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.

Kimberly Spohn

I’d always wanted to write a comedy film about a woman who wears a strap-on for a day to find out where men get the audacity. During the pandemic, I went to graduate school for screenwriting. I thought if life was going to be put on pause, I might as well become a better writer. There, I wrote DAY WITH A DICK. I directed and starred in it, as well. But as I worked on it, my confidence waned and I doubted myself more and more. I thought everyone else knew more about film than me. Some things I fought for and found out I was wrong. Some things I didn’t fight for and found out I was right. In the middle of the shoot, I went to the bathroom and cried because I thought I was making a bad movie. This film meant so much to me. It was my love letter to womanhood. The film won Best Writing and the Jury’s Choice Award at my school’s film festival, Premiere. I can’t promise I’ll never doubt myself again but I have learned important lessons: tell the story you really want to tell and do it bravely. Read more>>

Cassandra Bishop

It is definitely hard to narrow down just one meaningful project, when each creative project I do brings it own elements of inspiration and soul work. I currently am involved in three musical projects at this time, and each of them allow me to tap into different creative elements, along with expanding and challanging my skills. With my duo project Shy Moon, (with Genevieve Jencson) I write songs from a very emotional and personal perspective, (though I do use metaphors and symbolism in lyric writing) and the songs take on a darker or moodier tone. Read more>>

Nicole Mccain

As a certified Project Manager with over 20 years experience in the financial industry, I’ve found that the most meaningful project is the one I have created based on my personal purpose and passion. Read more>>

Kayden Li Chang

The most meaningful project to date that I have worked on is the one I am currently in preparation for at the time of writing this response. It will be a movie called “Together, Where We Stay Alone.” It’s a short film about a couple going through a divorce on Saturday, September 14th, 1996, NYC, 5:54 PM. The wife, Lauren, wants to salvage the marriage and Karl, the husband, wants it dissolved. The movie will follow to see if Lauren will be successful or not in retaining her husband and along the way, we will get to see more of who these two people are and a closer look into why they are at odds with each other. Read more>>

Fr Springer

Voicing and live announcing The Rose Parade! I started my professional voice career with this opportunity, having worked in the Hollywood Studio PR and Television producing arena. It is a dream come true, and proof that preparation, relationships, and “being at the right place at the right time” pays off. Using one’s voice to project to the world is a thrill, especially when it tells a story. Read more>>

Viviana Paez

One of the most impactful stories I’ve covered in my career as a journalist was a program I dedicated to the urgent need for COVID-19 testing mobile clinics in the agricultural fields of Northern California during the pandemic. It was a time of stark irony—the very farmworkers who were deemed essential were being utterly neglected. Their health was compromised, yet they continued to toil, day in and day out, whether healthy or sick, to ensure food was on their families’ tables. Read more>>

Ian Izard

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is definitely my “tablets” series. The series is about my evolving relationship with technology and the roller-coaster of emotions that come with it: desire, dread, awe, and the feeling of magic living just behind the screen. I’ve been developing this project since my last semester in college, and I’ve experience all sorts of ups and downs as I’ve continued to refine the series into something I’m truly proud of. As time goes on, I’ve noticed the echoes of this project in each smaller project I’ve worked on since then. Read more>>

Tammy Rébéré

Phrases such as “everything has a reason” or “it was meant to be” are often said when wonderful things happen to a person. But when bad things happen, it’s not so easy to say. For me personally, when I haven’t been able to find meaning for what’s happened in my life, I try my best to make it meaningful. My emotions run deep, and as a poet and photographer, I find I express them best through my art. My latest project consists of two photo-poetry books, The Echo of You and The Echo of Us. The first book, The Echo of You, is about a couple that is destined to be together but struggle to find their way.  Read more>>

Ruth Soto

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was my latest album “Nada Es Imposible” which was submitted to the latin grammy for consideration. What made it special was it wasn’t about me anymore. It became about spreading the gospel and putting the Lord at the center. For most of my life, I avoided my calling, which unfortunately led me down a self-destructive path where I felt lost and alone. Now I feel my life is filled with purpose and hope. Read more>>

Zoe Smythe

My most meaningful projects are narrative portraits, and it’s hard to choose just one because every time someone collaborates with me to co-create a visual representation of their story, it is immensely meaningful. However, one recent photoshoot stands out. I worked with a woman who hired me to help her regain her sense of self after a very challenging period of years. She had gone through many difficult rounds of IVF, miscarriages, a very hard pregnancy, bed rest with preeclampsia, and finally, the successful birth of her twin boys, followed by ongoing health problems. During our initial conversation, she expressed a deep desire to find herself again, regain her self-love, and come to terms with everything she had been through. Read more>>

Fleeka

As an artist, I’ve always prided myself on being able to share life with my listeners through a raw and authentic lens. This started at the age of 12 with my first single “Be You Tiful.” It was my story of girlhood and the reason I decided to share my definition of beautiful. Since then I have only become more fearless in illustrating real life through music with topics from self-love and acceptance to standing up against emotional abuse. However, I would love to highlight “Lovin A Hero” as my most meaningful project so far. This song brings attention and awareness to a group of people who may have been overlooked; our active and retired military and their families. Read more>>

Keiston

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far was defiantly “The Soul Explosion”. I’d consider it this project because it was my first headlined show and I was behind everything with putting it together! The idea of having my own headlined show came to me about 1 year prier when talking to my friend about if I could do it or not. To be honest I felt like I could do it but was very nervous, I didn’t let that stop me though. From that point on I started looking for locations because I already had a vision in mind. Read more>>

Jolan Cunningham

Creating IndigenousBodyBeads is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve put together. Among many reasons, this platform began from doing something I love and enjoy. Being raised by an entrepreneur, there was always huge emphasis on being self-sufficient. Better yet, earning any portion of your living via utilizing your gifts and talents. Sharing this creative art also allows me to maintain one of many important cultural traditions. As outlined in our name, body beads derive from early indigenous African Tribes. Read more>>

Cole Brakebill

The most meaningful work I’ve undertaken is my current project for public television – a three-part, 90-minute documentary on outdoor art in the Texas Panhandle. This endeavor has allowed me to fully immerse myself in crafting a story that is both educational and entertaining. Every phase, from research and writing to filming, editing, and sound mixing, has been a labor of love. Despite working solo, I’ve embraced new technologies to enhance my workflow and exceed my own expectations. This project is particularly special to me because it showcases the incredible outdoor art in my region, including iconic sites like Cadillac Ranch. It’s an honor to bring these stories to life. Read more>>

Marina Machado

The most meaningful project I’ve taken part of has to be my work with Volta Music Foundation. We have all heard a million times how powerful music is, how it allows us to express ourselves, and how it can change lives; but it is one thing to hear it and a very different thing to experience it. I started playing piano when I was six years old, and I don’t think I ever imagined at that time what music would mean to me today. When I was growing up, music was a part of my daily life, as was reading a book or doing my math homework. Once I finished high school I decided I wanted to pursue a career in music, so I went to school and earned my Bachelor’s in Piano Performance. I then started teaching, which gave me the opportunity to share what I had been learning for the past 15 years with young students and, maybe, open doors for them that they never thought of. Read more>>

Nicholas Valle

The most significant is my show The BatNick Show. I’ve been a fan of movie scores since I was a kid and I loved making playlists on cassettes or cds as I got older. With the advent of technology I was able to craft better mixes and with adding my personal story it became something truly unique. It means a lot to me as I have always strived for artistic expression and with this show I feel that achievement is within reach. Read more>>

Simple Existence

For us, our most meaningful project is the band itself. We met as young musicians in high school and played all around Arizona but when graduation came we had to go our separate ways. Mylan lived in Flagstaff, worked as a cook and eventually returned to Tucson to pursue another career in the trades. Rick got a biology degree at the University of Arizona and worked at a hospital, as an engineer, and is now a high school teacher. Koda studied classical guitar at NAU, moved to Virginia and worked in a taqueria and in french fine dining. On the dance floor of Mylan’s wedding the three of us decided that there was one thing missing – Simple Existence. Read more>>

Carl Li

Project_RIPPLES is a youth-led nonprofit initiative with the aim to use creativity as an outlet of service. We do this by putting on free art workshops for communities in need. Our most recent workshop was LOVE LETTERS, in collaboration with Mosaic, held at the historic Rialto Theater in South Pasadena. This initiative is the brain child of me (founder Carl Li), a student artist in Los Angeles. I realized the lack of exposure to art opportunities in communities outside of his own. Whether that be quality instruction and materials or chances to be featured in a gallery, I wanted to bring those art opportunities to communities that were in need of it. Read more>>

William (liam) Woodard

I’ve worked on many meaningful projects in my career as a clown and an instructor, in part because the work of the clown is human connection, and so each and every project is full of meaning, you never know how important a simple positive experience will be for someone. That said, I’m currently getting to participate in a virtual exhibit/art sale that is a fundraiser for a cause that’s very dear to my heart. An organization called Trans Rescue does exactly what it implies in the name. They help trans refugees flee hostile situations/countries and get set up somewhere safe. Read more>>

Phony Rivera

I have a video project called “phonyvhs” where I post short videos,focusing on Fresno topics and people ! Also such things as Events or Anything Fresno This project has been so meaningful and important to me ! Mainly because Fresno has a negative stigma around it! Based on our high crime rates / drug usage . I have always said if all you’re doing is talking bad on your community and not doing anything about it you might be apart of the problem ! Read more>>

Noelle Tavares

A meaningful project that I honestly hold true and dear to my heart is a custom made piece I created for my best friend who passed away a year ago. I remember her texting me years ago and was extremely excited because she did an ancestral test and found out she was Nigerian. She asked if I could create a custom jacket for her to show off her Nigerian roots. When I gave her a reveal of the jacket, she was so delighted. She told me how much she loved it and now she had something to showcase her roots and all. I also featured her wearing the jacket in an art campaign installation I did called representation in 2019. Just to see the smile and proudness she held from that moment will hold a special place in my heart forever and in a beautiful memory of her as well. Read more>>

Astaris-michael Yates

So for the better half of This year of 2024 I was given the blessing to portray a lead character known as Cortez Covington in a tv-web series known as “REACTION”. I was casted to portray this role back in December and the project itself was seeking to give a platform for the creatives in the DMV a chance to showcase themselves in some real Industry, quality work without having to travel somewhere else just to make it. This project was Created by Director Kameryn Robinson, with help from Dyrec of Rec.Focus and Anthony Commodore of Independent FilmWorks. Read more>>

Lily Turek

The most meaningful project I’ve been involved in (Arts curator, coordinator and workshop leader) is the Consent is Rad initiative. Although this project isn’t directly within the arts sector, it holds a special place in my heart due to its profound impact on me personally and its alignment with my values. The Consent is Rad project began as a grassroots effort to foster open discussions about what consent focusing particularly on the skateboarding scene. Over time, it has expanded its reach to the arts sector and everyday life, aiming to create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone. The project emphasises the importance of understanding and respecting consent, and it provides valuable resources and studies through both print and digital media. Read more>>

Stells Di Rossi Hurst

Music has been my creative passion since before I was born and throughout my life. There has always been a soundtrack to my life in good time, bad times and all of the things I’ve experienced through my life. The interesting thing about being about to transmute feelings into songs as a songwriter is a truly amazing thing. I began songwriting as a little girl. I was always fascinated with music coming from a family of creative people ranging from art and music to even fashion and other aspects of entertainment. I chose to define my own road at a young age as a composer. I wrote my very first songs as poems and by hand note for note on a violin at age 7. Read more>>

Debra Jones

I have always drawn the movie stars I loved since grade school. As I went to Art School, after realizing all I wanted to do was draw faces, I didn’t like the rest of it. I had no concept of abstraction and all the underlying stuff, but if it had a face, I was on it! I floundered for decades, trying commercial and then getting out of art (other than a few projects for friends) and finbally just making a living. THEN it was sort of like a sudden realization that neither the people I worked with nor my clients could talk with me about what I loved… So I eased myself into going to open studio a number of times a week, joining art leagues and entering small shows until I eventually made as much in my day job as I did with my hobby and chucked the day job! I was honestly a bit poorer doing art, as it was not as predictable, but I was much happier! Read more>>

Bobby Naughton

For a few nights in 2023, I got to merge my passion for Portland’s incredible music scene with my passion for food justice. It’s such a privilege to be a part of such an unbelievably talented music scene in this city. Beyond musical ability, everyone seems to care so deeply for their community, and humanity at large. Personally, I have been a dedicated volunteer in the food justice movement for about a decade now, serving on the board of a local non-profit called Portland Fruit Tree Project (PFTP) since 2019. Read more>>

Yibin Yang

My work as an architectural designer is deeply rooted in a rational approach to design, where each decision is driven by logic, research, and a commitment to sustainability. I believe that architecture must be not only aesthetically compelling but also functionally sound and environmentally responsible. I think I can summarize my creative vision by telling you about one of my own thesis projects: Biophilia. Read more>>

Jacqueline Carmody

Twist Out Cancer is a non profit organization that I have been involved with since 2013. My first involvement with TOC was as an artist in the Brushes With Cancer program. Brushes with Cancer is a unique and transformative program within the Twist Out Cancer organization that pairs artists with individuals touched by cancer (survivors, caregivers, patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers). The artists then create meaningful pieces of artwork that reflect the journey, emotions, and experiences of their match, or “inspiration”. Through this collaborative process, Brushes with Cancer aims to provide healing, support, and empowerment to both the artist and the individual affected by cancer. The program finishes on a high note with a signature celebratory art exhibition which results in an evening of storytelling, connection, and comaraderie. Read more>>

Zoë Anne

Having written numerous intellectual screenplays and dozens of introspective songs, this summer I decided to celebrate my success and start making art for the sake of joy! I returned to oil painting, which I had not touched for over 10 years. I have never been formally trained in painting, but visual art has always been an important part of my soul. With this in mind, I dove into creating my first gallery: Pieces. I am in LOVE with the collection. In each painting, I use oil paints to depict a part of someone. Whether it be their eyes, lips, or half a face, what I strive to express with this special arrangement is the fact that we can never know another person fully. Not our soulmate, mom, best friend, or even sometimes, ourselves. In the evanescence existence that makes us human, dare we settle down and really take a look at the things that define us: the Pieces. Read more>>

Obert Cantave

The most meaningful project I worked on was $outhanomical. It was a collab album created back in 2019 with B.T.O.D that promoted the new era south. The album was removed off of all platforms due to personal reasons with my home life but I re uploaded it this year in 2024 on all platforms. We created timeless classic for the next generations of the south to appreciate! Read more>>