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.
Lauren Dair
I think the most meaningful project I have worked on is the song I worked on with Linkin Park. Back in 2017, my song “Monster” won the Stagelight Monthly Music Competition with the grand prize being writing a song with Linkin Park. My win was announced and the next day Chester Bennington took his own life. There was such a wave of emotions that came in those 48 hours as both an artist and as a fan of Linkin Park. Chester was such a figure in the rock scene and his honesty and openness regarding mental health was so admirable. Read more>>
Mark Winkler
I’ve just finished a new album which will be out in January “The Rules Don’t Apply’ and it’s very meaningful to me. Starting with my last album “Late Bloomin’ Jazzman” I’ve talked about my life as a creative artist who’s in their seventies but still vital, still creative and still looking to the future. Most of the songs written in the Great American Songbook were written by men and women in their 2os and 30s– and the subjects that interest someone of that age is quite different than what I’m interested in. Read more>>
Alaysia Jetter
The most meaningful project I have worked on is my Two & Fro mentorship program. This website/platform was designed during my senior year of college (Spring 2019) so it was at the start of my business. This project was created because I observed that in my college, specifically in my major (Graphic Design), had a lack of people who looked like me especially in creative spaces. In my class alone, I was one of two Black individuals represented. Two meaning me and you and Fro symbolizing Black individuals, this initiative was designed by myself in order to increase the amount of younger Black aspiring creatives in these spaces while also teaching them of all the options and resources in order to even be able to consider a creative career. Read more>>
Kerrie Smith
Artist in Residence 2022-2023 Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, Solvang CA. -Portals & Pathways installation that focuses on plant and animal/insect life that are compromised by our changing climate. These installations reference the flora and plants that are becoming extinct and changing in our Southern California region while re-imagining and valuing the possibilities of new colorful hybrids, insects and animals that could exist because of these changes. Using diaphanous fabrics to create banners in various sizes, printing and painting loose atmospheric background brush strokes suggesting elements, such as water rushing in a stream, the sun’s rays scorching our earth or wild wind picking up just before a drenching rain. All powerful elemental forces of our changing planet that I discover, record and experience on my many walks and travels in the wilderness and other natural areas. Read more>>
Jason + Madison Schwind
When we first brainstormed Meraki Ways, we were interested is sharing our passions and filling a space that we felt was vacant in the retreat world. We could have never dreamed how rewarding it can be to assist humans in their path. Read more>>
Tuyet Truong
With Dylan Underwear, I embarked on a unique project that would define my journey as the CEO and founder of a company. It all began when my passion for creating comfortable, confidence-boosting underwear led me to utilize my talent as a wardrobe stylist and Creative Director. Our mission as a brand went beyond providing comfortable essentials; we were dedicated to promoting self-confidence, body positivity, and celebrating individuality. Read more>>
Norrel Blair
One of the most meaningful projects I took upon myself was my “Queer American Road Trip” photo series in 2021. It was a literal road trip over two weeks when I was moving myself from South Florida to Los Angeles, that also allowed me to photograph queer people throughout all my stops- including, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, etc. To me, it was important these portraits not only exemplified what queerness meant to each to person, but how it juxtaposed with the natural beauty of the world around them(which in many cases, is also queer in itself). Additionally, I wanted these to feel like a diary/snapshot of who they were in the time we photographed these together, so I collected handwritten journal entries and doodles from each person and integrated these into the photos themselves. Read more>>
Julian Feifel
When thinking of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on, one that immediately comes to mind is Mandoki Soulmates, a band I’ve been working with for 20+ years. It’s been quite a ride with them, starting as a touring and session guitarist then joining on the creative side as a writer on the last two albums. The reception the music has gotten from the audience has been more than I could have imagined, watching it rise up the charts, even going #1 in a few countries and receiving a Gold award. Being able to create with legendary musicians like Simon Phillips, Ian Anderson, Steve Lukather, Bobby Kimball, Midge Ure, Al Di Meola, Randy Brecker, and Till Brönner, people that I respect and admire very much, has brought me great pride and joy. Read more>>
Anthony Prater
At the beginning of 2020 I was getting back to performing live after recovering from injuries I sustained in a car wreck. Shortly thereafter, the pandemic hit the scene and cleared the world’s schedule, and life became an endless loop of work, home. and doom scrolling. With the present being a bit much at times, I turned to another passion…researching the past. I don’t hold a degree in any subject, but I did attend college where I learned how to research, gather, analyze, and present data. Read more>>
Karina Bonnefil
Series regular role on the hit series Send Help now streaming on the All Blk app. I play a Haitian mom who is dealing with a lot. The death of my son changed me and still haven’t fully gone through the grieving process. Proud Haitian Woman living in Brockton, MA and dealing with a husband who lives the ladies a son who wants to be a Hollywood star and a hard headed granddaughter. Read more>>
Noam Dromi
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege to work on was my collaboration with Tiffany Woolf on Silver Screen Studios. The essence of Silver Screen Studios is to celebrate the lives and experiences of inspiring seniors through various digital media forms. The project wasn’t just about creating content; it was about giving voice to a generation that has lived through significant historical events, personal triumphs, and challenges. Our platform showcased legends like talk show host Larry King, television writer Norman Lear, actress Ellen Burstyn, and Senator Carl Levin, among many others. But beyond these well-known figures, Silver Screen Studios also highlighted everyday seniors, the unsung heroes in our communities, who have lived extraordinary lives filled with stories of resilience, love, loss, and adventure. Read more>>
Mike Penny
One of the luckiest aspects of my career as a musician, and especially as a shamisen player, is that I’ve been able to explore a few different tracks simultaneously which has led to all kinds of experiences I feel so fortunate to have had so far. For instance, introducing and teaching shamisen to all kinds of people over the years has been extremely rewarding. Many people who have taken shamisen lessons from me in the past have come with little or no other musical experience, and it has been very rewarding to see these students gain their senses of rhythm, improve their hearing, and develop their musicality over time. Read more>>
Rene Mejia
I believe that up to now, my most meaningful project that I have worked on is the collection that I am presenting at Paris Fashion Week soon. This project has been postponed for many years; I wanted to do it in 2020, but unfortunately, due to Covid, I did not get to achieve this. Now that it’s almost around the corner, I still feel as excited and scared as I did when I first wanted to do it. Read more>>
Keris Lové
I’m hoping that my most meaningful project will be the one I’m currently working on. An art experience that captures you melodically and visually. I’m aiming to capture our social justice issues and progress through song and visual art. We’ll have to have an update to this conversation to discuss the outcome lol. Read more>>
Hector Puig
I’m incredibly proud of a project I had the privilege to work on, which I believe is not only personally fulfilling but also has a profound impact on the world. In March 2020, the world was thrown into chaos and despair due to a highly contagious virus, forcing us into quarantine and keeping us locked down in our homes. In response to this challenging situation, I embarked on a creative journey that I affectionately call “The Quarantine Collection.” Read more>>
Gabrielle Collins
My most meaningful project is my current passion project called “Cornered”. The film is about a gifted young man, who is trying to forge his own way, but feels trapped by his circumstances. He is paired with a mentor, who is tasked with helping the young man decide which way to go in order to attain his hidden greatness. Read more>>
Kate Schettler
It’s a tie between a recent film role and my latest music single, ‘Higher Place’ which is scheduled for October 2023 release. For the movie role, I played Nora, a loving and protective mom in ‘Secret Society of Lies’ which aired in February 2023 on Lifetime. In the film, some female students are being targeted and attacked, including my daughter. As Nora, I investigate and take measures to keep my daughter safe while exposing the attackers. Though I don’t have children, I was able to tap into strong feelings of connection to my Mom who passed away in 2019 while creating the character. We shot the film around the holidays and I was really missing her at that time, so I used those emotions to fuel Nora’s inner life…I thought about how protective my mother was over me and how much she loved me. So it was easy to tap into Nora’s maternal instincts! Now, when I watch the footage, I see a lot of my Mom’s legacy in my own work which is pretty special. Read more>>
Maya Delgado
Right now I’m working on an EP, and the songs are really important to me. I journal just about every day, so most of my music comes straight from diary entries and free writing. Through that process, I have realized that even in the simplest of things, you can discover a song or a story that’s really important to you, and possibly someone else. Read more>>
Ashley Gyooyeon Kim
Throughout the past period, I have been fortunate to engage in a series of profoundly meaningful projects. During my time at school, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in various animation projects. I assumed the role of director for an animation project titled “Seed,” collaborated with students from Gobelins in France on a project named “Ponder,” and contributed to another student short film titled “Layla,” among other endeavors. These experiences not only honed my skills but also taught me the art of effective communication and collaboration, allowing me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds who shared a passion for learning. Read more>>
Greg Olin
Meaningful projects are the epitome of being a creative artist. being creative to me is not meant to feel like “work”. Our band WESLYNN has provided that opportunity to us for nearly a decade. Even when we had signed our first record deal, we made sure that we would still own the creative freedom to put out what we wanted to. A lot of times you hear music artists being pushed & pulled to follow a release or a trend of current chart-topping music, that is something we have always been cautious of. Read more>>
Caleb Siemon Carmen Salazar
Our glassblowing studio has always been open to interesting projects but our bread and butter was made by selling our vase, bowl, and lighting designs as products through high end galleries, shops, and showrooms. We opened in 1999 in Southern California and would make whatever it took to keep the flame on until we made a name for ourselves and were able to make a living selling our designs. We have been fortunate to work with many wonderful people on some great projects over the years but one series really stands out. Read more>>
Stevie Wain
The most meaningful project I’ve ever created was my tv pilot, Day Jobs which just won the audience award at Outfest and Austin Film Festival. I’ve been developing my craft as a writer for the past eight years and have not had any success breaking into the industry in the “traditional” way and so I decided to self-produce one of my TV pilots outside of the industry. It’s a half-hour TV pilot about an aspiring comedian who secretly falls in love with the mom she babysits for after coming out as gay and struggling to pay rent to her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. And it’s wild because I’ve always had a lot of shame about my day job as a nanny and after taking this story through festivals this year and winning three audience awards and one jury award it feels like the path I’ve taken to garner such intimate stories has been completely worth it. I never could write a show about being a nanny unless I had been one myself. And it’s been the most fulfilling experience of my life. Read more>>
Gabiel Mayers
The most meaningful project that I have worked on to date was Sonic Adventure 2: Reimagined. That project not only represents a piece of my childhood but also how the media that I consumed growing up has influenced my creativity. Growing up in the mid to late 00s, Sonic was basically my whole persona. I was so invested in the series as a child, I would find ways to expand on the lore in my own way..(that’s just a fancy way of saying creating fan fiction). With just MSPaint and Windows Movie Maker, I started making a plethora of these animated home videos. As much as I enjoyed Sonic Adventure 2 as a child (and still do), I find myself being more appreciative for what it was. Read more>>
Eric
I have three projects that are my most meaningful to date. The first one was when the regional manager of Pepsi reached out to me and wanted me to do a couple pairs of shoes for them. I wasn’t sure if it was real until he invited me to the company building. The second project stems from the Pepsi project. So one of the CEOs of Pepsi wore my shoes sideline at a Nuggets game. His friends seen them and wanted to get some done as well. So this was 4 pair of shoes sideline at the Denver Nuggets game, And this was during the championship run. I never knew that my work Would end up in the hands are on the feet of people who are CEO’s of fortune 500 companies and well established business men and women. Read more>>
Ian Robertson-Salt
I recently had the honor of creating a painting for the Public Defenders office in Downtown LA. I was commissioned along with other artists by the LA County Arts Commission to create something that reflects the work and mission of the Public Defenders Office. We were able to shadow a public defender for a day to get insight into their work, and witness first hand how important their role is in the judicial system. The shear kindness and support I observed from everyone who works in the public defenders office was so inspiring and uplifting. Its easy to judge people based on their mistakes in our society, and it takes real integrity and compassion to treat people with the level kindness and care that I observed from the public defenders. Read more>>
Drake Arnold
I intentionally try to only seek out projects that are meaningful to me. I recently reached out to volunteer my skills as a mural artist with a local environmental non-profit here in North Central Florida, to try to amplify their organizations message. I ended up painting a 420′ long mural wall that profiles over 30 native plant and animal species local to the Ocklawaha river system. I got to contribute my unique skillset to a charitable organization and give back to my local community at the same time. It is truly a blessing to be able to work on meaningful projects like that. Read more>>
Karen Maness
The most meaningful project of my life has been working with the ADG Archives and UT Austin to chronicle the contributions of motion picture scenic artists from 2012 to today, shining a light on their work and sharing lessons from their discipline with my students. Through research and direct painting, I am honored to pay forward the techniques and biographies of the world’s premier motion picture artists through Texas Performing Arts’ extraordinary Hollywood Backdrops Collection. Read more>>
Calvin Mack
I recently self-published a book titled ‘Swiped Out: A Guide Derived From Tales & Fails of Dating Online As A Black Gay Male,’ where I story my past romantic mishaps via the world of dating apps & social media. Being neurodivergent, black, and queer is its own journey to navigate and to throw dating in the mix, it was important for me to share some of the experiences I’ve had and what I learned in hopes to connect with other people and make them feel not so alone in a generation where most of us (including myself) have ONLY ever dated using the internet. Read more>>
Sudi Karatas
The tribute song I wrote in honor of Olivia Newton -John called Her Spirit LIVS On sung by Adrian Christian released August 2023 with proceeds going to her foundation from downloads on itunes and streaming. I’ve been an Olivia fan for over 50 years the first record I got as a kid was Come On Over by her, the first concert I ever saw was her Physical one. I was saddened when she passed in 2022,and a few months later I saw John Easterling, her widow in an interview he said “I Still Talk To Her Out Loud” I thought that was a great song title and I was inspired to write a tribute song to her around that which turned into 3 tribute songs including Her Spirit LIVS On ( spelled that way because she was known as Livvy and also did an album LIV On with Beth Neilson Chapman and Amy Sky) the song has 12 Olivia song titles in the lyrics that fans will enjoy) Adrian Christian (who also recorded the Christmas song I wrote a few years ago)is recording all three of my original compositions plus 3 Olivia covers for an EP Tribute CD. Olivia gave so much to the world and this is our way of showing our appreciation. This is the link for the song Read more>>
Derek Jolley
Since 2017, I have worked on a research project investigating climate change as an on-site field station crewman in the Alaskan arctic circle. This year, I spent a month of my summer living at the station collecting data on annual plant growth and death (trust me, the data are quite compelling). It’s a welcome diversion from my normal day-to-day community support activities, and offers me the rare opportunity to work alongside some of the most innovative and dedicated scientists I’ve ever met. Issues affecting our planet’s climate are serious, and it surprises me that so many still refuse to believe or accept the facts as they are. I’m grateful to be a part of this important research because it offers me a different medium from which I can help others: by contributing to a study which will ultimately help change legislative policy related to climate change action, both at home and abroad. Read more>>
Chris Weller
When I moved to New York I was still focused on figure drawing and portraiture. I was working on small stretched and gessoed paper in oil. But over the next couple of years the city itself began to change my work. I was living in the East Village where walks down East River Park took me under the bridges. The urban landscape inspired me to focus on my true love which has always been drawing. I did the first bridge drawing of the Manhattan and was immediately swept into the idea of doing the seven major bridges connecting the city to the rest of the world. The series took me four years to complete and transformed the direction of my art. I had spent all of my post university years sharpening my skills but with no solid focus. The bridge series opened up a new way for me to express my ideas and reactions to the world and what it means to navigate the complexity of being in it. Read more>>
Katayoun Bahrami
The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is undoubtedly the “Resilience of Poppies, پايداري شقايق ها” project. This project was deeply inspired by the harrowing and courageous stories of men and women who were shot directly in their eyes during the #womanlifefreedom movement in Iran. The backstory behind this project is both heartbreaking and inspiring. During this movement, countless individuals risked their lives to fight for fundamental freedoms and equality. Many of them were brutally targeted, and the fact that they were shot directly in their eyes, leading to blindness for many, is a testament to the extreme measures taken to suppress their voices. Read more>>
Anziz Az
Starting We Rising was never a long term idea of mine. I was given the opportunity to do one show and after the success of what it means for the artists, I therefore realized how much it affected me to positively. The blessing to have a platform to give indie artists to perform in front of their friends and new fans is incredible, let alone if it’s their first ever stage presence. Read more>>
Gareth Williams
The most meaningful project to date has been starting my own film production company; Detroit Street Films. In 2014 I began to read the tea leaves and realized the movie going experience was shifting. It no longer resembled the same experience which I had. been weaned on earlier in my career. The filmmakers which I thrived on, Jim Jarmusch, Amos Poe, John Sayles, Hal Hartley, those films were disappearing from theatrical wide releases. But where was this tremendous reservoir of creativity migrating to? Creativity wasn’t drying up, so where would it end up. I realized that it was migrating to online streaming. Now it’s common knowledge but then, I was met with nothing but resistance and a total rejection of this notion. I wanted to capitalize on this trend, on this movement, so I decided to create a production company which would be tailored for this mass exodus. We have produced in excess of 30 short films geared for this purpose and it is gaining momentum by the minute. Read more>>
Ekaterina Gorbacheva
I would like to share a story that shows that you never know which project or person can become very special and meaningful to your life and career. I have been shooting shows for a few years by the time I got a chance to shoot a show by the band Periphery. It was January 2020, just a few months before the pandemic. I ended up meeting the guys and becoming good friends with them, especially with one of the 3 guitar players, Misha Mansoor. Now fast forward to March 2020 when the COVID mayhem started and I was basically out of work. Everything I was doing at the time, shows and portrait shoots, included direct contact with people, which suddenly was no longer safe. Read more>>
Ashlie Chavez
A meaning full project of mine is one I started over a decade ago and don’t plan on finishing any time soon- The Sincerity Series. This is a portrait series of both friends and strangers shot in their personal space after having an intimate conversation about apologies. I’ve actually made some long lasting friends through this body of work. Read more>>
Linye Jiang
The most meaningful project that I have worked on is “sweet, juicy and rebellious” This is a series of fruit portraits. “Fruit” was widely used in the West during the 1960s-1980s as a derogatory slang term for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically gay men. It symbolized perceptions of sweetness, juiciness, and softness — traits inappropriately associated exclusively with femininity. Similarly, in China, the term “娘娘腔” (sissy) was used to demean gay men by likening them to women, suggesting they were less masculine because of their sexuality. These derogatory terms were meant to belittle gay men by comparing them to women, perpetuating harmful misogyny and gender stereotypes. Society has since scrutinized these terms, recognizing that no attribute is inherently gendered. Read more>>
Mireia Vilanova
As a producer, when I choose to work on independent projects, I feel like I must have a personal connection to it. Because to me producing comes from a place of passion, I feel emotionally connected to everything that I do – which is exhausting! Read more>>
Helena Geraci
In 2021 I created L.A. Creative Circle, a community to empower actors and performers in the entertainment industry. Through this project I am supporting creatives on their artistic journey by providing useful resources that help actors to grow professionally. I organize monthly webinars and workshops with top-notch coaches and experts in the industry and quarterly meetups in various locations in Los Angeles. Whether we foster networking, group discussions, and accountability partnerships, I want to help my acting community to thrive and grow. Read more>>
Dave Tweedie
I’ve been working with the Make A Wish Foundation for over 14 yrs. When called upon I go into the recording studio ( and online during Covid) with the kids and help them to write & produce songs for their wish. It’s usually their 1st experience in a music studio. My favorite part is watching them transform from being nervous to letting go and just having fun. Read more>>
A.W. Tony” Scott”
In 2000, I was living in the Silicon Valley, and received a call one morning from my sister in Mississippi to tell me my mother had a stroke and they were on the way to the hospital. I immediately had to scramble to pack a bag and get to the airport, as I knew there was only one flight I could take that would get me to Jackson the same day, and it left by noon. I barely made the flight on time. Read more>>
Roderick Davis
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on recently is a show called “About Him”. About Him centers around five friends who are dealing with life’s challenges, as they try to navigate love, life and the ever changing dynamics of their relationships with one another. I play the role of JaMicheal. A married man on the brink of divorce, as he finally decides to explore his sexuality and embark on a new journey that has devastating consequences. I was reluctant to take the part because some of the themes hit a little to close to home, than I realized, as an actor these types of roles are rare. I had an opportunity to truly sink my teeth into a role that not only spoke to me, but that could potentially save lives and help other people see themselves. Read more>>
Isue Shin
I recently shot a short film titled ‘Dosh’ – it’s the story of an Indian mother who is trying to keep her family together at all costs. I really resonated with the story and empathisized with the crossroads our main character, Karishma, is placed in. I really enjoy shooting projects about characters that have to make a life-changing choice, as we get deep insight into who they are as people and have a chance to reflect on choices that we’ve made in our own lives. Read more>>
Jamie Roth
I started Rose & Wild with the intent to create personalized pieces specifically tailored to each individual client. I take pride in sharing my creativity to produce one-of-a-kind jackets that are not only meaningful, but fun to wear for years to come. Some of my favorite and most meaningful projects I’ve done include: – a flannel for the wife a football player to wear to the Super Bowl…which shortly after turned into commemorative keepsake to memorialize winning the championship Read more>>