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.
Lornalitz Baez
Hi! – Thank you for including my story in your piece. It’s hard to pinpoint one project I’ve worked on which was most meaningful because as a Model representing the curvier and diverse community, I feel my entire journey has given meaningful inspiration. Most recently, I have branched into hosting and I love having my voice heard a little louder. I am a TV host for LATV, an American bilingual broadcast television network. Read more>>
Mei Talley
The most meaningful project I have released with the public is my single “Wait.”It was the product of my journey to healing after a break up of a 6 year relationship. It took about 6 months to complete the song. Half was written while I was still broken and the other half was written when I experienced a breakthrough. Read more>>
Dyymond Whipper-Young
The most meaningful project was creating an activity book centered around Social and Emotional Learning( SEL) in collaboration with Jordan Brand and DTLR. As an Educator and Artist, it was exciting to marry both worlds together and be backed by brands that are pillars in my community. SEL is a learning concept helps youth identify their feelings, effectively communicate with others, build strong relationships, and make positive, empathetic decisions. Read more>>
Danzhu Hu
At the very beginning of my creative journey, I discovered my keen interest in mental health advocacy, which has become a regular topic for my projects. In return, creating these projects has become a healing practice for me. And my MFA (master of fine arts) thesis project Farewell was the most meaningful project I’ve worked on. Farewell was my attempt to reimagine some of my most difficult moments battling with mental health issues through the lens of empathy and love. Read more>>
Amy Hesper Carlson
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on is me. Some might say that fortune or fame is what everyone desires, but I believe what we want most is to be loved at the core of our existence. We want acceptance from others. The trouble comes from trying to find these things in the world instead of God. Doing so can leave us with painful experiences, make us feel rejected, consume our minds with doubt, and lead us to believe we are unworthy. Read more>>
Jordan Rathus
My Travelogue Series has been a really generative creative endeavor for me. After making experimental travelogue films in Finland (‘No Comment’) and Panama (‘Based on, if any’), curator Meaghan Kent connected me with artist/curator Margrethe Aanestad. Their organizations generously co-hosted me in Stavanger, Norway while I began filming ‘That’s Why I’m Here.’ Following my Stavanger shoot, I continued on to Reykjavik, and then The Hudson Valley, where I was an artist in residence at Catwalk Institute. Read more>>
Alia Bensliman
The first Artwork that I worked on after I moved to the USA was “Motherhood” a 31″x39″ that took me about a year to finish because of all the details and symbols I added. In this piece I express my feelings of uncertainty and fear about going into the unchartered territories and the responsibility of bringing a child into this world. It is about the anxiety of raising a child and being a good parent, in contrast with the extreme joy of becoming a mother, of a son my first child. Read more>>
Kim Cameron
My animated feature films which are based on my children’s book series called Seaper Powers. It was all inspired when I met a little girl during a tour in the Caribbean. She and I had a conversation about our favorite sealife in the ocean. She was 8 maybe 9 years old and told me Octopus was her favorite. That amused me because I had expected a dolphin or starfish. She asked if I knew any songs about octopui. That, in turn, inspired the writing of ‘Mr. Octopus’ which then lead to the creation of the first book in my children’s book series, which has brought me to the creation of two animated feature films. Read more>>
TyriQ Amerson
The most meaningful project I’ve done to date is titled “Underprivileged (Almahrumin)”. Its a short writing about the underprivileged of Chicago, complimented by street photography photos. The idea for this project comes from a long history of every year my mother would make me go through my belongings to give away the things I don’t wear or use. It’s been a yearly thing since I was about six years of age. Read more>>
Shorty Roc
Building The Khaliseum has been the most meaningful project I’ve worked on because it combines my passions for rap and film making into one platform. As a film maker, I understand the importance of having a platform to showcase your work and connect with your audience. The Khaliseum not only allows me to share my own films, but it also gives other film makers a chance to share their work and engage with their fans. In today’s world, there are so many streaming options available, but The Khaliseum stands out because it’s a social network as well. Read more>>
Patrice Federspiel
When my painting career began, painting was meaningful in and of itself. It still is meaningful AND about five years ago I felt the need to inject more meaning into my life. To back up just a bit, when one turns their passion into their work, the rewards being reaped change. Yes, it’s still exciting to create something new from inspiration to finished painting. Yes, each painting still teaches me something more about me, the way I work, the way the world works, and they ways I’d like to see things work better. Read more>>
Pique Collective
One of the most meaningful projects that we ever worked on was the production and presentation of an event titled, “Today I Welcome You, Tomorrow I Welcome You.” The event was held at 2640 Space in November of 2018 and realized many of the artistic goals that we have as an ensemble. The event featured musical, visual, poetic, and culinary art centered around the theme of challenges faced by migrants around the world. Read more>>
Jeff Fyke
As a creative, I am tasked by my clients with taking a concept and bringing it to life in such a way that the audience can relate with it. More than a creative, I consider myself a storyteller. One of my latest projects was to shoot, produce, and edit a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion video for a real estate association. This is DEI is something I am passionate about and was excited to take on the task. Through a trusted contact, I was able to acquire the use of an empty warehouse. I then set up my mics, lights and cameras. Read more>>
Doomed Movement
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on, was the painting of a massive mural in Tahoe City, CA at The Boatworks Inn. I named the mural “Floral Freestyle 1” and was installed in June 2021. This was such an eye-opening experience on so many different levels mainly because this was my first project that required so much more than just painting. I’ll paint a picture for you. I had just graduated college with a bachelor’s in drawing literally the day before I started painting this mural. Read more>>
Kegham Hovsepian
The most meaningful project I worked on was one I had this past year, “Bubba’s Block Party.” The primary goal of this event was to welcome the NASCAR brand to the African American community via a concert and activations. As a minority (Armenian-Palestinian American), I found that the mission was of utmost importance. Capturing the energy and the art of Bubba’s Block Party was one the most meaningful moments in my career as a photographer. Read more>>
Shaun Powell
As a prominent playwright, I partnered with the historic Ritz Theater and Museum to create the Ritz Writers. The Ritz Writers are a collaborative effort between me, The Ritz Theatre and local writers with the vision of being the creative space for thorough education and experience. The mission is the develop programming that will bring the performing arts and community together. This was a meaningful project to me because I was able to pour back into each individual for their production, One Funny Christmas. To witness each individual grow and develop a better understanding of the performing arts made it all worth it. I would say this is one of the most meaningful productions I have ever been a part of. Read more>>
Gina Fowler
In the Fall of 2020, in the midst of uncertainty about my craft and attempting to work on an MFA degree in Book Arts, a fundamentally physical art form, via virtual classes, I decided to create a piece of work in response to Sonya Clark’s “Measuring Histories” prompt from The Art Assignment. The result was an experimental artists’ book entitled “Impressions of Loss”. Impressions of Loss (2020) is an attempt to actualize the impact of familial death on those who are left behind, by representing individual members of my family who died during my lifetime. Read more>>
Me’Lo The Generation Hero
My most meaningful project is “Elevation” The EP. This 6 track story encourages listeners to remain positive, empowered, and encouraged through life challenges. The circumstances at the time were poverty, dysfunction, and low vibration. Refusing to become a product of my environment, I stepped out on faith to record 2 tracks in a program called youth media located inside the Harold Washington Library Chicago. I didn’t understand the music industry at all but I was determined to become an independent artist. Read more>>
Seth Hays
In late 2020, I directed a music video for one of my best friends, who happens to be one of the most talented creatives I have the privilege of knowing, Connor McCullum (Oxford Con). It was my first opportunity directing a form of visual art. Simultaneously, it was the first time doing what I felt I was put on Earth to do. We were able to give that story life with a small team of our friends, all talented musicians, creatives, makeup artists, etc. Read more>>
Andrea Bonadiman
It’s wild to me to pinpoint one piece that I have created that would mean more to me than others. Each piece I have created throughout the years of finally calling myself an artist holds a significant meaning behind it. Especially the pieces that are bone art. As these pieces were once living being on this earth, when those bones are held in my hands it is my duty to give that animal the utmost respect. Read more>>
Kira Minadeo
One of my most meaningful projects was an artisan soap wedding favor for my friend’s wedding. She’s been my #1 advocate for starting a soap business from the day I started crafting soap designs. I was honored to be asked to do it and she gave me creative design freedom for the soap and the accompanying lotion label. What didn’t resonate enough with me at the time was she was also still intentionally helping me promote my passion. Read more>>
Reeqo Star
DMX once said, “ To live is to suffer, but to survive, is to find meaning in the suffering”. The projects I create typically fall within 2 categories. Documented Suffering with Meaning, and Expressive Art. In 2019 I released an album titled “Pain for Champagne”, this album was a project comprised of my reflections on my life, with the hope that the listener would relate to it. This was prior to me seeking therapy and prior to me finding a sound I’m comfortable with, it meant a lot at the time but looking back it was only a stepping stone. Read more>>
Makumbi Muleba
BEAMZ: Together We Rise & Shine is one of my current projects that has been the most meaningful. “BEAMZ: Together We Rise & Shine” is an original multimedia storytelling campaign that I recently completed for my MFA degree. The campaign is intended to aid in delivering a sustainable impact to Zambian communities that require their needs to be met and translate them into cohesive storytelling. This is also a way to build unity and a stronger human connection. Read more>>
Nik Yelemali
Echos For Hope’s most impactful project this year was our Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser, which was led by Nik Yelemali. In previous years, our efforts had primarily focused on raising awareness rather than making a tangible difference in our community. However, this year we wanted to do more, so we organized a successful fundraiser by selling doughnuts at our school. We were able to raise over four figures worth of funds, which were donated to the Vanderbilt Breast Cancer research department. In addition to making a financial contribution, we also distributed hundreds of handmade pink ribbons to show support and raise awareness of this important issue. Overall, we are proud to have made a positive impact both in our community and at our high school. Read more>>
Steven Taylor
My Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery project is by far the most challenging and meaningful project I’ve worked on to date. The aim of the gallery was to build the Ubuntu philosophy directly into the business model. Being a luxury single-artist gallery that resides in my low-income neighborhood of Germantown, Philadelphia, the goal is to curate our exhibitions that help my community have direct access to the arts, build the narrative around the exhibitions that can speak the demographic of the community, and spread the Ubuntu philosophy through conversation had directly with me. Read more>>
Ericca Latza
The most meaningful project I have ever worked on has to be my Debut Album that was released in February of 2022. The idea was brought to life during a co-write with my friends Andi Renfree and Bill DiLuigi. They came over to my house for a morning writing session, and I had been feeling more home-sick than ever. Before they showed up, I had pulled out a picture book my mom had made me to keep in Nashville so that in the times I felt lost, my entire family was just a page turn away. Read more>>
JayT
These past five years have been special. I’ve been able to amass Over 10 million streams on all streaming platforms and the single Fell in Love which serves as the lead single to my new project which I wrote and was produced by Robin Wesley has now passed over 6.1 million streams I’ve truly been blessed by GOD. I’ve been working on my new EP “8” to commemorate my eight years as a recording artist. I’m excited to be releasing Part one of the three part project this fall with the projects new single “Let Go” coming out in the next few weeks. Read more>>
Julius Hubbard
For me, art projects, need to have a deeper significant meaning for me to really engage and enjoy what I’m creating. The “Portrait Maps” I create are surrealistic/abstract paintings, that tell stories of people/families that I have met in my life. As a whole “Portrait Maps” are my most meaningful creations, because they are a living, breathing heirlooms that can carry stories on for generations. Read more>>
Savannah Hyson
Without a doubt, my most meaningful project so far has been my Anya Collection, which is a series of Christmas paintings featuring Anya the polar bear. Anya, known as “a tiny bear with a big heart”, loves nothing more than Christmas. Her holiday spirit is infinite; nothing brings her more joy than sharing special presents with her friends and family. Read more>>
Abigail B
Every time I get to go out and take photos it’s meaningful. Bringing photos and ideas I dream up to life is an amazing feeling. One that’s sticks out in my mind was a day I took my two sisters out with me to take photos. We went to a backroads logging area with amazing old growth and snapped shots. I dressed them up respectively in a ballgown and as a woven ranger. We took some amazing photos and had a lot of fun. Read more>>
Leonel Matheu
The most meaningful project that I had worked on is a public art. It consist on the interior design of Jackson South Community Hospital in Miami, Florida, as I was able to use my work to provide an environmental design that would allow the patient, the staff and visitors of the hospital an environment of vitality and harmony. This whole project that its name is “Vitality” was based on the Florida Everglades, which is an important environment for its natural conservation. Read more>>
Deborah Bishop
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on, I am currently working on! I’m helping to put together the inaugural Conscious Music for the People, online Music Festival, which will be on March 18th, and we intend to grow from there. It is next in a long line of events and shows I have either produced, co-produced or been involved in that reflect my knowing that through entertainment, change happens. I don’t really know exactly where that belief started within me, so perhaps it was just my path as spirit has directed it, however I have been a long time advocate for enlightenment through music, comedy and art in general. Read more>>
David Young
Let me introduce you to a project I’m currently working on. I formed a band in high school with my brother, Deven Young, and one of our best friends, Seth Martin. The Interstate Kings was born from a humble place. In our tiny Maine town of Raymond, life is quiet. Through the long winter months, the world exists in pallid shades of gray and white. We used music to bring color to that world. We painted with sounds and words, blues and emotions, build-up and release. Eventually The Interstate Kings partnered with manager Dave Biron and we took our music to venues across Maine and New Hampshire. It was American magic, the stuff you thought was gone forever. Read more>>
Jai Santiago
I think the most meaningful project, to-date, has been the short film that I wrote about mental illness. It’s an adaptation from a nonfiction narrative written several years ago, and it’s ultimately about how family and loved ones deal with another family member who’s battling the disease. Read more>>
K.L. Kolarich
Embarking into the publishing sphere was one of the craziest and toughest endeavors I’ve ever entertained; a decision which ultimately turned my lift upside down. But it wasn’t done on a whim. On the contrary, the only reason I would ever voluntarily put myself through such emotional and intellectual toil was for the sake of one singular aim: to write The Haidren Legacy series. Read more>>
Domino D’Lorion
On May 25th, 2020 George Floyd is murdered in Minneapolis. The following weeks are filled with a passionate, and neccessary, uprising worldwide. Whether it was physically, in conversation, in communities, or online; a ripple ripped through every community, and deeply in the Minnesota theater community. Many theatres during this time were frantically looking for ways to address the systematic racism they so intensely witnessed for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Read more>>
Tony Pilgrim
My latest album, titled “Anthony” Is my most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far. It’s something like a biography in musical form. I’ve been working on this album for a few years and I’m finally comfortable with preparing for its release. The listener will be given the opportunity to not only catch a vibe, but get to know who I am, where I come from and where I’m going. I’m a transparent guy, and I like to reflect that in my craft. I really get into detail on several aspects of my personal life like my relationships, my mental health struggles and temptations. Read more>>
Tristan Ortiz
One of the most meaningful and personal projects I’ve ever worked on was only just last year (2022). It’s a short film titled “Baila Conmigo”. The story centers on a teenage Puerto Rican-American boy who doesn’t feel like he quite fits into his extended family because he can’t speak Spanish, therefore pretty much segregating him from the others. Read more>>
Emeka Uchegbu A.KA Crown X
I’ve worked on a variety of projects in my career as a filmmaker and I certainly learned something from each one. If I should pick the most meaningful project, it would have to say the film-.series called “Infectious”. We faced a lot of uncertainty on this project being that we filmed it during the covid-19 pandemic among all the covid19 restrictions and guidelines . it forced us to be more creative and adapt in production using a smaller crew size with crew having to multitask roles. The outcome was a fantastic series that is currently in preproduction Season 2 2023 release. Read more>>
LWIS
My most meaningful project is “Blossom 2” Available 2-22-23. I put a lot of energy into this project. I talked about more than just a surface level of what a hip-hop artist strives for with their audience. I feel like there’s a renaissance really going on with the sound of music and I wanna be one of the pioneers. Read more>>
Bonesha Pedro
I have had many meaningful projects throughout the years, more recently I have started a Master’s of Arts program where there is a space for others to explore their identity and make room to honor cultural artistic expressions. Embracing my Indigenous identity, dancing, singing and participating in cultural discussions has played a huge impact on my overall well-being. I have served my Indigenous Community by giving back to the youth through mental health services honoring our history, culture, and traditional values. Read more>>
Kelsey Mahlandt
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far was my first wedding. I never thought I would have any interest in weddings, and I didn’t until I got the opportunity to experience photographing my first wedding. The mother of the bride was given my contact information from a former client and had seen some photos I had done for a benefit event. I had initially respectfully declined, letting her know that weddings weren’t something I had any interest in doing. Read more>>
Katie Hovencamp
Recently, I had the opportunity to exhibit with one of my former students, Christina Dietz. Christina was one of my first students, I taught beginning sculpture at Penn State during my final semester in graduate school. This class in particular stood out in my memory because it was one of the first classes I was able to teach. The students in this class were particularly driven, it was an 8am class which wasn’t the easiest for some college students, however this group was fantastic because of how hard they worked and all of them were just delightful as people. Read more>>
Tony Jones
It would have to be my most recent project “Junes World”. Ive been working on it for almost a year and its coming along really well. Its a very important project because its the follow up to the 1st one i did back in 2016 and i’m trying to make this a epic project. Read more>>
Nick Kayea
Recently I released a music video/ short film entitled “This is The Land” (Wake Up). This piece of artwork has a special place in my heart. Growing up my mom used to tell me that in this country, I already had two strikes against me. 1. I’m black, and 2. I’m a male. Read more>>
Darrious Varner
For me every project is meaningful in its own unique way. Each one feels special, but the most meaningful full had been a play I wrote called “My Infinite Sadness”. Its is a semi-autobigraphical story about my mental health journey told in an abstract way. It premiered on my birthday, January 12th, 2019 and nearly sold out every night. It was truly a beautiful experience to produce, direct, and share that show with the world. We had a talk back after every show and it would be the most heartwarming and eye opening experience for the audience and myself. Read more>>
Madison Tegg
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve gotten to work on was helping with a church plant here in the Twin Cities. The Church is called Risen Life Church and it’s been an organization I have been apart of for a few years. I was apart of the launch team with the plan to launch in Fall of 2020 but then Covid-19 put a hold on things for us. Read more>>
Jason Turner
All paintings, I’ve done, hold a place in my heart but the most meaningful projects/paintings are those that are military related. With me being a combat veteran, painting my brothers and sisters-in-arms offer a sense of pride and purpose for me. I say ‘purpose’, because as I am painting my fellow veteran, it allows me to have a level of honor, comfort and healing. I observe that same sense of comfort and healing when I present the veteran or their family their artwork. Read more>>
Ashley Rhodes Kryssi Murrell
In building our swimsuit company, we have always wanted to provide everyday women with the opportunity to look and feel beautiful. The very last runway show we had, we had 2 different mothers come to us and express how happy and touched they were by us for including their daughters. Hearing those mothers’ testimonies and seeing them beam with pride, while watching their daughters strut the runway knowing the struggles face every day was so fulfilling. That is what we do this for. We want every man, women, and child to feel that special and lifted-up every day. Read more>>
Gary Vlasic
I would have to say that my performing and dance career was the most meaningful decision and experience in my multilayered career. I can’t say that there is one meaningful project that stands above another. It is layers of many projects that create the performing life and the processing is never ending. Read more>>