned me to do a large stained-glass window for his office. I called it “Birth, Growth, and Return.” The design starts on the upper left with a tightly woven funnel-like form in deep jewel colors. As the form advances around the corner, it begins to loosen. Read more>>

John Mike Guzman Jr.

With such a growing political divide today in America, I joined the Inland Empire group, ‘Menifee Bridging the Divide.” It brings political neighbors “reds and blues” together for respectful dialogue. They held a social, taco night event where Republicans and Democrats were welcomed with a variety of delicious cuisine. Menifee Bridging the Divide, creates face to face interaction where a wide range of issues are discussed in a calm, respectful manner. Read more>>

Johanna ‘Zenobia’ Krynytzky

The most meaningful project I’m working on is *always* the current one! I am blessed that my parents always taught me to follow my inspiration; which encouraged me to be open to life’s opportunities. I strongly believe that by following my curiosity and imagination, I am truly connecting to my life’s purpose. If someone had told me years ago that I would be running one of the largest adult cultural dance studios in the US, while finalizing my Dance Leadership Development Program, I would have thought they were nuts! Instead, I was allowed to gradually and gracefully evolve into the position I”m in today – by following inspiration at each moment. Read more>>

Elsie Gilmore

I’m currently launching one of my most meaningful projects. It’s called 5000 Hugs, and it’s a Kickstarter-style fundraising campaign for The Hugmobile (a mobile hug dispensary and joy clinic). The project combines my skills as a web developer with my love of hugging strangers (and spreading joy). In a time of great polarization in this country based on people’s judgments of each other’s thoughts and beliefs, hugging strangers is the antidote. Read more>>

Susan McLaughlin

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is always my most current project. All the ones before the current one, no matter how successful they may have been, simply just lay the groundwork for my current project, whatever it might be. These antecedents function as the artistic springboard from which I dive into the abyss of my new blank, white canvases. Read more>>

DJ Herc

My last Mixtape 706 Takeover Vol 2. Was a very Special tape that i did. Im from a city and area where it’s slim to none to make it out and we don’t have the platforms and networks to be heard. I took it upon myself and my few connections that i do have and developed a tape filled with some of the most amazing talents out of my area (706) and put it all on one tape featuring artist like (4K, Ro3cool, Fair jones, FS Rudy, Moneywave Cam, TrippleXross Glock and etc…). Read more>>

Khamel Carter

The most meaningful project to me is a rather interesting story. I met a couple through a mutual friend, they were planning a destination wedding in Mexico and booked me for their photography and videography. This was my first big wedding gig, so I was excited, but also nervous at the same time. As time past the couple welcomed a new addition to the family, which of course prompted a change of plan, to a venue in their home state of Connecticut. I have never been to Connecticut, and it was only fitting that my first trip there be my introduction into the wedding industry. Read more>>

CM Addams

Almost all of my projects are meaningful in one shape or form. If there’s little to no context behind it, I find the piece dull and lifeless. Emotion is a very important key element to my pieces because so much can be said about it. One piece that comes to mind, in particular, is an old piece from my private collection titled, “My Bitterness”. I painted this piece in 2013 after I got out of the hospital for a reason I’d rather not discuss at this time. Read more>>

VINCETOMS

I just put out my first full body of music. 8 tracks, just enough to qualify as an album. The project is called “Saving My Heart” and its absolutely been the best experience of my life creatively. i’ve been making music officially for almost 3 years now, started off very terrible i have to be honest lol. the effort was there, and you could tell my voice would be effective if given the proper time and attention. slowly but surely i found myself in music, along with finding my voice. single after single, i and everyone else could tell this is something i wanted to conquer. Read more>>

Jevon Alexander

The most meaningful project to me, would have been my first EP “Chasing Failure”. Because it was my first time really putting something out to the world that would pretty much start how serious I was going to be moving forward. I had just moved back from Atlanta , and went back home in Michigan. Things didn’t work out in Atlanta, but I had started writing and recording while I was out there, so when I came back home, I recorded everything in my moms basement. Read more>>

Sarah Hughes

I had a client come to me with flowers from an anniversary arrangement her mom had recceived that she wanted to have preserved, which isn’t out of the ordinary for me. The arrangement was filled with pink and red roses, and super fragrant lilies. I only realized just how special the arrangement was when I read the card that came along with the arrangement. It read, “Happy anniversary, Babe. I’m sorry I’m not here to celebrate 30 together. Just know I’m celebrating in Heaven knowing I got to spend my life with you. Read more>>

Deana Taheri

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on lately is the webseries “Piss Party”. This series not only explored the highs and lows of what it means to be an artist, but was also a reflection of our experience in its creation. The story is about the mysterious breakup of a pop punk band notorious for peeing their pants onstage. I was cast by New York City-based production company, Space Fish Productions, to take on the role of Janet Pluto: a pop-punk icon, dedicated to her craft and persona in a rabid, unhinged, hilarious way. Read more>>

Nerissa Gómez

I believe every project is meaningful as they play a part in the evolution process that every artist goes through. I can say, however, that my most meaningful project is the newest series of portraits I am working on. This series will feature over a dozen women who I know personally. I am incorporating design elements inspired by retro wallpaper and textiles too. I pour a lot of myself into each of these portraits, because each piece represents how I see myself in that subject. Read more>>

Jessica Shaw

I enjoy every pet shoot but the Keepsake shoots I do are probably my most meaningful. The keepsake shoots are for terminally I’ll or elderly pets that may be on their last few months, days, or hours on earth here with us. These shoots are often emotional but the most rewarding. I lost my dog Slash to cancer suddenly when he was 5 and a half years old. I waited 3 years to adopt another dog and then my dog Lily was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma at 3 and a half years old. Read more>>

404 Travo

One of my recent releasez called “Tearz Of Pain” it givez yhu a insight of sum of the pain i keep bottled up and since i have a hard time of openin up too person and explainin my feelinz dis sng helped me open up and speak on things i keep bottled up. Read more>>

Jessica Wood

Typically, I am making tee shirts to commemorate a celebration or occasion – mostly birthdays and family vacations! These are so fun and I’m always so honored to be a part of a families celebration! I recently was commissioned to create a design that we’re calling “Family Ever After” – a family using my shirts and their Walt Disney World trip to tell their foster child that they were being officially adopted! What an absolute blessing! Read more>>

Melanie Ho

Probably the publication of my book BEYOND LEANING IN last year – a passion project I’d been working on “side of desk” for almost a decade while dealing with the challenges of being a woman climbing the ladder in corporate America, and where I went against a lot of the advice and conventional wisdom from publishing industry experts in terms of how I wrote my book. Read more>>

Aria Rai

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is probably my first EP “Losing Grip”. Three out of five of the songs on that EP are ones that I wrote when I was fourteen and fifteen years old. At that time in my life, I never imagined that those songs would be heard by anyone, let alone strangers from around the world. I put everything that I had into those lyrics and music and I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out. Read more>>

Peter Acker

The Heart Gallery is a nationwide project with regional, independent branches. It was started by a photographer in New Mexico who saw the failings of the foster care and adoption system, in part due to the mug shot style snapshots of children entering the system. Her idea was to recruit professional photographers to showcase the personalities of the kids and create a mobile gallery that could be placed in strategic areas like libraries and churches. Read more>>

Audrey Hayes

I started The Creative Rally because I want to see mission-driven companies succeed. Some of my most meaningful work comes from serving do-good organizations, like Promise686––a nonprofit in the foster care and adoption space. As Promise’s creative strategist, I work alongside their team to provide event branding, content development, storytelling, and graphic design. Read more>>