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.

Brady Leffler

I get asked quite often how I came up with this or that, and I believe that if you’re open enough, you truly become a magnet or even a portal for ideas, good and bad, but nonetheless a palette of them to choose from. I also have an acutely aware sense of my surroundings, almost to a fault, or annoyance. Alas, this has allowed me to take in so much around me in a wildly diverse city such as Los Angeles, and in my many travels. I find it quite easy to draw inspiration, and am very grateful for this gift. I see myself less as magician of creativity, and more of a conduit of and aspiring master curator. The long answer to the question of “what am I inspired by” is dependant upon my task at hand. With my to-do list full, I’m fully engaged and net cast wide to often find the golden nuggets within various side quests and distractions. Ultimately I’m inspired by things that can get my attention and keep it. The ideas or concepts that stick in my mind and keep coming back to haunt me. The ones that I keep trying to figure out but just can’t quite fully understand. For this little business I created, called “Hi-Fi Pizza Pi”, the inspirations come from my vast collection of vinyl and hi-fi audio equipment, along with my vintage instrument collection. Various bands that I love inspire the nomenclature on the menu. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles inspired a bit of the initial color scheme. The food was inspired by a couple Italian Chef’s, one of which I used to work under for many years. Her creations were fun and approachable, very well crafted and had deep roots in tradition and authenticity. I keep trying to remind myself that less is more, and quality is king (or queen). You don’t have to live every waking moment of your life inspired, but damn it sure is fun when riding a wave. I encourage everyone to stay on the quest…it’s out there waiting for you. Read more>>

Jeff Bower | Writer & Voice Over Actor

The wonderful aspect of being in the creative field is you never know where inspiration is going to come from. I’ve seen a dance video on YouTube and it sparked the idea for a one act play. I witnessed an automobile accident and it spurred me on to write a sci-fi television pilot. I’ve listened to music just moments before a take on set to get me into the perfect emotional state for the scene. It’s not always these big “Ah-ha” moments, your shown or told about. Artists and creatives can find inspiration in the mundane and simple moments of life. Read more>>

MIXIE

I think the question would be best answered as to what i’m not inspired by. Everything inspires me. My creative work is a reflected mosaic of my walking life. Read more>>

Saint Tru | Artist and Creative director for VIVAHOUSE Records

I can honestly say that I am inspired by everything. Or at least I try my best to keep my self open for inspiration so that I can possibly be inspired by anything. Inspiration is all around us but u just gotta know what to look or what to look for. Though my best recipe for it is that I don’t look for it I let it find me and when u keep your self open to that then you open yourself up to unlimited inspiration. God gave us a lot of reminders of just how amazing this thing called life is. So I try to stay inspired and truth is I don’t have to try that hard. Inspiration is everywhere. Read more>>

Tenee’ Hart | Fiber Sculpture + Installation Artist

Historically, Sheila Hicks, Claire Zeisler, and Eva Hesse have always been a source of inspiration and my art icons. Each of these women pushed the boundaries of their mediums, through their perseverance they instilled a sense of nonconformity within my practice, informing every fiber/material I use in my work. I think that inspiration is tucked in the unnoticed, layered sometimes in the obvious, and that it takes an attentive eye to discover it. Through their art practices, this is what Do Ho Suh, Tara Donovan, and Maria Nepomuceno taught me and continues to teach me till this day. More on a personal level, I am deeply influenced by the women who raised and guided me throughout my life. Inherited objects from them can be seen throughout many of my works. Most items manipulated beyond recognition within the piece’s bodily forms, but some still hold remnants of their original form and faint memories of their past lives. Read more>>