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.

Brandon Cawood

In 2013, I was still working a regular 9-5 job. I had been pursuing photography and videography on the side for a few years and knew that at some point, I wanted to take the plunge and become fully self-employed. Read more>>

Daiqing Zhang

Very often, my site-sensitive work is merged into the built-in structure of an architectural space. Therefore, by having participants spotting phenomena/artworks in unexpected places, the usual way of encountering an acquainted environment is interrupted. Read more>>

Gillian Rae Perry

I have just finished writing my very first opera with poet Marcus Amaker. The piece is titled The Weight of Light and is set to have its concert premiere with Chicago Opera Theater April 27th. Read more>>

Dara Kalima

My first three books work together as a triptych, kind of connected kind of not. They were based on trends I was picking up in the news and political discourse. Read more>>

Romy Turner

I have only been in the USA for a very short time – just over a year and a half now – but I have had the immense privilege to be in many challenging and amazing productions. Read more>>

Avongale Art

The project that is most meaningful to me is a high fantasy comic that I’m working on called “Reforged”. It’s a project I’ve worked on for many years, and it has inspired me to improve my skills as an artist and writer. Read more>>

Darcie Book

“Borderless: Together Outside” is a community engagement series I recently began, that deals with interconnectedness and the intersection of art and environmentalism. Read more>>

Kyle Render

The most meaningful project I’ve been involved with is the creation and growth of the Failed To Render Comedy Club, the world’s first professional stand-up comedy club located in Virtual Reality (VR). Read more>>

The Richters

Despite having done personal projects documenting generally ignored realities of society, surely the one that could have the most media relevance is documenting weddings. Read more>>

Merry May Ma

One of the most meaningful projects I have worked on is a short social-justice-oriented documentary. It is an intimate portrait of a domestic violence survivor who finds purpose and happiness through healing herself and inspiring others. Read more>>

Jiani Lu

During my academic years, I made an unforgettable animated short film. This short story tells of an ordinary but challenging day for a mother and her autistic son. Read more>>

Kelly Fuller

A few years ago I had a series of dreams about a Native American turquoise beaded sash. In the first dream I could see the sash but it was cloudy. Read more>>

Hao Zheng

The most meaningful project of mine is the Night-walking series. It is a series of illustrations about cities, myths, and my personal experience. Read more>>

Brooke Macko

Those projects are beyond meaningful. In the last couple of years, I worked with a beautiful charity called Maggie’s Sole Mission that delivers shoes to children in schools who are in need. Read more>>

George Sefer

Recently I worked on an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” as a co-writer and director. My producer Emily and I decided to film a pilot episode as our senior capstone and use it as the basis for a limited series we’d like to pursue. Read more>>

Honey Ribar

I’m an artist in recovery and I can tell you the #1 decision I ever made was giving my life to Christ. He removed the burden, He took the fear, and He allowed me to LIVE. Read more>>

Kelly Curran

A few years ago I had a series of dreams about a Native American turquoise beaded sash. In the first dream I could see the sash but it was cloudy. Read more>>

Zenon Samuels

Wow, there have been so many meaningful projects throughout the years, from films, to music, to creative writing, and even art pieces! Read more>>

Ruoyu Zhang

As a fellow Chinese immigrant, I deeply resonate with the protagonist in “Recipient” as he navigates the complexities of love and longing in a foreign land. Read more>>

Krystal De Lisi

The most meaningful project I’ve had the privilege to work on is the collaboration between Underclub and genEquality. This project holds a special place in my heart because it was born out of a genuine desire to celebrate and amplify the power of female friendship and empowerment. Read more>>

Kelsey Schwenk

My most meaningful project has been taking photos for me. While I know this can sound cliché, it truly is the reason I capture memories for others — because I know how meaningful they are for me. Read more>>

Juan Manuel Delgado

Since beginning a full-time career as an artist at the age of 21, I have had the great privilege of painting numerous noteworthy portraits on a national and international level. Read more>>

Aida Ade

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on would have to be my latest EP, “The Unbreakable Aida Ade”. I started seriously pursuing vocal music in 2017 with my first real project, “Blue”. Read more>>

Jackie McGriff

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on was with a group of local high school and college students entitled, Silent Screams. Read more>>

Shaun Duke Jr

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far would probably have to be Baby Elephants. Baby Elephants is a short film I wrote, produced and starred in that is loosely based around a friend of mine who passed away and his relationship with his mother. Read more>>

Vanessa Matic

It’s not the most meaningful project, but it has always held a special place in my heart. When I was a teenager I was given an instrumental track from Sonic Youth and Hanin of Atari Teenage Riot to use with my poetry visuals. Read more>>