What are you inspired by?

I’m particular inspired by architecture and music. My boyfriend is an architect. One of his buildings is currently going up in LA and I just don’t think anyone’s every seen a restaurant look quite like this. I’m excited for him. And fascinated and inspired. I’m also very inspired by music. I think a lot of people are making some great stuff right now. I just got sent a great song that is getting released this year. Hopefully the video will get green lighted and I’ll get to contribute choreography as planned. A huge part of my work/life balance is not only having a private movement practice teaching class online and Privately in LA, but making time at least a few times a year to really dig into creating some movement for emerging artists or projects that need my eye. Los Angeles is great like that. I can do both. Read more>>

Sir Daniel Winn | Artist and Founder of Winn Slavin Fine Art

I’m inspired by people who help make a difference in other people’s lives. If I see someone helping someone else who is less fortunate or in need, I’m inspired. And I’m not just talking about materialistically or financially, but also emotionally and spiritually. If I see someone guiding and helping others as a leader, whether through religion, philosophy, or financially, it gives me hope for humanity, which gives me comfort that our world will be a better place. These acts of kindness, generosity and altruism are what truly inspire me. Read more>>

Cali Rodi | Singer/Songwriter

I’m inspired by so many things. Gwen Stefani songs I listened to growing up, Gilmore Girls reruns, boy talk with my best friend. But I’m mostly inspired by words. As weird as it sounds, before a songwriting session I’ll flip through a rhyming dictionary and scour the pages on a hunt for the perfect word that could be a title or idea for a song! Once I have that, I can mold an entire lyric around that one word. My mom is an English teacher, so I think that’s where I get my love of language. Read more>>

Jessica Fee | Director & Photographer

I’m inspired by listening, by stillness. Sitting in a park watching blades of grass and their micro-movements as they photosynthesize. Sunlight filtering through tree leaves to create dancing light on my bedroom curtains. Watching my dog take in the wind as the fur on her face blows back and she closes her eyes, taking it all in. Our access to media right now bombards us with a million messages a minute, but there’s beauty in listening there, too. Listening, thinking critically and then, finally when I feel the time is right, offering a piece to the larger conversation. I think it’s essential that we ask ourselves: What is my role in this building the future? What do I have to offer the collective? How do I process and learn from the past? I am inspired by contemporaries and collaborators. In no particular order: The Women’s Center for Creative Work. Mandy Harris Williams. Shingi Rice. Read more>>

Dave Cohen | Pianist / Singer / Songwriter / New Dad

I’m inspired by the big life moments that inspire all of us. The birth of my daughter this past year, epic experiences in nature, the legendary artists that came before me, and all the other things you’d expect an artist to be inspired by. I’d have to say, though, that I’m probably most inspired by collaboration and instances of collective discovery between artists. The moments of unparalleled connection that occur between musicians when they play together, and the intangible feeling of shared energy with the audience when playing live. They’re moments that you really can’t put into words, that you feel on such a deep level that it becomes physical. It’s like hearing your favorite bridge of your favorite song or reading the last pages of a book that you never want to end. When I think about what music is today, I feel like so much of it is brought into existence by way of one person sitting behind their desk imagining it all from their singular point of view. Read more>>

Dominique Butler | Artist, Actor and Educator

I would say that I am inspired to inspire and motivate others to be more than what life presents to them. We are all dealt with unfortunate experiences and circumstances but I also see it as a story opportunity to inspire others that need to know that they can rise above it and achieve something great. Read more>>

Jennifer Christian | MOM, BOSS, Maternal Mental Health Advocate

I am inspired by my mother and more recently by the generation of women after me. My mom sacrificed her goals to stay home and care for her children. I often think of what she would have become had she stepped out on faith and just did her own. Seems that the younger generation of women are fearless. My friends and I were raised to be ladies at all times. Being sexual and just exploring ourselves was damn near forbidden. I love the Cardi B’s and the Meg the Stallions. They are relentless and just loving and enjoying life. I have decided to no longer paint the picture that was already portrayed for me and just live in my truth and be comfortable. Read more>>

Sam Stokes | Musical Artist

The very concept of “being inspired by” intrinsically means that inspiration comes from an external source. The things that inspire me are simple, like a tree along a hike or an exchange with a stranger, but they are also experiences like a fantastic record (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, for example) or a great book. To be inspired is to take the external sources we experience and run them through the filter that is us. What comes out is our take on a world that everyone is experiencing and yet only beholden to us. Read more>>

Victoria Emslie | Actor and Founder & CEO of Primetime

Passion. People come alive when they find a subject or hobby that they are passionate about and then pursue. Whether this evolves into a personal passion project or becomes the drive which ignites a new business, I can sit and listen to anyone who can teach me new skills or convey information with joy and excitement. The reason I launched my business, Primetime, was through listening to the women within Time’s Up UK and ERA 50:50. I was so fired up by their passion that it inspired me to find and use my own voice and add it to the collective efforts to make the Entertainment Industry fairer and more representative. I have a strong sense of social justice, and the ability to hyperfocus on subjects that interest me, which thanks to the incredible women who have come before me, was able to be channelled into launching a global business at Cannes Film Festival even though I am an Actor who had never worked in tech before. Read more>>

Susan-Kate Heaney | Actor, Writer and Filmmaker

I feel like I’m inspired by so many things. I feel like I live in a little state of wonder all the time, like in the past day I’ve been inspired by the tide pools at Leo Carillo Beach (anemones!), the book “Such a Fun Age”, diet ginger beer and making cocktails, Glennon Doyle, Ted Lasso and this one brown bird who sits on my window sill who I have named Gil. I am inspired by humans and really miss sitting in coffee shops sometimes writing but always people watching. I made my podcast “The Quirks” because I loved hearing stories about people’s little idiosyncrasies, what makes us all unique. The other day, I was about to make dinner and feeling bored, so I flung a wig on and filmed my toddler Clover and I making the infamous Tik Tok Feta pasta for ten minutes, then edited it together into a quirky comedy short called “Under the Influence(r)”. I love giving myself little challenges, like thirty days of creating something new each day, or ten days in a row of writing old fashioned letters. I’m inspired by everyone who is fighting for what they believe in, or creating, or loving or really just getting out of bed every day. This has been a very hard year. This is me, reflecting to you, you are an absolute rockstar. Read more>>

John Scane | Artist, Teacher & YouTuber

For the longest time, I have been inspired by travel. Starting when I was young, my family would take trips at least 2 times a year, usually within California but sometimes out of state. I didn’t know at the time but this would have a big impact on my adult life and artwork; sowing the seeds of wanderlust at an early age. Later in my twenties, I would move to Puerto Rico for a job as an Ironworker assistant, working in the shipping port repairing container cranes. The work was physically demanding but there was also a lot of downtime for me to explore the area and the surrounding Caribbean Islands. It was from this experience that my love of travel and being outside my norm got cemented into my thinking. It was also from this experience that my first critical and financially successful series of paintings came about. Since that time, I have traveled to over 25 countries and 40 of the United States. Almost all of my artwork has either been directly or indirectly inspired by travel with many of my series subjects based on my travel experiences. Read more>>

Nyah Ginwright | Fashion Designer

I am inspired by the conversations I have with my friends as well conversations I have with myself. I am inspired by the books that I read and the lessons I learn from them. I try and find inspiration in concepts before I do any visual research, so I may take a feeling I’m experiencing or a concept that I’ve been thinking about to formulate any visual representations. For my latest project entitled Fiber, I incorporated concepts of both play and the awareness of breathing within the silhouette. These two things for me are healing and are the very reason that I can create. Inspiration for me comes in many different forms and I hope that viewers feel it. Read more>>

Emma Diffley | Artist & Entrepreneur

I’m inspired by tennis balls, drive-thrus, hot cheeto bags, and bright yellow cafeteria trays. Read more>>

Javier de Riba | Visual Artist

I admire the work of Escif or Aryz for their perspective. Escif has an artistic language and message that are really powerful. And I like how Aryz works colour and how it seems that he tests new styles in the public space. Read more>>

Douglas Cushnie & Dustin Garcia N/A | Writer & Illustrator of New Graphic Novel “Walo | A Central American Odyssey”

I think I draw most of my inspiration from learning something new or being exposed to new things and new people and new places, or even discovering new things about myself. I feel like when I gain new knowledge, it creates an intense desire in me to utilize it in some way and/or to share that knowledge with other people, whether through my art, or just conversation. And on the other hand, I feel like most people I interact with are an incredible source of different kinds of knowledge as well. So I learn new things from them, and this sort of ‘addictive’ cycle continues. Dustin: My work is primarily inspired by cultural history. I feel that the more you discover about your past, the more relevant it becomes towards the present. It has enabled me to discover new perspectives of reality, and what art is inspired by those experiences. It has also granted me a higher understanding of many different community experiences, and continues to influence the stories to which I want to tell. Read more>>

Laura Hapka | Artist

I absolutely love biographies—reading them, listening to them, watching documentaries. I especially like bios of accomplished artists, even if I don’t agree with their viewpoint. The way these artists think and the reasons why they created what they created often have a deep impact on how I perceive art. That has changed quite a bit over the decades, along with my goals as an artist. I guess I’m most interested in artists that didn’t play it safe and went against conventional norms on what art is and should be. Their stories have made me more confident of mine and have strengthened my drive to take my own path and be my own artist, even if it’s not what’s ‘in’ at the moment. I’m also deeply inspired by nature. And yes, I know, who isn’t? But whenever I need to think or come up with ideas or sort out a problem, the best place for me to do that is on long walks. These days I’ve been walking in the redwoods away from the sounds of the city. The stillness of a redwood grove makes me feel awake and creative. Read more>>

A Elaine Carlisle | Hollywood Scriptwriter

Courage & Creativity. Read more>>

Mo Wise | Wetland Scientist & Seaweed Artist

I am deeply inspired by the connection between art and science. I am a formally educated marine scientist, but have always held an admiration and passion for the abundance of art that is found within the scientific realm. There is a connection between art and science in that both crafts are trying to better understand, see, or experience something more profoundly. I really appreciate the use of art in the understanding and communication of science. Without artistic renditions or interpretations of the natural world, there would be a major gap in understanding our world around us. I see science and art as holding hands. In my experience, I have grown from studying algae/seaweed in the laboratory setting to showcasing the intricacies and beauty of seaweed in my art. I have found that appreciating the natural world through art can also inspire others to love and care for nature in a more intimate way. Read more>>

Etiange Domoa | Multidisciplinary Artist & Alternative Wellness Enthusiast

I’m inspired by vulnerability. I admire those and often seek those who are unafraid to share the deepest depths of their soul. Unafraid of judgement or looking for validation from others. It’s literally my favorite thing. When people share what’s really on their hearts, that’s real to me. I don’t have to agree with them, and neither do they have to with me. But if you can share the realest parts of yourself with me the moment we exchange, it’s something I get inspired by and that I will cherish for life. It’s a reminder to me that I never have to hide any part of myself. I don’t need to keep secrets because I’m not ashamed of myself. My past was the complete opposite of that and I worked really hard to let go of that mentality. In ways, I am still working on it. I met beautiful souls that challenged me, that caused friction between us in order for me to release the idea that being vulnerable or honest is a weakness. Sharing my real self won’t be accepted… but that was a lie. Read more>>

Frank J. Stockton | Artist

I’m inspired by people who take the initiative to see their creative projects through. Read more>>

Ganna Bubnova | Actor

I find inspiration everyday. Living in California gives you so many opportunities to be around nature. I love spending time in the mountains or on the beach watching sunsets and listening to my favorite music. These pandemic times really made me appreciate everything I’m surrounded with and enjoy being where I am without an opportunity to travel. So simply being able to stand barefoot on grass; feel how solid it feels beneath your feet and focus on your connection to the earth. It empowers me as well as inspires me to create. Read more>>

Player WON | Artist

I am inspired by people, both good and bad. Unfortunately, so many of my greatest ideas and concepts artistically have been born out of a societal upset. I’m fascinated with anthropology and the overall human condition. I believe it would be unfair of me to have that interest or make that claim if I was not also equally excited about those particular times where humans seem to disappoint. A lot of my art tends to be born out of opposition and protest of humane commonalities. I find it important to play the contrarian. To be an alternative. Read more>>

Dominic Fernandez | Digital Artist

As a digital artist anything in the creative world inspires me. However, one thing that I always go to as a source of inspiration is music. Whenever I need to change my mood or mindset I can just start playing music. The top 5 artists that I listen to that help me get inspired are Kid Cudi, XXXTentacion, Juice WRLD, Killstation, and Clever. Read more>>

Tymera Finley | CEO , Stylist , & Author (Encouraging All Women To Embrace Their Natural Beauty)

I am inspired by the women in my family, and the successful women that are around me. Like ….women that are incredibly strong, extremely confident, beyond fearless, and graciously unapologetic inspire me the most! Like OWN IT!. Read more>>

Jess Perez | Mental Health Therapist

I’m inspired everyday by the womxn in my life. To my wife, my partner, my love of this lifetime and many more. She is a ceramicist and a musician, a true creative and also a nurturer through and through. Her work, her perseverance and the dedication to her craft is something of magic and i’m so lucky to be able to witness it so closely every single day. She is the brightest part of my darkest days. She is an inspiration to so many simply by just existing, born to create, inspire and help others. To my sister-in-law and best friend who is also an artist of many forms. There isn’t anything she can’t do. She is one of the most truest forms of beauty both on the outside and in. I wish she could see herself the way others in her life see her. Read more>>

Nina Shekhar | Composer & Musical Artist

unprecedented health, economic, political, and social climate wildly differently, a fact that requires us to engage with our communities more deeply than ever before. My identity is inherently limited – there’s no way I can automatically know another person’s experience and the factors that shape who they are. But I can constantly learn and better understand the intersections between my identity and theirs. And that’s what makes identity such an exciting creative challenge. Read more>>

Donna Hollinshead | Soul Nourishment Coach, Akashic Record Consultant, Yoga Instructor, Creative maker of Art and Wearables

I am inspired by being alive and the magnificence of all life. So many things inspire me, here are a few of my favorites: LOVING CREATING COLOR SHARING SPIRIT TRAVEL NATURE babies, children, laughter, friends, painting, playing the simple beauty of nature flowers blooming, the smell of Lilacs the vibrant colors of springtime the deep green, Pisgah forest in summer, water, creeks, streams, waterfalls. the ocean Sunrise, especially at the ocean, Sunset, anywhere and especially on the top of a mountain or at the ocean the smell and sound of Autumn leaves Walking at night when it is snowing dancing music listening meditation the night sky and stargazing supporting and witnessing people expanding and recognizing how amazing they truly are GIVING AND RECEIVING WITH ALL LIFE. Read more>>

Kim Ficaro | Set Designer, Interior and Prop Stylist, Creator of Home Line, Totem Home, and Co Author of Book, The Inspired Home.

I am inspired by community, working together, listening to one another and looking out for one another. I am inspired by creating space to be open to the world, others worlds, cultures, food, colors, the way people live. I am inspired by the idea of discovery, that there is an infinite well to discover within nature, within music, within art, within ideas, within ourselves. I am inspired by the creative process. I am inspired by no agenda I am inspired to create spaces that feel good to be in, to create objects and textiles that feel good to have in ones home, that are made by the hands of artists in places that I am inspired by and respect. Read more>>