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.
Nalin Kamat
I started drawing when I was 2 years old. Art has always been a part of my life. My Grandfather was a professional artist and his first gift to me was a box of crayons. By the time I was 12 years old, I started looking for opportunities to display and sell my work. That is when I discovered that there were many barriers for underage artists to exhibit their work professionally. So I decided to create a gallery specifically for under 18 artists that would provide this opportunity to all young artists like myself. The Little EGG Gallery was born. Read more>>
Lupo
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far has been my first-ever tour across Croatia, Vienna, and other parts of Europe. This experience was something completely new for me, as it marked not only my debut as LUPO but also my first live performances of original music, including “TWNMAR” and “FullMetal.” I loved being a guest artist on Rebelle’s concerts, which allowed me to share the stage with talented musicians and engage with diverse audiences in amazing venues. Each concert, whether it was an acoustic set on piano and guitar or a full band performance, brought its own energy and excitement, reminding me of why I fell in love with music in the first place. Read more>>
Jennifer Hart
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my “Her Journey” series. This body of work is deeply personal and empowering, reflecting my experience battling cancer and the profound impact it had on my body and mind. Throughout the process, I was forced to confront the physical scars left behind and, even more challenging, the emotional scars. “Her Journey” became my way of navigating those complex emotions and learning to love my new body, no matter how different it looked or felt. Read more>>
Anthony Machcinski
About a week ago, I was capturing photos at a soccer game. One of the players who I’ve known for several years, saw me on the sidelines and ran towards my camera after scoring a goal. He grabbed his jersey, showed off the ‘Blue Jays’ across his chest, and celebrated his feat. It might seem like nothing, but that moment is among the most powerful for me in my career. As a photographer – especially one who specializes in photojournalism – I’m lucky enough to capture powerful moments in peoples’ lives. It’s a blessing. In many instances, it’s the only chance to capture that one perfect photograph celebrating a goal, hitting a personal record in the gym, a fun moment amongst friends or the joy on a child’s face. Read more>>
Sue Moerder
I just created a Skull Art room at Otherworld Philly – it was an incredible experience. I was able to work around a lot of talented Artists from Philly and Ohio, and was able to create a space that lots of people can enjoy. I’ve never done a project that scale – it was a lot of hard work, but extremely rewarding! I was also in Philly Fashion week a couple times and a bunch of other fashion shows with my brand Moerder Chains. I got to see my art/fashions on stunning models in very high end venues and experience the thrill of the runway. My fashions have also been in professional photo shoots and on a few celebrities, which is always exciting. Read more>>
Francisco Cardenas
The most meaningful project that I have worked on has to be my album (which is still in the making). This project is very important to me because making my own music has always been one of my dreams! Also, it has been the reason why I have been studying with great musicians and trying to improve by myself to gain knowledge and develop my skills. Read more>>
Mckenzie Knapps
The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on is actually one that I’m currently in the middle of creating. I’m officially recording my first full album. I’ve been writing songs since I was eight years old, & if I’ve learned anything, it’s this… It’s one thing to be a songwriter, and it’s another thing to be an artist. Being a songwriter, you just have to have a natural connection to people and a way with words. But to be a true artist, you have to be extraordinarily self-aware. I have to say, I’m really glad that I’m in my mid-20s currently working on my first record. The time I’ve spent living a normal life and honing in on my art has given me the liberty to figure out who I am on my own. Read more>>
Coyote Coleman
Halloween has always captured my heart ever since I was a child yet my infatuation and devotion to the holiday only grows. Each year in October I release a mixtape/beat tape in honor of the spooky season and as an artist, it allows me to create without limitations and let my imagination run wild. What makes this year’s “Beats for Halloween” the most meaningful is all the setbacks I faced and yet to me these are the best beats I’ve made ever. Earlier this year my computer crashed with the music project I was working on it while I was going through a break up. Devastating was the news to me that all the music programs that I was used to were outdated and I would have to learn all new music programs. Read more>>
Ya’el Pedroza
The subject matter of my work represents my relationship to our natural world. A large body of the work I do incorporates single use plastic bags, used clothing, and other refuse, with the landscape and animals painted on top. As an environmental artist it is important that my work reflects my love of the environment, its strength and beauty, but also the problems that it faces through our misuse and abuse of it. by reusing refuse in my art, I feel that it not only gives my work meaning, but that it also curbs my own guilt as a consumer who finds plastics and short lived clothes in my own home no matter how hard I try to limit them. They are what is offered to us, and I try my best to use as little as possible, to make a difference through my buying power and my artmaking process. Read more>>
Lingyi Kong
I am a designer with a diverse background, and it is precisely these different identities that have given me a perspective distinct from that of a traditional designer. When I first entered the design field, “good design” seemed to follow a set of established paradigms. However, over time, these paradigms have gradually been deconstructed. Many works that once wouldn’t have been considered “design” are now making their way into the spotlight. This shift has instilled a renewed sense of confidence and creative energy in my design practice. Read more>>
Sarah Harralson
This July, I released a song that I wrote with co-writer James Tristan Redding, “Stand Together”, which features 10 artists (including myself) from 10 different nations in 8 different languages. The song is about unity and peace in a divided world and I was so happy that all of these voices from around the world wanted to be a part of it. I produced the song and made it a humanitarian cause for people to donate to World Central Kitchen. I think it’s very important for artists and everyone in general to give back. This was a great reminder that music does have meaning and impact, and in this case, the music was about togetherness. Read more>>
Kay Cote
In July 2023, I launched Amplify EDM, a company dedicated to curating unforgettable events featuring local electronic music artists. Just a few months later, we introduced our first recurring event, Artist Party. This unique event was designed to bring DJs, creatives, and music lovers together to build community and share their stories. Through live podcast recordings and DJ sets, Artist Party provided a platform for artists to connect with fans in ways that were fresh, intimate, and impactful. Read more>>
Brittni Hagen
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is UMA (Uniendo Mundos Aquí) collective, a heart-based initiative dedicated to fostering intercultural harmony, mindfulness, eco-literacy, and ancestral traditions for the children around Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. UMA’s mission is to unite children from different cultural backgrounds, encouraging them to play, learn, and grow together in harmony, all while preserving their heritage and learning about global perspectives. Read more>>
Deanna Sirlin
My large-scale installation “Retracings” (1999) at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta was a pivotal work for me. The process of making this work changed my perspective on painting, representation, scale, and the relationship of the artwork to the viewer. “Retracings” is a transparent and site-specific work that fits on all the windows of the High’s Richard Meier building. The front of the Museum is comprised of banks of curved windows that look out onto Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. I translated my paintings into a new, monumental scale, and imaged the paintings onto transparency film that fit on 265 windows on the second, third, and fourth floors of the museum that face Peachtree Street. I titled this work “Retracings” because I saw it as a way into my own painting. I felt I was literally retracing my own painting. I wanted the viewer to be inside the work, to see each color as it was made by my hand with a loaded brush. Read more>>
Selina Calvo
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is creating a Community Altar in my neighborhood of Paradise Hills, San Diego. I originally started this project at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Before then, I helped in curating family friendly events with a community group I helped create called ProjectReo. We would host movie night, community clean ups, and advocate at City Council meetings for improvements in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, once the pandemic hit, everything stopped. Social distancing and being isolated in our homes was the new reality. With that, many experienced personal losses of loved ones from the pandemic as well as suffered from depression and anxiety from the isolation. For myself, I too experienced these life challenges as well as the loss of community. Read more>>
Sloka Bharat Shah
As a Technical Design Apprentice for Handbags at Kate Spade from 2022 to 2023, I had the opportunity to work on various collections across both outlet and mainline lines, each requiring a nuanced approach to design and development. For the mainline collections, I focused on premium materials, craftsmanship, and intricate details that reflected the brand’s core identity. My responsibilities included collaborating closely with the design and production teams to ensure that creative concepts were translated into functional and stylish products. This involved creating technical sketches, developing tech packs, and working with manufacturers to maintain the quality and specifications required for high-end retail. Read more>>
Riq Bandz
After releasing an EP titled Shark Tank in the spring this year, Riq Bandz returned at the beginning of the Fall season to release his first official tape titled Tunnel Vision with majority of the production and beats managed by himself. The project includes 10 tracks with Riq Bandz’ artistry on full display after a decision to not include any other artist features to solely focus on his own craftsmanship which in a way explains the decision to name this one Tunnel Vision. Read more>>
Lauren Nelson
I’ve been lucky enough to be creative and use that creative talent in a variety of aspects in my life. My experience and background of creative social media has allowed me to use these talents to help a vast variety of non-profit organizations. There are so many ways in which the power of social media can positively impact and dramatically change the way a non-profit operates. Read more>>
Jeff Wissman
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had several dog caricatures displayed as decorative pieces in a pet-friendly coffee house. The shop often hosted vendor and art fairs, which helped establish my name within the local art community. Unfortunately, when the coffee house permanently closed during the pandemic, I was asked to retrieve my artwork. At the same time, like many others, I was temporarily on leave from my workplace. During this period, I began receiving requests from people who had seen my work and wanted caricatures of their own pets. Since then, I’ve completed nearly 100 pet portraits, capturing everything from dogs and cats to turtles and hedgehogs. Read more>>
Devani Aguirre
I came into contact with the owners of my all-time favorite snowcone place, Steph’s Chill Ville located in Grand Prairie; they are truly amazing people. They do a yearly toy drive and have small businesses set up all along their property to sell and advertise their businesses. They don’t charge a fee like most pop-ups do, but he does it to attract people to come by and donate toys to give to kids for Christmas. I did it for the first time last year. In all honesty, I loved being a part of this event that not only supports other small businesses but it gives back to a community that came together to make Christmas magical for the children receiving those toys. It truly made my heart feel so amazing after, that I promised to be a part of this event every year that they host it. We are a business that cares about others so anytime we can give back we will and being part of events like this makes us feel just that much more blessed. Read more>>
Beau Shaniuk
I’ve been working on a lot of meaningful projects recently, and I’m excited to share that I’ll be releasing my first full-length album in January! However, I’d say the most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far is my song ‘Message From My Family.’ This song was therapeutic for me, as it gave me the opportunity to call out- and respond to all the horrible, manipulative, transphobic things some of my biological family members said to me before I ultimately cut them out of my life. Essentially, I took a whole bunch of text messages I’ve received from many of my biological family members over the last few years and turned them into a song. Through this project, I really aimed to flip the script — calling out their hatred and then taking power back into my own hands by finally releasing the rage and anger they brought into my life. Read more>>
Michelle Fu
Painting has always been a process bigger than myself. I characterized each stroke as another step away from reality; from this escape, I slowly found a comforting rhythm that pulled me away from life outside each time I returned to a canvas, turning the weight of reality into something beautiful and tangible. I particularly enjoyed painting landscapes. This was my preferred route of escape, as it allowed me to travel whenever I wanted. My work “Haven” was my way of showing my audience exactly how I feel when I paint. “Haven” is an oil painting inside a small, wooden box. You’ll find the entrance to the box is a small path that leads you through a forest of birch trees. As you come closer to the box, you begin to loose sight of your surroundings and the more you are able to see the details of the forest. This piece sits close to my heart, as it demanded a new depth of vulnerability to finally invite others to come explore my safe place with me. Read more>>
Bb Anne
I have done a lot of creative work for my music. As an independent artist just starting out, you don’t realize how much work is actually involved; if you can call it work! I have been able to express my exact thoughts and feelings through the process of creating album covers, single song covers, reels, etc. I created the art work for my latest EP, and it being able to capture the feeling through the creation… that’s something. Read more>>
Jonathan Sims
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is actually a combination of two. Both projects are different, but they share a common goal. I created a non-profit organization to connect a network of creatives in a collaborative format, and to use creative arts to teach life skills. My first project titled, Improvisation in Interpersonal Development, was designed to use a form of acting to develop people skills–active listening, empathy and confidence. Improv is a form of acting that is unscripted and requires on-the-spot thinking; almost like real life. You’re not walking around with a script of what you plan to say to people you’re engaging. Read more>>
Thomas Bosket
ENGN (engncntr.com) is my non-profit – cofounded with Isaac Green Diebboll. We are community creative civic practice that expands opportunities for youth. One of our most fulfilling projects was What Makes A Village a youth focused curriculum that opens communication among neighbors and government through creative work. Read more>>
Joshua Bilkis
I am currently in the process of working on my Spirit Animal series: The Consciousness Collective. My ultimate goal for this project is to create 100 portraits, with each animal having its own name and a short poem that introduces who they are and what they stand for. I was raised in a very spiritual household. My mom works as a healer and my dad practices as a shaman. Growing up in this environment, allowed me to feel very deeply into my body and spirit. And while I always felt this deep knowing, I never truly knew how to break it up and start to understand it, to understand myself. And because of this, throughout my life I always felt different and misunderstood. I never felt like I belonged. Read more>>
Maya Alisa
I’m an odd person, i work in extremes haha. I like to challenge myself to do ridiculous things and so i made a deal with myself to finish a series of books in 10 days. 10 books in 10 days. It took a lot of focus and commitment. It started with a a video that I saw of someone complaining about there not being enough Princesses in film and television that are of color. So I created a world of 30 princesses all girls of color in a book series called Princess Charming. The first 10 are all available and i’m working on the next 10 for 2025. I chose that name because there is no prince charming in any of their stories. Their stories are inspired by more than love and romance. For example the story of Carolina was inspired by a song A Saia da Carolina. The version that inspired it was by Carolina Deslandes, it’s a Feminist Read more>>
King David The Recruiter
My most meaningful project is my upcoming album which will be my very first full length project. This will be the most meaningful project as an artist due to the fact that I began as a musical artist in 1999. Through all the ups and downs ans 25 years later of writing, life experiences, etc 17 songs will be available for the world to hear. Read more>>
Daniel Laurent
I wrote, costarred, codirected and funded “Cry for Me”, an award winning short film centered around domestic violence. The film was inspired by violence I was seeing towards women and some a little close to home and as an artist I became frustrated and wanted to say something but not in a speech or online post. Something a little more meaningful. The song “Cry for Me” that I wrote is chalked full of red flags and things that are often ignored and then ultimately become tragedies. I was intentional about not having actual violent language in the song and also for the visual, I did not want to have actual gratuitous violence shown but actually more an ode to Alfred Hitchcock and leaving up to the viewers imagination. Read more>>
Cinzi Lavin
Every project on which I work carries great significance for me. First, art is inseparable from feelings, and without emotional attachment to my work, it wouldn’t ring true. Second, plays and novels don’t happen overnight; I eat, sleep, and breathe a project for months at a time, so it has to be something that deeply engages me on many levels, because I’m going to be spending a lot of time with it. Dividing Line is a play I wrote regarding Indigenous land rights. Since my own heritage is European, I focused on how non-Indigenous characters would respond to what they perceived as a threat to their community. Land rights is a topic long overdue to be addressed, and I’m very encouraged to see that consciousness is currently being raised by various novels, films, and TV shows. I believe it’s only a matter of time before people begin to understand it more fully and set aside their fear regarding this subject. Read more>>
Benjamin Rednour
I am currently wrapping up my most meaningful project. I’ve redrawn one of my early works from 2015. Originally named “Flight of the Phoenix”, it held no significance. I was living with my father in my home state (Illinois) in 2017 and we had a falling out. I lost a lot of my art and it crippled my motivation to create. I didn’t draw anything else until “Handles” in 2022, which is an octopus. I drew the blueprint or “soul print” as I like to call it back in 2016. I was in a financial rut and couldn’t afford supplies, so I chose to draw the original on multiple pieces of printer paper taped from the back. I figured that I could trace the outline and color it when I could afford a commercial drawing pad. That’s what I did to create “Flight of the Phoenix”. What makes it special is that the phoenix is symbolic of rebirth and new beginnings. The act of recreating this piece brings the phoenix out of conceptual rebirth and into a physical manifestation. This drawing is a physical representation of what it symbolizes. Read more>>
Brandon Brooks
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been a part of is my work with Downtown Locker Room (DTLR). DTLR is more than just a brand—it’s deeply woven into the cultural fabric. From staying ahead of the latest fashion trends to supporting local music artists, DTLR has played a significant role in the community for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it was the store my parents took me to for school shoes, birthday gifts, and Christmas shopping. Read more>>
Shon Ski
The most meaningful project I worked on, is my debut album. Somewhere Out There, really forced me to see my ideas through. I had so much going on in my life. At that particular time, I made a promise to myself to finish what I start. I grew as an artist and a woman during that process. It showed me how strong I was. I lost my job at the time, I had drama in my life and relationships. Looking back I know God blessed me with the gift of faith, to not give up on myself. My first project is definitely my fourth child. Read more>>
Hannah Grzymala
I had never thought I would be a dance teacher or choreographer prior to 2020. I fell into teaching and started to choreograph not realizing how much joy and fulfillment it would bring me, the same way performing did. I started to choreograph more and more and in 2022 created a piece I will never forget. Entitled Mister Blue, I created a jazz dance that truly was pure joy on stage. Encompassing happiness and quirkiness, this piece was a true passion project where I got to see a vision truly come to life. I was at a point in my life where I started to shift my focus and knew that performing was most likely not a part of my foreseeable future, even though I had not fully admitted it to myself. Read more>>
Stephanie
A Bark to Remember is what I call our rescue dog retirement home. My goal is to adopt as many senior rescue dogs as I can throughout my life. I adopted my first senior dog in 2019 and fell completely in love. She was 10 at the time, and in pretty poor health. She is now 15 and in better health than at age 10! Senior dogs are overlooked a lot because most people would rather adopt a younger dog or a puppy. I believe all dogs deserve a loving home. So, I take in the seniors. We are currently on our 5th adopted dog! We also take in hospice fosters. These are dogs that will not be adopted out due to their poor health. So we care for them until it is time for them to cross the rainbow bridge. Read more>>
David Gate
The most meaningful projects I work on are always collaborations. People invite me to write poems for their loved ones or to mark significant events or achievements and it is always a delight. It feels corny to say it’s an ‘honor’ to do this but there is no better way of describing it. To be present with another in both the big emotions of life and in the creative act of making, I feel so lucky and take it very seriously. Often some of the best lines I write come from these collaborations; they drawn from real experience and feeling. It is always a special opportunity. Read more>>
Ava Fojtik
Currently, I am acting in my first feature film, “Rhapsody” by Kali Veach. This film has been deeply meaningful to me, as it’s the first time I’m leaving the arena of stage, voiceover, or short films. Participating in a feature, particularly one with so many other incredible artists, has taught me so much as an actress and an artist. I first met director Kali Veach through our MFA Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts program at the University of California Riverside. Kali has always been an ambitious filmmaker, and we worked on several smaller projects together before “Rhapsody”. These projects ranged from a play reading series produced by my theater company, AKA Productions, to short films written and produced by Kali. Notably, I was a dog wrangler for Kali on set once, which proved itself to be way, way harder than acting. Read more>>
Noa Jamir
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on thus far would probably be my debut album, ‘Cicada’. It’s a compact record that spans two years of writing and recording, and follows my life throughout the process. I was so sad when writing most of those songs, and at the time, it kind of felt like I would always feel that way. ‘Cicada’ is meaningful to me because it’s been a reminder that things do get better, you can leave a dark place better than you found it. The album was also made with friends near and far, and that makes it all the more special to me. It wouldn’t be the same without them. Read more>>
Federico Massa
One of my most significant projects was a large-scale mural in Rome, created using nano-technology paint capable of absorbing pollution from the air. This work stands as the largest European eco-friendly mural and powerfully illustrates the impact of human activities on nature. My artistic focus has always been on climate change and pollution, particularly through the representation of animals and natural landscapes. Read more>>
John Dombrowski
I think one of the meaningful projects I’ve worked on as a creator and scientist was with the White House in 2022 for the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act. As a marine biologist with a large platform being able to advocate for passing climate positive bills and regulations has been something extremely meaningful. I specifically studied shark conservation and biology where I focused on advocating for better conservation and protection measures for these imperiled animals and have used my platform for this since the beginning of my time online. During my time at the White House I was able to meet with and interview President Biden and Vice President Harris, as well as various members of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Read more>>
Trystan Jennings
My band – Eleseer – recently recorded our first album. Getting to put music out into the world that is uniquely ours is a feeling that is beyond words. Many of the lyrics and themes throughout the album are quite personal to me, and are reflective of a time in my life that I’m very relieved is in my past. Seeing those lyrics out in the open has been therapeutic, as it almost feels as though the voice that was pushed down all those years ago is finally being heard. Read more>>
Gwen Partin
The one project that feeds me daily is drawing. It’s not a specific project, but it’s the most meaningful thing I do that keeps me going and is fuel for all my other creative work. I’ve been making these small drawings almost daily for over 20 years. These drawings are small abstract works that explore texture, pattern and color. I work in colored pencil, gel ink pens, acrylic and watercolor. Read more>>