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Turn Passion Into Progress

Articles and tools for creative-seekers, business builders, and the artistic-minded by Hart House Creative®.

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Image of person on a stage with their hands on their knees


Meet the multi-talented artist and performer Justin Green! Justin, one of the creative forces behind the performance space Mom's Basement Theater, located in Las Vegas, gave us a dollop of dandy with a quick peek at what meaningful experiences shape his perspective on the world and the people and things that inspire him.


INSPIRATION AND IMPROV WITH JUSTIN GREEN


What's the most inspiring food you've ever eaten and where did you eat it at? 

Last winter, I was able to go to the Mayfair Supperclub for a holiday dinner with my business partner. It was one of the best meals I've ever had, with great food, great company, and great live entertainment. They had a dessert on the menu called "The Cigar," which has stayed on the top of my list of "Coolest Things I've Ever Eaten." It was an amazing sensory experience!


Where is the most inspiring place you have ever been and how does it inspire you? It could be a place you've traveled to or a corner in your own home. Totally up to you.  

I went on a trip to Portland with my best friend, Tonia. I consider it one of the most inspiring places I've ever been to because of the company I was with. I got to meet a lot of people who were living their dreams, visit a different improv community, and explore a city I'd never been to before.


Who is the most inspiring person you've ever met, and how did you meet them?  

I'm always inspired by meeting people who break the societal expectations of how we "should" be living. Luckily, in a place like Las Vegas, or through improv, I get to meet a lot of people pursuing their dreams and living their lives the way they want. I wouldn't say I'm most inspired by one particular person, but more so inspired by my whole community. Whenever I'm feeling at a loss, they remind me to keep going, which always motivates me. As far as meeting them goes, I think that's one of the best things about Vegas. We have so many people who move here, and I feel like most people here know what it's like to not know anyone in a new city--so they're generally friendly and glad to meet people. I'm the type of person that loves to strike up a conversation with strangers at a bar, or meet the friends of friends in large social groups. I'm constantly inspired by everyone I meet who shares their story with me.


What's the most inspiring book you've ever read, and why?

The Steven Universe Art & Origins book written by Chris McDonnell ALWAYS inspires me. It tells the story of how Rebecca Sugar, one of my biggest inspirations, created the show Steven Universe. It's full of drawings, anecdotes, and a deeper look at what went into the creation of the show. Steven Universe, in general, is something that really inspires me, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how it was created and conceptualized helps inspire me to pursue new projects. 


What time of year is most inspiring to you, and can you tell us a story about a time spent in that season?  

I find the springtime most inspiring! It's nice to come out of a darker, colder winter and see the world come to life. I feel like it's easier to go out and hang out with friends and do things that keep me motivated, energized, and inspired.



Follow Justin Green and see a show at Mom’s Basement Theater. Live improv shows most nights of the week. Full schedule at momsbasementtheatre.com.

Instagram @just_in_greens 


For more improv inspiration for creatives and the people who hire them, listen to Episode 1: Mermaid Pants in Mom's Basement with Justin Green on The Artist 10 Podcast. Feed your brain the good stuff with us! Support our guests and the show.


Listen to the episodes on 






LAS VEGAS ARTISTS CALLING US

Space Creature and Artist. Zoom up and Away to the BUG universe!



A Beautiful flow of Strong textures and Bold colors



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PHILLY ART SCENE-SWOON

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Paper Art that's, rich in culture, history and inspiration



Bold Traditional Tattoos Made with Love                      



Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author and Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)



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Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.





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Updated: Sep 12, 2025


Black and white image of smiling man with mustache. Black and white art in the backround.

The Artist 10 Podcast, hosted by Jenn Hart


a collage of images that include a man and woman sitting at a table with headphones, A man leaning over a computer on a desk and a bookshelf with books and trinkets.


For Episode 1, Jenn sits down with the multi-talented artist and performer Justin Green. Justin, one of the creative forces behind the performance space Mom's Basement Theater, located in Las Vegas, shares the art of spontaneity with us, how it can be a powerful tool for personal and artistic growth, and sheds light on hilarious and meaningful experiences that shape his performances, teaching, and perspective on the world. 


Queue the mermaid pants! We’ll meet you at the intersection of creativity and improv. 


On top of being a skilled improv performer, Justin is a graphic designer and Artistic Director. (Creativity runs through this man’s veins!)  As a motivated graphic designer, Green continues to learn, grow his skills, and serve the diverse communities that are so important to him. Because his theater community holds such a dear place in his heart, Green works alongside other theater owners and performers to ensure that the theater community is safe and accessible to all. “Working with a team of colleagues who believe in the same mission is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding work for me,” Green said.


Dive into the spontaneous world of Justin Green, where improv is a canvas for creativity & growth and how life lessons can oftentimes be hidden in unscripted moments.

Listen to Episode 1: Mermaid Pants in Mom's Basement with Justin Green on the Artist 10 Podcast.


Feed your brain the good stuff with us! Support our guests and the show.

Listen to the episodes on 




Follow Justin Green and see a show at Mom’s Basement Theater. Live improv shows most nights of the week. Full schedule at momsbasementtheatre.com.

Instagram @just_in_greens 


Follow the Podcast and our Team:



Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author: Hannah Heine

Editor: Jenn Hart (More About Me)




Popular Related Articles



Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.





Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.

 

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Illustration of rainbow weavers

Unblock your inspo pipes with meaningful children’s books for creative adults.


Books Before Bedtime? Every Night!  

Lately, it’s been the same set of 3-5 books, and this month’s collection is pretty colorful. I try to be mindful of what we pick, even though I’m confident our small household library doesn’t have one boring book for the kids. I think this group also has valuable messages that speak to us adults. The messages often focus on themes such as friendship, kindness, empathy, resilience, and the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness. We’ll dabble in all those and more creative well-seekers!


One child holding up a rainbow. Two children sliding down the rainbow and one child sitting on top the rainbow in a crossed legged position

My Body is a Rainbow

Illustrations by Izzy Burton

The author found a way to take us through the seven chakras, each in a way that can speak to anyone. 


Take Away: I feel good after reading this book, I truly do! It could be a nice reset for anyone, especially when feeling like an overwhelmed adult. Picture books are great at simplifying complex concepts, which can be refreshing for adults who are adulting hard every day.



No one likes a book title with a small fart cloud smiling and waving

No One Likes a Fart

Illustrations by Adam Nickel

This book follows a happy green fart looking for a very best friend. 


Take Away: Not sure this one really has a message we as adults can take away from other than kids will ALWAYS find farts funny (and so do we). So, I guess that’s the message. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and crack a smile. I certainly recommend adding this book to your list. There's something about giving things a face that doesn't have a face that amuses me so much.



A small purple cloud looking up at a rainbow. A large purple Rooster. The word fart with colored lines over the f


A blue hippo falling with a smile

Animal Colors

The Author teaches us color combos like never before! For us, we love a good polka-dot any day of the week. So, you had us at the cover, Mr. Neal.


Take Away: This book is such a fun way to learn and remember these color palettes. Blue and Red make Purple by combining a blue owl and a red rooster. It creates a whole different kind of magic! I don’t know about you, but I’d love to meet a Purple Owlster. We also learned the amount of animals that can be combined through art is practically limitless. Think of all the Zoos that could run wild from your imagination!



four crayons with signs on sticks

The Day the Crayons Quit

Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Duncan took out his box of crayons, only to learn they had gone on strike. (Except for Green, he’s quite happy with his work as Duncan’s Crayon) Each color writes him a letter, most with terms and conditions. 


Take Away: All the energy around us, negative or positive, can get stuck to our artistic tools. Pens, computers, brushes, and cameras, to name a few. When it feels negative, I start by channeling my inner Peter Pan, who also wears green and thinks happy thoughts.



a small green plant with a smile and sunshine

The Little Sprout

Las Vegas Artist!

This book follows an adorable little plant on his journey to self-love. 


Take Away: It’s such a sweet message for anyone who may sometimes let their negative self-talk win. Sprout tells us, “It’s ok to be yourself and grow in your own unique way.”



Our team was so inspired by Sprout we drew a bunch of leaves rendered as if they were snowflakes–each one special and unique!


four unique leaves







About Kate Frabbiele

Kate Frabbiele sitting with a smile and a plant

As a self-proclaimed “studio sidekick” at Hart House Creative, Kate assists in all things studio. Her even temperament and unique view of the world bring a fresh perspective to the team. That perspective shines bright in this very special segment of The Squeeze, “Kate’s Corner,” where she shares her creative insights through the eyes of her three kiddos, giving us a peek at motherhood as a creative professional. She enjoys drinking coffee, reading, writing, and playing piano with her howling canine friend, Leela Gene.



Everything we share here is meant to be helpful and inspiring. We’re speaking from experience. Please consult a qualified professional to help make decisions. You are responsible for how you choose to use this information, and we are not liable for any loss, damages, or issues that may arise. We can’t be responsible for how things play out, but we’re always rooting for your success!


Credits

Author: Kate Frabbiele

Editor and Illustrator: Jenn Hart (More About Me)

Associate Editor: Vicki Goebner



Popular Related Articles



Subscribe to The Squeeze on our little piece of the internet to get design promotions, resources, stories about other creatives, and inspiration for your eyeballs and brainstorms.





Keep creating Hartists! Follow @harthousecreative on Instagram and Linkedin.

 
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