#ChicagoCreatives: the local artists who inspire us

Through a mix of mediums, formats and perspectives local artists illuminate the unknown, color the previously black-and-white and add depth to our understanding of our surroundings, our lives, circumstances and more. Through our research process for the Thought provokers series we’ve come across so many works of art that have inspired us and we’d like to share some of those great examples of visual and performing arts, photography and other creative works with you below.

Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mychicagopix #chicagogram #choosechicago #insta_chicago #agameoftones #artofvisuals #urbanandstreet #moodygrams #citykillerz #way2ill #theimaged #hsdailyfeature #createcommune #hbouthere #streetdreamsmag #streetmagazine #streetshared #highsnobiety #ecletic_shotz #SDMfeatures #huffpostgram #visualsgangs #marvelous_shots #hypelife #passionpassport #streets_vision #hsallstars #streetleaks #gramslayers

A post shared by Daniel Mendoza (@mendoza.photo) on Aug 25, 2018 at 12:20pm PDT

This is my most popular print that I took a year ago and tweaked the edit just ever so slightly. Hope you guys still love this photo 👌🏻

A post shared by Luke Kranenburg (@lukekran) on Aug 23, 2018 at 10:06am PDT

Hot spot… . . . . . . #606 | Me #wayfarecollective | @wayfare.collective #Chicago | @chicago #moodygrams | @moodygrams #likechicago I @likechicago #chicagoshot | @chicagoshot #chicity_shots | @chicity_shots #igerschicago I @igerschicago #ArtofChi | @art.of.chi #chicagovisuals | @chicago.visuals #cschicagosocial | @cschicagosocial #passionpassport | @passionpassport #thechieye | @thechieye #thechicagopulse | @thechicagopulse #ilovechi | @ilove_chicago #thechicagopulse | @thechicagopulse #fatalframes | @fatal.frames #leagueoflenses | @leagueoflenses #wu_chicago | @wu_chicago #chicagoism | @chicago_ism #chicago_ig | @chicago_ig #chicago_usa | @chicago_usa #chicago_city_insta | @chicago_city_insta #eyeinthechi | @eyeinthechi #navypierchi | @navypierchicago #chicagocommunity | @chicago_community #chitownlife | @chitown.life #chi_shooters | @chi.shooters #infinity_urban | @infinity_urban #moodshotz | @moodshotz

A post shared by Randy F (@606.media) on Jul 24, 2018 at 10:27am PDT

🌬The calmness before a storm ☔️ • Nothing like a bit of petrichor in the morning. I 💙 the smell of rain! • • • • • #Chicago #likechicago #aerialphotographer #aerialphotography #dronespace #dronestagram #dronesaregood #DjiGlobal #DroneAddicts #DroneDesire #DroneGlobe #AGameOfTones #DroneNerds #DroneOfTheDay #FromWhereIDrone #TheDroneDiary #ToneItUp #Twenty4SevenDrones #YourShotPhotographer #aerialview #dronebois #dronefly #dronegear #dronephotography #droneporn #dronesdaily #droneshot #ig_color #natgeolandscape #FatalFrames10k

A post shared by 𝑅𝓎𝒶𝓃 𝒞𝒽𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓅𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒲𝑜𝒾𝓉𝒶𝓈 (@ry_guy_chi) on Sep 1, 2018 at 7:07am PDT

Imposed • • • #stayandwander #streetphotography #ThisisMyCommunity #lovethis #instagram #livefolk #adventure #vsco #vscocam #peoplescreative #liveauthentic #visualsoflife #like4like #lifeofadventure #neverstopexploring #ourcamplife #adventure #illgrammers #explore #MoodyGrams #mg5k #Artofvisuals #aov #AGameofTones #TeamCanon #photooftheday #MobileMag #CreateCommune #wanderlust

A post shared by Mason Hopfensperger (@masonscoth) on Oct 15, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT

Managing the scaries with a sunset • • • • #weekly_feature #justgoshoot #chicagopulse #streetmagazine #igerschicago #ChiArchitecture#chitecture #FlippinChi #chicago_citylife #chicagocityworld #mycity_chicago #ilovechi #likechicago#thechieye #artofchi#insta_chicago #chicago #nature #chitown #architecture #winter #nikon #fall #people #artofvisuals #urbanaisle #theimaged #visualsmovement

A post shared by theonlymekael (@theonlymekael) on Aug 26, 2018 at 7:21pm PDT

Morning walks. #chicago • • • #chitecture #insta_chicago #mychicagopix #StreetShared #iphoneonly #MKExplore #way2ill #citykillerz #Streets_vision #mobilemag #main_vision #shoot2kill #justgoshoot #ig_masterpiece #visualsoflife #uncalculated #featureshoot #sorrynotsorry #vsco #nikonnofilter #hypebeast #shotzdelight #streetsofchrome #hbouthere #Nikonlove #eyeinthechi #instagood #streetdreamsmag #agameoftones

A post shared by O.O. (@omar773) on Aug 25, 2018 at 4:35pm PDT

Great time this past weekend shooting with the Chicago crew. Thanks to @rachellwolnik for helping me get this shot! . . . . . #mkexplore #shotzdelight #rsa_streetview #vscoportrait #urbanandstreet #gearednomad #uncalculated #symmetricalmonsters #quietthechaos #HypeBeast #vscoportrait #ig_mood #discoverportrait #portraitphotography #profile_vision #bleachmyfilm #postmoreportraits #portraitpage #igpodium_portraits #portraiture #mychicagopix #midwestmoment #insta_chicago #chicagojpg #wu_chicago #chictecture #nikonphotography #stevezeinner#withmytamron

A post shared by Steve Zeinner (@steve_zeinner) on Jul 30, 2018 at 8:12am PDT

Give me somethin’ to break. 📷: @fifthstrike

A post shared by A R N L E Y (@arnleysena) on Feb 1, 2018 at 1:36pm PST

Who went to Lolla this past weekend? What were your thoughts? First time in years that I haven't gone.

A post shared by @ casual.monday on Aug 7, 2018 at 3:06pm PDT

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🛩

A post shared by Evan Brightfield (@evan_brightfield) on Sep 4, 2018 at 4:17pm PDT

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It’s true what they say – as you get older, time flies by. I can’t even remember this year it went so quickly. September already, wow. . . . . . . . #aov #estheticlabel #hypebeast #exploretocreate #beautifuldestinations #chasingemotions #feedbacknation #500px #mashpics #thecoolmagazine #ink361 #freedomthinkers #meistershots #shotzdelight #fatalframes #streetsofchrome #lifeofadventure #createyourhype #exploremore #beautifuldestinations #tlpicks #chicago #chitecture #flippinchi #artofchi #insta_chicago #mychicagopix #chasingfog #chicagonomad #eyeinthechi

A post shared by Edson ➢ Photographer (@edsonsoares) on Sep 1, 2018 at 10:45am PDT

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🔦 • • • #chicago #vsco #streetmag #instachicago #choosechicago #artofvisuals #artofchi #chitecture #chicagopulse #depthobsessed #onlychicago #illgrammers #chicagophotography #way2ill #hboutthere #createcommune #shotzdelight #heatercentral #watchthisinstagood #streetshared #photooftheday #theimaged #estheticlabel #rsa_streetview #hsallstars

A post shared by Sawyer Bengtson (@sawyerbengtson) on Jul 16, 2018 at 7:56pm PDT

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Although I have lived in the city my whole life I always fall all over in love with #Chicago. One of the best views and so easy to access. You will find the stairs leading up to this beauty on Lake & Canal. Enjoy the view my friend and happy Monday 😎

A post shared by 📧 chicagoforthree@gmail.com (@chicagoforthree) on Aug 6, 2018 at 8:29am PDT

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I usually edit my photos before I post. But after tweaking this one, I decided I liked this shot right out of the camera. Do you ever post shots without editing them first? . . . #wayfarecollective #abc7chicago #artofchi #chiarchitecture #aocsunset #chicagoanddaily #chicagobucketlist #chicagocaptures #chieveryday #chicagogram #chicagogrammers #chicagohome #chicagoig #chi_shooters #chicagoland #chicagopulse #chicagoshot #chicity_shots #chicagoeveryday #chitecture #choosechicago #cityscape #enjoyillinois #eyeinthechi #fierce_shots #flippinchi #igerschicago #urbanmatter

A post shared by Chicago • Travel • Content (@scottterry) on Aug 30, 2018 at 9:50am PDT

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This has like a Barbie vibe to me. Model: @julia.elaine Hype Woman: @arianne_layer

A post shared by Oliver – Chicago Portraits (@oliver.312) on Aug 16, 2018 at 3:54pm PDT

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We're not ready to let go of summer just yet! Have a little bite of sunshine with this citrus salad, the perfect combo of sweet, tangy, fruity, and a touch of heat. Get the recipe #linkinbio #culinarywingman ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #thefeedfeed #foodlove #yum #nomnomnom #eeeeeats #BHGfood #huffposttaste #foodstyling #foodphotography #instafood #foodie #recipe #chicago #dinnerisserved #eatwell #instagood #instayum #foodstagram #food52 #shopsmall #foodporn #foodpics #forkyeah #foodblogger #chicagofoodauthority #chicagoeats #todayfood #buzzfeast

A post shared by Urban Accents (@urbanaccentsspices) on Sep 5, 2018 at 3:08pm PDT

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📍Cafe Tola: Do I believe in love at first sight? Yes, every time I see a taco 🌮😍The only thing missing in this picture is pairing it with a margarita. • • #tacotuesday #taco #f52grams #foodblogger #eattheworld #huffposttaste #eatfamous #tastingtable #onthetable #foodshare #buzzfeedfood #jeneatschi #vieatswell #fabfoodchicago #zagat #feedfeed #foodgram #foodgawker #food52 #eater #eaterchicago #infatuationchi #forkyeah

A post shared by Vi Nguyen❣️ (@vieatswell) on Aug 7, 2018 at 7:33am PDT

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It’s a celebration! Happy second birthday to @chicagogrammers! You know how to throw one hell of a party, and here’s to many more years of success! . . . . . @1407onmichigan @bluechairbayrum #1407CelebratesCG #1407onMichigan #chicagogrammers #chicagofoodauthority #goodeatschicago #strangefoodschicago #eattravelrock #chicagobucketlist #eeeeeats #fabfoodchicago #alwayshungrychi #checkpleasepics #likefoodchicago #yelpchicago #dishroulette #topchicagorestaurants #312food #chicagogrubclub #eater #eaterchicago #heresmyfood #feedfeed #eatingfortheinsta #infatuationchi #spoonfeed #myfab5 #2kawaiieats

A post shared by Christine // Chicago Foodie (@2kawaiieats) on Aug 19, 2018 at 2:55pm PDT

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Once upon a time, there were three little custard bun pigs.. 🐷✨And they were DELICIOUS. ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ #chicago #chicagofood #chicagogram #chicagoeats #infatuationchi #likefoodchicago #eaterchicago #fabfoodchicago #chicagofoodgoals #chicagofoodauthority #food #foodie #foodstagram #vegetarian #delicious #dinner #yummy #chinese #bun #china #asian #asia #custard #sweet #dessert #desserts #pig #pigs #cute

A post shared by Food Netwerq (@foodnetwerq) on Aug 22, 2018 at 4:06pm PDT

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I found the bear! He likes pizza just like me! 😀 . . . . . #primeshots #instamagazine_ #instagoodmyphoto #visualambassadors #folkgood #peopleinframe #highsnobiety #createyourhype #streetmobs #thecreative #quietthechaos #seemycity #yngkillers #igpodium_portraits #meistershots #postmoreportraits #pursuitofportraits #_heater #streetmagazine #guardiancities #mychicagopix #midwestmoment #insta_chicago #chicagojpg #wu_chicago #chictecture #mural #art

A post shared by Dan Yeo (@superdaddyyeo) on Aug 2, 2018 at 8:24pm PDT

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Wrapped 🌯 up the week with the 676 from @sandwichedchicago, one of my favorite sandwich shops in Chicago {bonus: they play the best music 🎶}

A post shared by Abby Eats Chi✨ (@abbyeatschi) on Sep 7, 2018 at 3:53pm PDT

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Flying into the weekend like… ✈️ Last weekend @jhospe & I got to view the annual Chicago Air & Water Show from 51 floors up! It was amazing! ✈️ . . . . . . #chicagoairandwatershow #chicagoairandwatershow2018 #planestrainsautomobiles #oakstreetbeach #chicagogrammers #ridewithvia #spreadyourwings #soarhigh #fly #chicagobucketlist #yelpchicago #primeshots #fartoodope #instagoodmyphoto #shotzdelight #postthepeople #makemoments #visualambassadors #stayandwander #thecreative #communityfirst #photojournalism #humaneffect #streetmagazine #mychicagopix #midwestmoment #insta_chicago #chicagojpg #wu_chicago #chictecture

A post shared by Katie C (@appetite_4_adventure) on Aug 24, 2018 at 10:36am PDT

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Savoring summer with fresh mango sticky 🍚 @amaritchicago! Also, get my absolute favorite at this Thai south loop gem: Massaman beef curry with peanut, tomato, onion, potato and garlic! The family recipe is so rich and flavorful, I could go for this year round. Mmmmmm #มัสมั่น #massamancurry #mangostickyrice #southloop #amaritrestaurant #thaicuisine #nowiwantathaimassage

A post shared by Margaret (@marzlet) on Sep 8, 2018 at 8:00am PDT

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Turn Ons: hips, curves, lip biting, and @avocadotoast. 👌🏻🥑 . . . Currently biting my lip and looking at this egg. I miss Steak Bar, but I'm heading to check out the new @80proofchi. 🤷🏻 Have any of you been yet? . . . . . . #avocadotoast #foodporn #breakfasttime #sexy #brunch #daydreaming #delicious #happiness #toast #bar #yolkporn #vibes #eggporn #iloveyou #chicago #yum #foodpost #eggs #foodoftheday #comfortfood #poachedegg #positivevibes #foodgram #avocado #myfab5 #egg #instayum #breakfast

A post shared by CHICAGO | FOOD & STUFF (@mattchavez_tv) on Sep 6, 2018 at 7:24pm PDT

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leaning tower of USDA prime beef tenderloin // 📍 @bennyschophouse

A post shared by erin deane (@erinn_elizabeth) on Sep 8, 2018 at 10:09am PDT