What Inspired You?
Growing up in East Cleveland, I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I was in the wrong room, piecing together my identity from all the places I’ve been and the people who’ve influenced me. I was a kid who didn’t quite fit the mold. I moved from school to school, private to private, because my mom couldn’t keep up with tuition payments while working multiple jobs. Usually, I was the only white kid in my class, and I was soaking up everything around me. Hip-hop, style, and culture that were new to me became part of my foundation. I was introduced to the beats and flow of Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Kid Cudi and Kanye West. That was just what it was—my environment shaped me, gave me an education no classroom could provide, and left an imprint that’s stayed with me.
Kanye West is someone I can relate to on a deep level. Here’s a guy who never asked for permission to be himself, and neither do I. Kanye was raised by a single mother who fueled his ambition and made him believe he could do anything. That drive to be fully himself, unapologetic and raw, is something I understand. We’ve both made mistakes, taken wrong turns, maybe pushed things a little too far sometimes. But we keep building, taking the hits and using them as fuel to push forward. Kanye’s life is a testament to going all-in on who you are, no matter what anyone else thinks, and that’s something I try to live by every day.
It wasn’t just Kanye’s attitude, though—it was his fashion, his music, the way he moved through the world. His style evolved in a way that made me think you didn’t have to stick to one box or label. From the pink polos in the College Dropout days to his more experimental designs with Yeezy, Kanye’s fashion always pushed boundaries, taking risks no one else would. Watching him set his own trends taught me that fashion isn’t just about clothing; it’s about expression, about using style to say something before you even open your mouth. His music was the same way—each album a different chapter, a different sound, a bold statement. It showed me that you could keep evolving, keep reinventing yourself, and that the real art is in staying true to who you are, no matter what you’re creating.
In those years, I was also obsessed with skate and street culture. I’d pore over Eastbay and CCS catalogs like they were sacred texts. For a kid in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, those catalogs were everything (and they were free which ruled). Eastbay was where you found the freshest kicks, the ones no one else had yet. CCS was where you’d see the latest skate decks, streetwear, and gear, the kind of stuff that was more than clothing—it was an identity. Flipping through those pages, I’d imagine who I wanted to be, what I wanted to wear, and how I’d show up in the world. It was like having a window into a world of possibility, where style wasn’t just about trends; it was about making a statement.
Cleveland itself was a huge influence on me, and artists from the city shaped my perspective on creativity. Derek Hess, with his haunting, visceral art, showed me that creativity could be dark, raw, and deeply personal. And then there was Glen Infante, the mind behind the clothing brand Ilthy. Infante transformed Cleveland’s art and streetwear scene, bringing a whole new flavor to design. Ilthy became more than a brand; it was a movement, something that spoke directly to people who understood the grit and resilience of Cleveland. Infante’s work at Ilthy taught me that you can elevate a city’s culture through art and design, that you can create something that resonates far beyond clothing.
Jeff Finley, once with the game-changing GoMedia, was another local artist who pushed the boundaries of digital design. His work showed me how art and design could come together with a punk attitude and create something unforgettable. Graphic designers like Paul Rand and Michael Bierut were also major influences, proving that design could have a bold, minimalist impact that speaks louder than any trend. These creators taught me that visual creativity could be a language of its own—a way to communicate ideas that go beyond words, a style that becomes a signature.
When I look back, my inspirations are scattered across so many different worlds—skate culture, hip-hop, street art, and sports. I grew up idolizing athletes who had a kind of raw, untamed talent. Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson weren’t just basketball players to me; they were proof that you could bring heart into the game and change it forever. Then there were the skateboarders and BMX legends like Eric Koston, Kareem Campbell, Chase Hawk, and Mike Aitken. These guys didn’t just do tricks; they created an art form, a way of moving and expressing that was unique to them. Watching them showed me that if you wanted to stand out, you had to carve out your own path, make your own rules, and turn every move into something unforgettable.
And my family was the backbone in all of this, grounding me in values that went beyond the catalogs and the culture. My Aunt Barb was my first true inspiration in the kitchen. Every time I visited, she’d cook meals from scratch, dishes that were made with care, while we watched The Ghoul Show and reruns of Seinfeld. She taught me things like table manners, the respect for food, and the small details that bring meaning to a meal. Her home was like a gallery, filled with custom-framed art, each piece telling its own story. She showed me that creativity could be woven into every corner of your life, that art wasn’t just something on a wall; it was how you moved through the world.
My dad, a chef, worked harder than anyone I knew. He came up rough, from an adopted family, with all the odds stacked against him, but he never let it stop him. My mom, always in service to others, taught me that strength isn’t loud; it’s steady. She was always helping, caring, never needing anyone to notice. Together, they showed me that success is about showing up, putting in the work, and giving something back.
And then there’s my son. He’s the purest form of inspiration I have. Watching him grow, seeing the world through his eyes, reminds me of what really matters. His curiosity, his imagination—it’s endless. It keeps me grounded, reminding me to stay true to myself and to keep creating in a way that leaves something meaningful behind.
These are some of my inspirations, the things that keep me going, keep me working, making, and dreaming. And I want to know about yours. For a long time, I felt ashamed of the things I was into, embarrassed about what made me different. Feeling like you don’t fit in anywhere does that to you. But I’ve learned the best thing you can do is own who you are. Don’t compromise yourself, don’t hide where you come from or what made you who you are. Be proud of it. Let it drive you, let it be your fuel.
So, what about you? What inspires you? Who or what pushes you to show up fully, even when it’s tough? What moments or people shaped who you are today, the things that still linger and keep you moving? Send me an email at fire@dontburnthefood.com, join our community https://discord.gg/pJqYyAW3Jh, reach out. I’d love to hear what drives you.
