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?
Raw
This last year has been a whirlwind of meaningful projects. We’ve gotten some of our longest running projects, as well as some of the most challenging projects to work on. All of them within various fields of the entertainment industry. This year has been characterized by a lot of work tailored to the gallery, museum and generally art spaces. Starting off with a collaboration with creative director and artist, Enrique Agudo, for which we have FLESH in release right now, a project commissioned by the Tom of Finland foundation and to be soon shown in Nick Knight’s SHOW Studio in London, as well as previously shown in Berlin’s Berghain club. Besides FLESH, we are currently collaborating with Enrique on a project going by the name of Castizo, which we’re extremely excited about. As we’re nearing the end of the year, we are also nearing the final stages of that process and we’re excited to be able to release the project into the world once it’s gone through its final steps. Whereas both FLESH and Castizo started off as fashion editorials, they’re going on to live lives in various directions. Which excites us even more, as it shows the versatility the body of work we’re creating truly holds! Read more>>
Jeri Lynn Paull
I recently started creating paper portraits. The process is taking a photograph and converting it to a paper collage. Any paper can be used with attention to light and dark areas. The first portrait I did was of my mother, who passed away two years ago. What made her portrait so meaningful was every piece of paper chosen represented something about her. Her hair is colored paper with poetry I had written for her along with names and places from her funeral book. The map of the drive from my home in Oregon to her home in Washington is part of her face. Things she loved are incorporated as well; music, water (fishing) and dogwood blossoms. The seagulls represent freedom and heaven. Her necklace is made from a necklace her father made. As I said, any paper can be used, but by adding personal representation it takes he pieces to the next level. Read more>>
Vanessa Chica Ferreira
I have always lived in a larger body, and with that came the weight of others’ opinions—dictating what I should eat and how I should dress. The bullying was relentless, from family, society, and even from myself. But when I started writing about my body, something shifted—a process of unlearning began. My fat body moved to the center of my creative work. In 2018, I collaborated with Peggy Robles-Alvarado (Director), Karina G. Lopez, and Rebeca Lois Lucret (Writers) to create *Live Big Girl*. This poetic play explored the lives of three women navigating a world that seldom celebrates their bodies. Through their unique yet shared experiences, they delved deep into self-awareness, self-acceptance, and ultimately, self-love. Through poetry, movement, and stillness, *Live Big Girl* became a prescription for healing—a reclamation of their bodies from the mouths of critics. As their truths were spoken with courage, the power of their voices became a catalyst for liberation and transformation. Read more>>
Cindy Hing
We are currently producing two exciting shows: Day Tripping in The Palm Beaches and Fest Quest of The Palm Beaches, both which I have the pleasure of hosting. I am grateful for the support of the Palm Beach County Film & Television Commission. Their sponsorship has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. These shows allow us to dive deep into the heart of Palm Beach County, uncovering everything from local attractions to hidden gems to the people behind the scenes. What truly excites me is the chance to connect with the community, learning about their personal journeys and the passions that drive them. Each story adds a new layer to my understanding of what makes Palm Beach County not just a destination, but a place rich with history, culture, and a deep sense of pride. Whether it’s a local business owner sharing their backstory or exploring the county’s fascinating history, it’s these personal connections that make the work so rewarding.Read more>>
Sheryl Belson
There are actually a few projects that come to mind when I think of meaningful projects. Honestly, I am usually just making a garment to wear, trying to add my own unique spin through color or embellishment. But I can think of 3 projects that have a story, and stories are what make them most meaningful to me. * Several years ago I went to a workshop in Portland, OR to learn the Koos style of collaging. I made a black wool/cashmere coat and chose fabrics from some of our world travels to create the collaging. Of course, those fabrics carry with them the adventures of each trip as well as the adventures of finding the fabric while we were there. But one fabric I used was offered to me by a classmate who was using deconstructed tie fabric from her late husband’s tie collection. She noticed the colors in his tie matched my color scheme and asked if I would like to use it. I told it would be an honor. It truly was a perfect addition to the color scheme, but much more than that, the story of her generosity and carrying his memory on my coat is more meaningful than all of my travel fabrics combined. Read more>>
Maya Chupkov
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is a documentary I am producing right now. The documentary is about two black men who stutter and the varying ways their speech disability impacted their lives. One is from Stockton, California, the other from St. Stephen’s, South Carolina. This project is meaningful to me because it is so personal. I have lived with a stutter my entire life and through these men I am hoping this film will change the lives of people stutter from around the world, while also educating viewers on the nuances of the lived experiences of people who stutter, and how race, violence, mental health and class intersect with speech challenges. It is rare that we see Stuttering normalized on the big and small screens. The film sends a message that we are all more than our stutters. Read more>>
Chelle Marie
In 2008, I began an all-ages, free, and uncensored open mic night that planted deeper roots then I ever could’ve imagined. Before it came into fruition, I often felt like just another weirdo in a little big town outside of L.A. It wasnt long before the droves of our vastly misunderstood creative community began piling in. Eventually, open mic became the mecca for self expression in the AV. That’s when I realized that self expression was everything and that for most, our stage was the only place that loved us and wanted us for who we were. The talent was phenomenal, but it was the heart open mic exuded that stood out most. Read more>>
Yashica Topalovic
Thus far, I’d have to say working with Moving Forward Events & partnering with the Sister League of San Diego on educating women on mental health. As well as hosting a clothing drive & styling services for the woman at the shelter.. Yes, the glitz & glamour behind photo shoots, runways & music videos are beyond anything I’ve ever dreamt of. But the true magic behind what I do is in designing & styling for the woman next door. The woman who carries all that weight on her shoulders, the single mother working 2 jobs, the one who seems lost & just needs a friend! My motivation lies there with them by their side. It is an absolute honor to be able to assist her on her journey to a positive transformation! Read more>>
Laura Diaz
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the film “Más que el Agua.” Back in 2013, I participated in an acting reality show in the Dominican Republic called “De la Calle al Cine,” where the prize was a role in an upcoming movie. The original movie planned was “Más que el Agua,” and when I first read the script, I immediately fell in love with a character named Claudia. However, I knew I was too young to portray her at the time. Read more>>
Shreeyash Shrestha
Professionally, I am an independent music producer and engineer, but deep down, I’ve always had a spark for performing live. Very recently, I had the opportunity to host a garden show at my parents’ house in Nepal, surrounded by the people who mean the most to me— 50 of our closest friends and relatives. It was a night filled with music, memories, and emotional connection. I performed a mix of my original songs alongside some of my favorite covers, and it was incredibly special to share my passion for music with those who’ve supported me throughout my journey. Read more>>
Neil Harris
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is when I wrote and recorded the song “Trillin Man!” During the writing process, all I could think about was to create an anthem over an instrumental that was infused with whale sounds. At that period in time countries were at war and in my world peace is victory. The song “Trillin Man” is Cool with mellow, melodic vibes so when you hear the song it relaxes you! Positivity supersedes negativity. I also created my own exclusive footwear “Trillin 21’s!” With intent to inspire and motivate. When my team and I completed the music video it surpassed 100,000 views with no promotion. Read more>>
Angela Hilario
I would have to go back to the beginning and say my most meaningful project was my debut novel KALEIDOSCOPE’S LIGHT. I first had the kernel of an idea back when I was 13. At the time I was publishing fan fiction (I wrote Star Wars and Avalon High fan fic if you were wondering!), so I decided to upload my first working draft to their sister site FictionPress. Back then it was called Dreams, Dreams and was about a girl having the same dreams as her celebrity crush. Ten years later, I rewrote the story numerous times, and bits and pieces of my life as I was growing up within those ten years can be spotted throughout the novel. Inevitably, it reflects a lot of my formative years, and that was why I just had to make the novel my debut. Read more>>
Valiant Ray
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve undertaken is my book A Tree Party, which was born out of my journey to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts. While earning my Gold Award was a significant accomplishment and a fun experience, it was incredibly meaningful to witness the community support for the A Tree Party project. Though I had never written or published a book before, I entered a writing contest where I had to craft a fairy tale involving a fool and leftovers. The story I developed became the foundation for this book, which has already inspired readers and continues to teach universal truths in an entertaining way to people globally. Read more>>
Yuyang Liao
The most meaningful project to me is my first stop-motion animation called “Romantic Night.” It was the first time I completed a full stop-motion project in my life. I had never had any experience in stop-motion production before, so researching and personally creating the props, filming, and editing it all by myself was a very important milestone for me. Read more>>
Patricia Siciliano
I am a self-published book author. I have written 5 fiction novels and every one of them has been a meaningful project for me. Why? Because I expressed my dreams, my coherent ideas and non-coherent thoughts. I give life to characters that have been living in my mind. Every single book I wrote has a unique story. I am going to tell you how the novel of My Angel was created. I used to ride on the metrolink everyday to go to work and every time the train stop at the South Pasadena station I could feel that the corner where the farmer’s market was established once a week was the perfect venue for the story I wanted to create about the main character. Isabella is the name of the main character and I wanted to give life to that beautiful corner and to a coffee shop I had in my mind. Little by little I started creating the story. The story is about faith, love, the meaning of life and the love for oneself. My novel is a meaningful project because with my writing, I am able to convey emotions and feelings. Read more>>
Johanna Typaldos
I do not usually accept commissions, but I made an exception for my very good friend, Ashley. We met in the graduate program at NMSU for studio art and she was two years ahead of me. She requested engagement rings, the scariest of all commissions. Engagement rings are a lot of pressure because they are with their wearers for one of the most important days of their lives, companions in wedding photos and at anniversaries, always reminding them of that special time. The ring can make or break that day, and I usually do not wish to be a factor. I reminded her that I am an art jeweler; what I can make will not look like what would be available at a traditional jewelry store (although there are art jewelers with this kind of training). Read more>>
Jason Brammer
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far has been designing and painting artwork on several drum kits for Jimmy Chamberlin of “The Smashing Pumpkins”. When I first heard their album Gish at 17, it was a transformative experience. Their sound was like nothing I had ever encountered before. Fast forward to 2011, I had the chance to meet Jimmy at an art event where I was doing live painting. Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch, and I’ve had the honor of painting four drum kits for him, along with a custom cymbal cabinet and custom airbrushed stage vest. The creative process of interpreting his vision and translating it into dynamic visuals has been incredibly meaningful. It felt full circle—combining my passion for art with a deep personal connection to music that has been so influential in my life. Read more>>
Lindsey Heggans
I think the most meaningful project I’ve ever gotten to work on as a project. I’m working on now called VOW it is about family and these two sisters finding each other and the super lost world and I feel like in this dystopian world the story is about love and family and finding each other. I never grew up with a younger sister, but I have an older brother who I care about so much! The cast is amazing I have the privilege to work with Connor Mc Cloud, Leon Walker, Josh Deener, Maisie Maddux and so many amazing people! Going to set doesn’t even feel like work. It feels like I’m spending time with my family. I can’t wait for everyone people to see it soon. Read more>>
T Shirt Toss
People search high and low, for decades to find “their people” — people who share their point of view, sensibilities, tastes, work ethic, ambitions. We did it. It feels like we struck magic. Every time we meet to write, rehearse or talk shop, we take a beat to relish in the magic of our collaboration. We’re having fun with our best friends, selling out shows in a city where there are a kajillion shows every night. How lucky is that? It’s not all luck, though. We’ve worked incredibly hard to foster this creative collective. We’ve met through different performance spaces: The Groundlings, UCB, Chad Damiani’s Clown Intensive. We’re from all over: New York, Texas, Argentina, North Carolina, Mississippi. Those are all different U.S. states, but one. Mississippi. That’s a river. Read more>>
G. S. Gerry
For me personally, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly my book, “Leaving Stronger Than You Started.” This project is close to my heart because it represents a deeply personal journey of embracing faith in Jesus, discovering God’s greater plan, and overcoming the challenges of teenage pregnancy. Writing this book wasn’t just about telling my story—it was about sharing a testimony of redemption, strength, and hope that I hope will resonate with anyone who’s faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. Read more>>
Amy Weh
Working on many artist in residence mosaic murals. The experiences I had led me actually to quoting my retail manager job of a frame shop to becoming an elementary teacher. Stretching young brains with my own art experiences. Read more>>
Verum (yuzhuan) Zhou
I believe that the most meaningful work for me recently is my new comic: Mariel’s Garden. It tells the story of a little dog spending an unforgettable summer in the plant-filled, sunlit home of a woman named Mariel. The reason I am willing to mention this new work in this context is because, during the short half year creative process, I experienced the passing of my first cat, which greatly influenced my emotional expression in telling this story. Read more>>
Paul Roden
I enjoy working with big ideas that require big executions, for example my current project is a group of 20 intricately carved woodblocks averaging about 5 square feet each that fit together to form a sort of map-shaped timeline of the world. But probably the most successful completed project I made was a double triptych of ‘the history of habitat’ tracking our species’ dwellings from caves to villages to cities to megalopoli to collapse and back again. I feel I managed to render the concept in a competent, approachable, and original style I was developing at the time. I also stuck to hallmarks of humor and optimism while addressing obvious issues with our culture and society—It might be a post-apocalyptic vision, but there’s still rainbows :) Read more>>
Alessandra Volpi
Working on the launch of the Nashville Bel Canto Foundation has been an incredibly inspiring and exciting project for me because it merges my passion for music with a commitment to fostering artistic talent. The foundation’s mission to promote and support emerging vocalists aligns perfectly with my belief in the transformative power of the arts. Collaborating with talented individuals, engaging with the local community, and contributing to a platform that nurtures creativity has been deeply fulfilling. It’s a chance to make a meaningful impact and celebrate the rich musical talent in Tennessee, all while helping to cultivate the next generation of artists. Read more>>
Noah Fodor
For me, this has to be my projected titled Play Glamorous. I made this work, which incorporates self-portraiture, collage elements, and a video work, as part of my graduate school residency at Columbia College Chicago. Play Glamorous, explores the contradictions of masculinity through my experience playing ice hockey as a closeted ice hockey player for over a decade. In hockey, a particularly violent and hyper-masculine sport, the possibility of queerness is denied and even feared, perpetuating a toxic environment that forces queer players to closet themselves. Performative acts of masculinity such as punching, hitting, and slamming reinforce idealized versions of what it means to be a man. Sports also set the conditions in which men can touch and become vulnerable with one another, leading to softer and more homoerotic interactions, but when this emotional or physical closeness falls outside of the locker room or on the ice, it is questioned and attacked. Read more>>
Eric Wink
A very meaningful project of mine is my cover of Amy Winehouse’s, “Valerie”. The summer after my third year of college, studying engineering, I took on arranging and recording a few covers. This entails writing out parts, learning to play the parts on drums, bass, guitar, sax, keyboards and vocals, and orchestrating a lead vocalist, a sax player, a trombone player, and a trumpet player to perform the parts while I capture audio, but also video in front of a green screen. After all of that, I edited together a video showing all the different parts being played at once. Valerie was done in 2018. Later, after graduating college in 2020, I worked a few different jobs. One of them was teaching lessons on the side. Read more>>
Lauren Schwab
As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to creating bold, vibrant, and playful jewelry. So when I was approached to craft memorial pieces from flowers taken from a young woman’s funeral, I found myself completely caught off guard. The flowers felt like they carried the weight of that day—laden with grief and the emotional energy of loss. It was daunting, and I hesitated, unsure how to approach the task of transforming them into something beautiful. The pressure to honor her memory and create something meaningful was immense, and I was afraid of mishandling the materials or not living up to the significance of the moment. Read more>>
Austin Mitchell
The most meaningful project I’ve completed is the 2020 independent feature film Baphomet Mountain I co-directed and co-produced with an acting buddy of mine. It’s a film about an erratic evangelical preacher who’s brother has been kidnapped by a cult in the Las Vegas desert, and a failed country folk singer destined to help find the brother. My acting buddy and I also co-starred together. Baphomet Mountain took roughly 5 years to complete with money saved from our boring odd jobs and taking off weekends when we could to shoot. We shot in the dingiest areas of Vegas and Hollywood totally guerilla. We never had more than 5 people at a time as crew. When shooting was completed, my acting buddy thought it was best to pay an editor a few thousand dollars to try and string the best narrative out of all the improvised and often times bizarre footage we shot. But we had put so much work and time into it, I felt it wasn’t worth the risk to pay someone to do this who had no clue what our vision was. So ultimately I took on the role of editing the film, and with my background in music and home recording, I also took on post producing the entire film. Read more>>
Shawn Crouch
There are three projects that are incredibly meaningful to my work as an composer; “Stained Glass, an opera in one act”, “The Road from Hiroshima, a Requiem”, and “Paradise” for a cappella choir. Storytelling is central to my creative process. My latest compositions incorporate cutting-edge technology to convey a narrative. “Stained Glass” (2024), a one act opera directed by Jeffrey Buchman, uses immersive projections and augmented reality technology to tell the story of Mamah Borthwick, the romantic and intellectual partner of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The audience, wearing Meta Quest goggles, experiences a mixture of live projections and augmented reality assets that immerses the audience into the visually stunning world of Wright and Borthwick, and integrates geometric models, architectural facades and diffused light into the visual landscape. The opera was premiered at the Knight Center for Music Innovation at the Frost School of Music in March of 2024 and marked a new era in opera theater production in its use of technology. Read more>>
Carlos R. Peña (cpayne)
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my recent track “RISE,” a collaboration with DJ and Producer AvAlanche from Israel. What makes this project special is the environment in which it was created. AvAlanche and I put this track together during the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, a time filled with so much tension and uncertainty. Despite all that, we channeled our emotions into the music, making it a symbol of unity and strength. AvAlanche’s dedication, even in the face of adversity, was really inspiring. We wanted to create something that would go beyond the politics and conflict, something that could bring people together, no matter their background. The track is about rising above challenges—whether personal or global—and embracing the principles of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect (PLUR). Read more>>
Ryan K Rosen
Our studio is purpose driven: we create friendly designs for a friendlier world. So, we’re grateful that each project we work on is filled with meaning. Both the design process and output create more opportunities for healthy and joyful human connection. So we’re consistently bringing people together across generational divides to inspire play and fun! The most rewarding part of our work is when our designs help blossom a new friendship :) Read more>>
Joel Hills
The overall focus of my production work in electronic music has been one of unification and opening minds. When I first got into the electronic music scene it was through underground raves. The most beautiful thing about the rave scene was the fact that all were welcome that came with an open mind, kind heart, a desire to dance and a want to enjoy amazing music with other similar souls! As electronic music went more mainstream, the different major subgenres became more isolated. Bass music headbangers didn’t like house heads, house heads wouldn’t be caught dead at the bass stages. People started prejudging events and songs based on genre and this went against the inclusive that the rave scene was founded on. I have focused on blending all these subgenres into brand new ones so that it may open a few minds into other subgenres. Im doing what I can to return electronic music to its rave roots of inclusion, peace, love, unity and respect. Read more>>
Glory Hope
As a portrait and figure painter, I am devoted to diving in depth with my models and clients to learn aspects of their personal stories to incorporate into their painting that bring a sense of inspiration and empowerment to each individual. These portraits weave together elements that they feel represent their strength, culture and spirituality. I pursue my skills to grow more as a safe, deeply mindful, supportive practitioner for my clients. One of the ways that I model standing in personal, authentic truth, is by turning inward and cultivating a deep self awareness that is based on a radical and complete self acceptance and love. Read more>>
Darius Jenkins
My most meaningful project would be my musical LP “Self Love Vol. 2” and I would also consider it to be my most intentional project. My mission with each track was to provide my listeners with strength and guidance along their own, personal self-love journeys as they got to experience mine. One of the biggest messages I promote in my music and as an artist is making sure people receive their flowers while they’re present here on this earth. What made this project even more extraordinary was being able to host my own listening party at “Daiboku”, a ramen restaurant listed in Austin Monthly’s “Best of ATX: Dining & Nightlife”. During set-up, I felt so incredibly grateful for the genuine bonds that I cultivated between the owners and the staff that led to one of the best nights of my life. I had the opportunity to laugh with strangers, grow closer to my family and friends and through it all I felt embraced and truly appreciated by my community. Read more>>
Saki Savavi Bowman
My forthcoming counter cartographical collection titled “The Great Hoodoo Migration Maps”, by far! It features four maps that depict the Great Migration and Hoodoo Lineages that followed, the Power Plants whose history in America runs parallel to the Black American experience, Speculative Maps that reimagine how we visualize complex biographies, and a Map that holds them all! During the Great Migration or Black Migration (1890’s -1970’s), Black Americans migrated from Southern States to Northern states (and sometimes West), to escape the overbearing stench of Southern Racism. I felt it important to not only depict this particular migration, but to also illustrate the Hoodoo Lineages that traveled with them. This feels particularly important for me since I don’t remember ever seeing any maps that reflected Black American contribution to this country. In fact, it almost feels taboo to feel connected to this land. And still, our connection is sound and true. We deserve to see our stewardship represented in cartographical charts. I intend to continue filling that gap. Read more>>
Travis Lariviere
Thank you for the detailed responses! Now that I have a clearer understanding, here is a more concise and polished version of your draft, with an optimistic tone: The most meaningful project of my artistic journey has been my gallery display, Riparian Impressions, a series of 12 paintings showcased at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert, Arizona. While these paintings hang publicly, they represent something deeply personal to me. When my family first moved to Arizona, the Riparian Preserve and the library became places of beauty and peace, a safe space where my daughters explored nature and immersed themselves in books. It was here that I found my artistic inspiration to create again. Read more>>
Taylor Jones
I have always loved capturing special moments between people, and I truly believe that my most meaningful projects have been the weddings I have had the pleasure of shooting. I love capturing the love, joy, and merriment of a wedding day, especially with the bride & groom. I was so nervous when I shot my first wedding because I was afraid I wouldn’t catch the most important moments only to realize that as a photographer, you will just know when those moments happen and when to click your shutter. Read more>>
Nina Huang
The most meaningful piece I created was during my senior year at School of Visual Arts. Since I often talk about it, it now feels like an old story. But even after bringing it up so many times, I still believe it‘s a great project. The final product consists of five interview stories, featuring five artists living in New York, all from different fields, yet at some point in their lives, they each found themselves drawn to art and made a splash in their own worlds. I’m obsessed with interacting with people and listening to life stories so I ended up creating this interview journal series. Every page in the journal, every letter, and every little doodle in the corners were all done by me. The creation didn’t happen overnight, since I didn’t start with this theme in mind at the very beginning, it evolved as I went along, much like filming a documentary, where you shoot as you go. Read more>>
Joshua Koh
Definitely “Disease”, the short film we just finished shooting yesterday. It’s the most meaningful for me not only because it’s the biggest thing I’ve done but because it’s the most personal creative endeavor I’ve embarked on. The origins of “Disease” is my true relationship with Vernon, a friend of mine who I met last year. I’m a student at NYU Tisch’s film program, and in my summer filmmaking class last year my crew cast Vernon to act in our projects. At the time, he was homeless and struggling with substance abuse. He played Redman, a superhero in a goofy spandex superhero suit that would fight crime in my short films for class. Read more>>
Tameka Fryer Brown
In June of 2015, nine Black people were murdered during Wednesday night Bible study by a 20-year-old white supremacist seeking to spark a race war. As the investigation into the killer progressed, photographs of him posing with the Confederate flag were discovered and released, which led to a familiar public debate as to whether this Civil War-related emblem was indeed a hate flag, or simply a misappropriated symbol of Southern heritage and pride. It was against this backdrop that I decided to write That Flag, a children’s book about best friends divided over the meaning and significance of the Confederate flag. Even though I knew a picture book for young readers that shed factual light on the Confederate flag—how it came to be and how it is still being used in conjunction with white supremacy today—would not be well-received by some, my mind kept replaying John Lewis’ exhortation about getting into “good trouble.” I crafted That Flag in the spirit of truth-telling, relationship-building, and love. Read more>>
Leslie Horne
The most meaningful project I’ve ever undertaken was publishing my first children’s book, The Chicken Berry Tree. The inspiration struck me one starry night while relaxing with friends. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, the serene setting provided the perfect atmosphere for my creative juices to flow. The Chicken Berry Tree holds a special place in my heart because it encourages young readers to tap into their imaginations. In today’s world, where children are increasingly drawn to electronic devices, nurturing their imaginations is more important than ever. By immersing themselves in stories, children develop essential skills like problem-solving, empathy, and critical thinking. They also learn to express themselves creatively and find joy in the power of their own minds. Read more>>
Fer Borrego
Sans Patrie started as an idea for a tattoo that represents an identity crisis I went through. Growing up, I felt like I was floating between three cultures—Argentinian, Spanish, and New Yorker—never really belonging to just one. Similarly, my musical influences don’t reflect my cultural background; I’ve drawn inspiration from bands and artists in the UK, California, and the Southern USA. This blend has shaped who I am and the essence of this project. Sans Patrie embodies that space between spaces, representing the home we create for ourselves. The boat logo reflects our constant search for a shore that feels like our own. Read more>>
Wavy Angel
The most meaningful project I’m currently working on is a Salvadoran-themed photoshoot, deeply inspired by the stories my great grandma used to tell me about her life in El Salvador. It’s a personal tribute to the resilience, beauty, and vibrancy of the country, and a way to honor where I come from. The concept for this shoot came from a deep desire to reconnect with my culture and share it in a way that’s unapologetically Salvadoran. So much of my artistic journey has been about blending different elements—light, emotion, color—and this project does just that. I’m focusing on capturing not only the visual beauty of Salvadoran culture but also the spirit of the people—the strength, warmth, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Read more>>
Courtney Cutchins
My debut album, “Grunge to Grace,” comes out on October 18th! It has not only been a labor of love over the past year and a half, but it’s been on my mind for nearly a decade. The first spark began in 2015, at which point, I began combining my decades-long love and study of jazz with my original music. And to tap into my 90s Seattle roots, I simultaneously began rearranging grunge rock songs that could blend with my themes of authenticity and living unapologetically. Years passed, I went through a number of health struggles, and after my own personal transformation, I’ve now had the opportunity to refocus on my own music once again. And live the dream of recording and releasing it into the world! Read more>>
Elektra Yao
I love representing artists. Art is a form of communication that is not understood by all, particularly an immigration officer that is judging the fate of an artist. Representing a diverse roster of artist has allowed me to see and understand different artists and their unique situations. One of of favorite clients was also one of my most difficult cases, that had been rejected by other attorneys. A represented an actor who had very limited US based theatre productions. He also did not perform in traditional theatre. My job was to ensure that I was an effective storyteller of his artistry while filing the federal law with regards to international artists. I focused on this actor’s unique background in miming and demonstrated the evolution of miming and how my client had incorporated traditional elements of miming into immersive theatre. I also was very clear that while they were two different aspects of theatre, the expertise of my client enabled him to seamlessly perform in productions that were loved by the public. Read more>>
Gaetano Marsico
One of the most significant projects we worked on was our first major concert, when Falling Giant opened for Three Days Grace during a stop on their European tour. After honing our craft in the underground scene of Rome, self-producing all of our music and creative content, we were finally given the opportunity to perform in front of an audience of over five thousand people in Bucharest. This experience was an enormous challenge, not only because it was our first big stage, but also because, just days before the event, the original lineup dissolved. I, Ethan Mars (Gaetano Marsico), and our guitarist, Luke Rose (Luca Sebastianelli), found ourselves faced with a tough decision: cancel the concert or find replacement members in record time. We chose the braver path, and after lightning-fast auditions, we managed to form a new lineup. Read more>>
Cassidy Brooke
I wrote a song about a year ago called “Stardust.” I wrote it because I wanted to have a positive message on people like myself who struggle with mental health. Due to an opportunity with my school, I was able to record in a studio with my extremely talented friends. It was an awesome experience. After releasing it on Spotify, I had the most success I’ve ever had with a release. It was added to hundreds of playlists – when scrolling through the playlist titles, I was able to see the real people listening my song and how it impacted them. It was super rewarding to know that my art was having positive impact. Read more>>
Jordan Massey
I think “Holding My Breath” is easily the most personal project I’ve ever worked on. It’s like this anchor to my voice—if that makes sense? I’ve always been a kind, outgoing person, and over time I felt that part of me fading. A lot of it had to do with being guided by other people’s fears, and that took away the excitement I had for life. It’s been a long journey trying to break away from those influences, but I still find myself lost in conflicts now and then. One of the hardest things I’ve had to work through is always prioritizing other people’s feelings over my own. I used to feel so much guilt, and that led me back into toxic situations. I had to learn how to take care of myself emotionally, and it wasn’t easy. That’s why I’m so grateful for the friends who’ve been patient with me, who’ve understood that real communication is everything. Those are the people I can grow with, because, without understanding, nothing really works. Read more>>