Where are you from and how has it impacted you?

Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Stella Chen | Story and Visual Development Artist

I was born and raised in Taiwan. Being Taiwanese has greatly influenced my artmaking as a story artist and visual development artist. I grew up watching a mix of Japanese anime, cartoons, and American Disney and Pixar animated films, which translates to my unique art style and storytelling sensibility today. Read more>>

Zuer Men | Illustrator&Concept Artist&World Builder

I grew up in Guangzhou, a southern city in China, a city of opportunity. My parents migrated from the northwest of China in search of better prospects. They were once reckless, full of energy and hope. Read more>>

Matt Kelley | Musician/Singer/Songwriter

I owe so much of who I am to where I’m from and how I grew up. Though I didn’t always understand the role my upbringing played in my artistry, those roots ultimately gave me the foundation to blossom into my own unique artist and individual, and I am so thankful for my hometown and the people in it. Read more>>

Maksim Twenty Eight | Tattoo artist

Hi! My name is Maksim “Twenty Eight” I am from the northern part of Russia, from the City of Arkhangelsk. I am sure that the environment and conditions in which I was brought up and grew up certainly influenced my thinking and who I am now. Read more>>

Xiaoran Chen | Concept Artist & Visual Development Artist

Growing up in China and then moving to the US, I’ve been fortunate to experience a blend of cultures that have profoundly influenced my artistic journey. Through the friendships I’ve formed with people from diverse backgrounds, I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of human connection and draw strength from our differences. Read more>>

Rama Ginde | Chef and Co Founder of Satya

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico but I am Indian. I am moved to the US in late high school and studied at the Culinary Institute of America. My diverse background, love for hospitality and a mother who was an amazing cook (who is also my co-founder) had a big impact on me today. Read more>>

Antonio Di Iorio | Composer for Film, TV, Concert, Conductor, Pianist

I am an Italian, Los Angeles-based music composer for Film, TV, and Classical Concerts. First and foremost, I am a classically trained composer, pianist, and conductor, with respective diplomas and master’s degrees in Piano, Composition, and Orchestra Conducting obtained both in Italy at the Music Conservatory and in the United States. Read more>>

Winnie Kuo | Motion designer

Hello! I’m a motion designer from Taiwan. Never did I imagine that one day I’d have the chance to study and work in the US. The path that has led me here today began with winning an opportunity provided by our government, which sponsored my full tuition to study at ArtCenter for one year, along with some living allowance. Read more>>

Michael Mooleedhar | Film Director

I come from Trinidad and Tobago, a vibrant Caribbean island renowned for its rich cultural tapestry and the exhilarating spectacle of our world-famous Carnival. Growing up in this diverse melting pot has been akin to a flavorful Callaloo, a fusion of various influences that have profoundly shaped my worldview and artistic sensibilities. Read more>>

Bingjie BJ Cui | Freelance Illustrator & Designer

Born and raised in Xinjiang, China, I’ve been surrounded by ethnic aesthetics. I believe my childhood and life in Xinjiang are significant parts of where I am now. The ethnic fabric is popular in my hometown. Rich colors, cultural symbolism, and the story behind them trigger my interest in visual communication. Read more>>

Jenna Braddock, MSH, RDN, CSSD, CPT | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer

I am from south Florida and grew up playing sports. I landed on volleyball as my favorite and in high school worked toward playing at the next level. After working with a sports performance coach, I learned how to eat to fuel my body to be my best and it made such a huge difference in my energy and play. Read more>>

Ahana Ghosh | Cinematographer

I was born in Chicago but was raised in Kolkata, India. I have been a resident of Kolkata for almost 20 years of my life.I believe that my city has shaped the person I have become today. As with every other Bengali child, I was taught classical dance, music, and painting, and most importantly, I was exposed to good films. Read more>>

Hannah Ruth Zander | Fashion Designer & Content Creator

I’m from a small town called Litchfield Park, Arizona. I grew up in a very religious background, so if you’ve ever heard of Mormonism, you might know they have a very distinct style. I was always drawn to fashion, but I became seriously interested during my freshman year of high school when my grandmother gifted me her clothing from the 1960s. Read more>>

Reiko Kaneshiro | Skincare Formulator

I am a woman of Asian and European decent. I was born in Hawaii, where I was raised until the age of 7. My father was a Japanese steel worker that was born and raised on the island of Oahu, where he still lives today. My mother was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. Read more>>

SA3ZIO | Music Producer and Engineer

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where music has been a central part of my life from an early age. My journey into music began with the guidance of my music professor, Gabriela Núñez, who taught music at The British School of Caracas, where I attended elementary school. Read more>>

Maxime Cholley | Drummer, producer and instructor

I’m originally from a tiny village near the French Alps. I grew up as an only child, and it was common for music to be played around the house. My dad is a multi-instrumentalist, and while he never played music professionally, he definitely has innate talent with music. Read more>>

Ruoyu Wen | 2D artist

Hello, my name is Wen Ruoyu, and I’m from China. Two years ago, I graduated from USC with a Master’s degree in Animation and Digital Arts. Currently, I work in the animation art industry in Los Angeles, and I’m also striving towards building my own business and furthering my career. Read more>>

LaQuita Moore | Owner/Chief Executive Chef Of Quitas Quisines

My name Is Laquita Moore and I’m 41yrs old. I was born and raised in Louisville, KY. I was only child of 4 in the foster care system for 7 years due to my mother being a drug addict. She’s been clean and sober for 25 years. I struggled as a kid/teen with anger and Abandonment Issues. Read more>>