The Decision Makers Series: Inspiration

A big part of making decisions is determining what our actions and choices have been inspired by. So we asked decision makers from the community to tell us about what they are inspired by.

Mariana Guzmán Corrales | Makeup Artist/Special Effects Artist

My biggest inspiration is the people that surround me. I think people are beautiful and intriguing in endless ways. As a makeup/special effects artist, I draw inspiration from people’s life experiences and thoughts. These include age, scars, fears, dreams–beauty. People inspire me to transform something as simple as a thought, into a visual art form for an audience to learn from and appreciate. Read more>>

Sophia Trevor | Artist, Musician, & Educator

I am constantly inspired by my musical colleagues, my musical idols, finding new artists to listen to, and my music students. I also I find inspiration from everywhere around me – reading literature, discovering new music to listen to, learning new piano repertoire, writing songs, and watching live concerts endlessly inspires me.  Read more>>

Emily Suvanvej | Illustrator & Designer

I adore this question. This might sound trite or naive, but when I was a teen I realized that I am a rabid fanatic of all things that humans create. That’s to say, of course I love art that is objectively good, but I also really love art that is objectively bad! I can become obsessed over any random thing — like a child’s idle doodles, or someone’s first attempt at poetry. Read more>>

Joie Lamar | PhD Student – Veterinary Medicine Engineering, Writer, Artist, and Publisher

I am deeply inspired by the symbiotic relationships that exist within our natural world, as well as between different animal species. It’s a beautiful, organic bartering system that operates without the constraints of politics, capitalism, and other negative emotions. As humans, my hope for us is that we can learn to be truly united, not just with each other but with the universe as a whole. Read more>>

Lauren Eggert-Crowe | Poet

I’m inspired by artists who are radical in their vision for a just world. I’m lucky to have a network of friends and colleagues, in the Los Angeles literary community and beyond, who intertwine activism with their art. All of the writers I admire are speaking up for Palestine, Congo, Haiti and Sudan right now.  Read more>>

Demetrius Clayton | Music Producer, Writer, Podcaster & Mentor

I’m inspired by my pain, my environment, my children and my own vision for my life. Read more>>

Kimberly Reyes | Founder & Creative Director

I am inspired by the beauty found in the little things. Motivated by embracing the slowness and simplicity of quiet joy. It’s the 30 second hugs and the midday snuggles, or the laughter that a sink full of dish soap bubbles can bring. I take inspiration in seeing the world through children’s eyes. For they have taught me to appreciate the small wins, to live in the moment and to feel with unbridled passion the things that make my heart happy. Read more>>

Kayla Crugnale | Broker Owner/Entrepreneur

I think this is a two part answer for myself. The things I’m most known for and am proud to be known for is that I am unapologetically myself in every facet of life and also that I will always chase my dreams. Life is really not about monetary values, it’s about how you’ve made people feel and what they remember about you.  Read more>>

Sofia Lopez | Actress

I want people to feel inspired by me, I want them to know that anything is possible if you truly want it and dream it. If a girl from a small town in Mexico can make her dreams come true than so can anyone else. I want to represent the Latino community in the industry and open new paths for people like me. It’s hard coming from another country and trying to make your way into a new one, especially in the film industry.  Read more>>