One of our favorite things to do is to ask the folks we are inspired by what they are inspired by. We’ve shared some of their responses below.

Harry Cen | Graphic Designer

I’m inspired by everyday life, incorporating what I love into my designs. It adds a personal touch, making the design more special. Oddly enough, the shower is where my mind flows, and ideas naturally come to me. Read more>>

Erik Benjamins | Artist, Writer & Photographer

Cookbooks. Everything a cookbook does, is something I aspire to do as a professional. A cookbook celebrates a subjective relationship to place, it is a tool for sharing knowledge, it insists on the powers of the sensory and the social, and it is forever tied to the domestic space. Read more>>

Xiao Zhang | Filmmaker

As a filmmaker who works with time-based medium, I always find myself fascinated by paintings and photography works that welcome an observational act. These still images provide a room for viewers to decide the time they will be engaged where it is different viewing experience comparing with sitting in the theater. What’s more, The material consideration like brushes in painting, papers on photography significantly impacts my film practice. It opens my mind to think of materiality of cinema, especially whenI work with 16mm film celluloid. Can my camera be a brush? Do I need a camera to make a film? How can I present a truth outside of the 4:3 frame? Read more>>

Richard Podkowski | Debut Author | Retired U.S. Secret Service special agent

Everyday life. My mind’s eye wanders when I least expect it, or I might recall something out of the blue. I people watch all the time…maybe due to my training as a special agent! The creative part of my mind is always working: playing make-believe with real-life scenarios, events, people’s personal stories and situations, stereotypes, biases, trying to capture a range of emotions. From there, I develop characters and storylines based in everyday life and hopefully believable. Often I’ll be driving or sitting at a red light, and something pops into my head which I think might be interesting. Read more>>

Hugo Wu | 3D VISUAL ARTIST & DIRECTOR

My work is inspired by many artists in the field of moving image media, as I aim to connect with a broad audience. On a more personal level, I draw inspiration from nostalgic childhood memories and natural scenery. This allows me to infuse my pieces with a sense of wonder and familiarity. By blending influences from established artists with my own intimate inspirations, I strive to create moving image works that feel both professionally crafted and emotionally resonant. Read more>>