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.

Gila Teen | Local Underground Music Duo

Music for us is a way of processing. So our inspiration comes from life in all its complexity. All the pain, all of the trauma, all of the joy, it all needs to be filtered somehow, and that’s what fuels our songs. Aidan pours all of his experience into the instrumentation, creating soothing and complex harmonies that help him cope with the day to day, while Hunter’s lyricism is fueled by past heartbreaks and troubles. Read more>>

Emma Baldwin | Artist & Occupational Therapist

I am inspired by the way that I see the world. When I adventure through the world, hiking and exploring all of the nature I can get my eyes on, I see the world in frames. I don’t know how best to explain it, but I see photographs all over, just waiting to be captured. My goal, with taking the photographs and editing them, is to present them to others in the most original and beautiful state… just as I perceived them through my own eyes. Although it is not my “professional” career path, I don’t feel fulfilled unless I am taking photographs and exploring the world through the lens. However, I don’t call it a hobby either, because it’s more than that. It’s a piece of me. I’m an Occupational Therapist by trade and by training, but a photographer by heart. Read more>>

Mark Ramirez | Singer-Songwriter and Musician, Desert Atlas

As a songwriter, I am inspired by a great many things: personal experiences, relationships, historical events, travel, cities, nature, and more. Name it, and a song can be written about it. However, I find that songs—my songs, anyway—are most successful when they are grounded in a specific place and time. Read more>>

MDawwg (Matt Miedich) | Hip hop Recording artist & producer

I’m inspired by everyone who pursues a passion, works hard , and stays dedicated on being the best at whatever it is they do. I’m inspired to see others do what they love, and have the courage to showcase their art, creative careers have a TON of ups and downs and to stick with that truely inspires me to do what I do. Read more>>