Every once in a while we have the good fortune of working on a project that we feel truly matters, a project that we’ll still be thinking about years from now. Maybe even something we can imagine telling our grandkids about – surely you’ve had moments like that where something you did in your professional life really mattered?

Jorge Styles

January 1st 2023. 12am. New year. As I was looking back on 2022, I had done my first art show. Finally put myself out there and did it. So for 2023 I was looking to do multiple art shows, have work shown in a gallery, be featured in a magazine, and sell a painting for $1,000+. I figured I’d shoot for the stars for 2023. God made a way for me to hit every single goal, and it’s really just the beginning. Read more>>

Sasha Blaim

One of my passions about my job is not only being a photographer but being recognized as a professional image creator and fashion expert. I believe my psychology education, helps equip me with the innate sense of style and professional eye for fashion. I thoroughly enjoy to witness the transformation of my clients as I prepare them for a photo shoot. Read more>>

Betty Lacy

One of the advantages of being a textile artist is the tactile experience of working with fabric. While feeling the fabric you are simultaneously responding to the touch, feel, and visual representation by sewing, cutting, gluing, and layering, In this process, something inside and outside is being changed. Beginning with a tug of dismay, confusion, anger, or grief through a dream, story, current, or past event, a wake-up call percolates through layers of my heart and mind spurring me on to explore this UFO that has landed inside of me. Read more>>

Alyne Harding

A year or so after my first Filmapalooza (the championship round of the 48 Hour Film Project), one of the South African film students I’d befriended reached out and asked me to proofread a script he’d written for a contest. The contest required the script to be in English, which was not the student’s first language. I read it and made some suggestions. The script made it to the final round of the contest and won an award! Read more>>

Jeremiah Simmons

Recently I had the opportunity to compose a score for a horror film as part of the 48hr film competition in Las Vegas. I had scored for this director in his previous projects, but had never participated in a project with such a tight timeline. Additionally, another team reached out asking if I could provide a custom track for their thriller film in the competition as well. Read more>>

Lucy Black

One of the earliest and most meaningful projects that left a lasting impact on me was my exploration into self-portraiture. It marked a pivotal moment when I realized that photography could transcend mere documentation of surroundings; it could become a deeply personal form of expression. This realization ignited a passion within me to create work that held personal significance. Read more>>

Krista Barzso

During the pandemic I embarked on a journey to write and produce my first short film. It started as a simple plan to make a very quick, easy, and funny story. When I sat down to write it though, I realized that I had a more important story to tell. “Persistence” was born from my need to talk about my experience with stalkers, and how much damage someone can do to your life without breaking any laws. Read more>>

Lisa Solomon

I think one of the things I’ve learned as a maker is the power of involving the public with your work. Artists tend to sit in their studios alone to make their work, and while that has its own power and can be deeply fulfilling, there is an added bonus if you will, when you can reach out to a community for help and participation. The first time I did this was with a piece that involved making 1000 doilies – 10 in 100 colors, as an installation for an exhibition that revolved around the number 1000 and it’s symbolism in Japanese culture. Read more>>

John Ward

Dance- Read more>>

David Scherer Joe Davis

We were the keynote performers at a conference recently presenting on anti-racism and a leader came up to us afterward and said “I’ve been trying to get my people to care about racism and they have not listened. One of my fiercest opponents was with me today and after seeing your performance she said to me “Oh my gosh, we have to take this seriously and go back and tell everyone about it.” We are so grateful to be able to see these dramatic moments of transformation from people who are early in their anti-racism journey. Read more>>

Christopher E. Singleton Sr.

When I was 12, my mom paid for take piano lessons. Those lessons only lasted 2 weeks. The main reason why it didn’t last long was because my piano teacher didn’t take the time to get to know me. I know that is the case because 8 years later I learned how to play the 1 finger version of the “Super Mario Bros.” theme in less than 3 minutes. Read more>>

Tina Jackson

We started the Midtown Coffee Radio Hour during the first COVID winter, motivated by boredom, a need for a creative outlet, and craving connection. All our our normal ways of celebrating and marking the holiday season were essentially limited to what we could do in our own homes. On top of that, I was (am) a big NPR fan and grew up listening to the live NPR Saturday shows, like “Live From Here with Chris Thile”, which was the next iteration of “A Prairie Home Companion.” Read more>>

Ysabelle Ocampo

I think every project I work on is meaningful to me. If it weren’t, I would typically turn it down… but there are two that meant a lot to me that I did recently on Instagram. The first one is the Hers post I had done for Father’s Day. My family is very important to me & the Hers family has been nothing but kind to my family & I. My dad loves their products just as much as I do & when I spoke with them about it, they sent out products just for my dad from the mens side of the company, Hims. Read more>>

Maxwell David Marcus

I’ve been blessed recently with opportunities to work alongside some wonderful teams that have each changed my life for the better. It’s not an exaggeration that the experience on set of a film or television production for me feels like home, in a manner distinct from any other endeavor I’ve encountered in life. Each time I return to the creative space of a new story; I forge a family with the team members that I’m in collaboration with; and each group is unlike any other amalgamation of individuals I’ve ever met. Read more>>

Allisha Pelletier

I’m happy to say that most of my work is meaningful, but the one that brings me the most joy is the project I am currently working on called, “The H Word”. It’s a comedy series about growing up with a Cleft Lip. As a creator with a facial difference, it’s important that I bring awareness to how those with facial differences are portrayed in media. Although it is my love letter to the Cleft community, anyone who grew up feeling different can relate to this show. Creating content that provokes positive change will always give me purpose and meaning. Read more>>

Mindi Katzman

The placement of paintings in healing centers has meant so much to me. From Swedish Cancer Center in Seattle, to The Cancer Center of Anecortes, also in Washington, it is rewarding to know that my work might lend some peace to people challenged with health problems either as a family member or themselves or as staff. Read more>>

Brenna Ivanhoe

One of my most meaningful art projects came from my residency at the Luggage Store Gallery in San Francisco. The residency operated out of their project space attached to the Tenderloin National Forest, a community garden they built in the heart of the Tenderloin district. This garden had two redwood trees, a koi pond, adobe hut and oven, and many murals and mosaics. I spent a lot of time in the garden sharing stories with the local residents. Read more>>

Whitney Futrell

Women Figure Commissions Read more>>

Mary English

Once a year I run a “Random Act of Kindness” campaign where my collectors have the opportunity to share my artwork with someone they care about. I create a series of prints of my work and then contact each collector and ask them to share the details of someone that they want to send a random act of kindness to and why. They share the most incredible stories of people who have helped them that year, people who have pushed through struggles, people who they know will appreciate a surprise in the mail or send a reminder that they are being thought of by others. Read more>>

Andrea Ferrero

Currently, I’m launching my own music project. Throughout all my life, I’ve worked with so many artists, in so many different companies, which has been great, This journey has led me to perform in iconic venues worldwide, giving me a ton of unforgettable experiences that I’m seriously thankful for. However, I decided to take a step that used to scare me a bit, but not anymore, I decided to start releasing some of my own music, proving that a guitar can also sing, and that it is not necessary to be a singer to be the main artist. Read more>>

Ben Neill

By far the most meaningful project for me has been the invention and continued development of my self-designed instrument, the Mutantrumpet. It is a hybrid electro-acoustic instrument with three bells, two sets of valves, and extensive interactive computer capabilities that enable me to control digital audio and video. Read more>>

LEON ORANGE

In 2013, I began organizing Poetry Open Mic nights in Orlando with the conviction that young voices needed a platform. I recognized that the perspectives and experiences of these young people were often overlooked in mainstream channels like radio, church, and school. My aim was to create a space where their voices could be amplified and their stories, often unspoken in traditional media, could be shared and appreciated. This endeavor was driven by the desire to provide an outlet for creative expression and to foster a community where diverse thoughts and experiences could be heard and valued. Read more>>

Kaya Rossey

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on as a model was my mental health shoot with Hailey Birchfield. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was in sixth grade and struggled with suicidal ideation throughout high school. A coping skill I relied on often was writing and public speaking but when I couldn’t find the words to express my struggles I turned to modeling. My friends started taking photos of me when I was around twelve and around eighteen I began taking it much more seriously. Read more>>

Lea Hope Bonzer

Connecting with Jen Weis a Feng Shui expert, and creating a collaborative workshop on how art influences the flow of surroundings and the energy, and creating a harmonious environment that enhances balance and well-being. With my art and Jen’s expertise, we showcased 5 elements and how art can bring balance to your life. Choosing intentional art can bring abundance to your family, reputation and visibility, career and creativity, as well as create a path for new beginnings and completion, including wisdom, and knowledge. Create more vibrant energy, inspiration, determination, and balance to all aspects of your life. Read more>>

Conscious Lee

In 2021 by using my social media platform, I helped and contributed to getingt Julius Jones, an incarcerated person on death row in Oklahoma who was scheduled to be executed commuted to a life sentence. Julius Jones is a Black man from Oklahoma who was unjustly convicted for murder where compelling evidence proves his innocence. I’ve also been working with Palestinians and others on social media currently raise awareness of the genocide going on in Palestine. Read more>>

Carrie Berk

I recently released my solo debut book, “My Real-Life Rom-Com.” It chronicles my experiences in dating as a teenager and the lessons I took away from them. I’m not telling people how to date or who to date; I’m simply sharing my experiences and people can take what they will from them. This is super meaningful because there are no books out there written by a teenager for teenagers about dating. I wanted to fill that void. Nobody knows teenager better than another teenager who can relate. Read more>>

Joseph Horta

Directing my short film, “World’s Shortest War”, has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far in my filmmaking career. Based on the true story of a young hispanic man in the late 70’s as he struggles with his addiction, anger, and the isolation from his family. Focusing on the specific moment during his youth where he robbed a store and was faced with the consequences of his actions. Setting him on a path in the military that led him to become the man he is today. Read more>>

Alex M Wolff

Part of my practice on the commercial side is headshot photography through my HeadShotRescue.com brand. An organization called Executive Consultants of New York reached out for help with their graduating class. ECNY trains people in the skills necessary for a successful job search. One of those skills is creating a dynamic Linke-In profile. A professional headshot is considered one of the most impactful components of the profile. Read more>>

Jan Best

The most meaningful projects that I have done have been commissioned work that is usually a gift in the form of a pet portrait or from a photo that a client has shared with me. I have painted pet portraits for pets that have passed and have heard the most amazing stories of how meaningful they were for the recipient. I have also painted homes and action shots. This fall I was requested to recreate a small painting of two women walking in Italy (from a pic I took on a trip there), to three separate paintings of different sets of sisters with their clothes and hairstyles, that one of the sisters was giving as gifts to remind them of their own trip to Italy. Read more>>

Justin Lee Ford

I am a strong advocate for purposeful action. Your energy and effort gain much more leverage when you move with presence and intention—this is how momentum is built. The next project I am working on, which I believe is especially meaningful, is the relaunch of Cup of Kick, a martial arts website hosting podcast episodes and articles. Read more>>

Erynn M.

My first project lined up for outside of graduate school came to me when my long-time friend and collaborator, Rob Bowen. Rob, a powerhouse director based in Colorado Springs, self-produces all his work under his production company WHATSABUDGET Films. He contacted me earlier this year to discuss the Steven King Dollar Baby program and explained that he had gotten permission to adapt the short story Luckey Quarter. Rob’s adaptation is called E is for Expiation. Read more>>

Kayla Nielsen Artist, Teacher, & Business Freelancer

Smoky Mountains Artist: Having faced the challenges of starting my freelance business and working in nonprofits, I recognized a deeper need within our community—one that surpassed traditional marketing. As an art instructor and Soul Collage Facilitator, I witnessed firsthand the hurdles artisans face in pursuing their passions. Read more>>

Honeychild Coleman

I am well aware of having the good fortune of working with the youth. In my day job for non-profit street dance company It’s Showtime NYC. And In my creative work with The Underground Producers Alliance (UPA). In addition to mentoring younger artists and bands coming up in the scene and keeping them in the conversation. Read more>>

Erika Flores

I have always viewed art and my work as more than an aesthetic practice. To be a creative is to have the tools to share meaningful stories that empower and positively impact communities. Read more>>

Kibra Tesfaye

Last year, I spearheaded an after-school initiative as the Founder and Executive Director of the Greenprint Network. Our team orchestrated a workshop series titled Creative Writing and Performance 101 at a high school in the Jane and Finch community. Thanks to the generous support from the City of Toronto and Cloré Beauty, we successfully enrolled 10 students and paired them with local artists who served as mentors. Together, they embarked on a journey of crafting and performing songs, poems, or short stories alongside a live band. Read more>>

Zoe Weil

After teaching week-long summer courses to middle school students in 1987, I realized the power of education to transform lives and motivate positive change, so I became a humane educator, teaching about the interconnected issues of environmental sustainability, animal protection, and human rights. I created a program in the Philadelphia, PA area that offered presentations, assembly programs, and afterschool courses to schools. I was reaching about 10,000 students a year and witnessing the profound impacts of this kind of education, but I knew this was a drop in the bucket. Read more>>

Daisuke Okamoto

In the mid 2020, I got a call from Microsoft, and they said they were looking for a muralist for their walls. I immediately answered yes. But the covid happened. We needed to wait for till the spread of COVID-19 was lessened. Read more>>

Vanessa Zavala Clark

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the Meet Me in the Downtown Arts District campaign for the Museum and Cultural Affairs department of El Paso. This was an open call to artists to create a piece of art to be wrapped around a city bus with the mission of encouraging the public to visit the Downtown Arts District in El Paso. My concept referenced Michelangelo’s the Creation of Adam, fingers touching, along with some of downtown El Paso’s artistic landmarks and desert flora. Read more>>

Karl T. Wright

When I’m not working as an actor I’ve spent much of my career behind the microphone doing VO, radio and now podcasts. My goal has always to be working on a project that I feel good about that makes the world a better place. So I’ve produced podcasts about diversity in private school education, women’s sexual health, mindfulness and meditation, and the “buy nothing“ gift economy a project I worked on with my wife. Read more>>

A. C. Burch

My most meaningful project to date has been my most recent novel, The Distance Between Us. During the recent political tumult and the COVID-19 epidemic, I struggled to find a way to make a statement that countered the polarization overtaking both the country and my hometown. When I looked around, I saw people having much more in common than not, yet they were at odds over a host of issues, some legitimate, some contrived. It seemed a reminder to those willing to listen was in order: despite these fractious times, we have more in common than not. Read more>>

Mary Langbeen

Being environmentally conscience is something that has been near and dear to my heart my whole life. Growing up in the 80’s we were very aware of climate and recycling was just becoming mainstream. Pair that with my love for the outdoors and gardening, a passion for earth friendly living began. As I got older and started a family, I gravitated towards natural products. I removed all commercial cleaners from my home and experimented with formulas to replace them. Read more>>

Jency Sekaran

The last few and the next series are all about me getting vulnerable with myself and the audience. Working through body dysmorphia and breaking cultural expectation of being a “good” South Asian woman in society. My She is series, depicts multiple women in different sizes and tones to remind myself and. others that our bodies are right where they need to be, fighting for us to survive in this patriarchal society. That regardless of size and skin tone, we are beautiful. Read more>>