Six Degrees Of Inspiration

Whom do bold thinkers look to for inspiration? Other innovators, of course. Here, we trace one creativity chain:

Rachel Shechtman, Cube Ventures

"A serial entrepreneur, Graham Hill integrates design, function, technology, and new ways of doing business, and as a result, his work is successful and meaningful."

Graham Hill, TreeHugger

"As all great designers do, Yves Béhar combines creative out-of-the-box thinking with strong aesthetic skills and therefore creates smart, beautiful products that delight their users."

Yves Béhar, Fuseproject

"David Adjaye has opened up the architectural-style fortress with art influences and African influences, both at the institutional-building scale and in smaller domestic spaces."

David Adjaye, Adjaye Associates

"Stephen Burks is a forerunner in his sphere. From retail interiors and events to lighting, furniture, and industrial design, he is constantly pushing boundaries and pursuing firsts."

Stephen Burks, Readymade Projects

"Kevin Kunstadt and Andrew Kenney of photography gallery K&K are technical geniuses who make perfect pictures look like play."

Kevin Kunstadt, K&K

"Stephen Doyle does really smart design. He approaches problems with great sensitivity and an open mind."

Stephen Doyle, Doyle Partners

"Artist Maira Kalman has the gift of wonder and the discipline to record what she finds wonderful, whether it's a painting, a poem, an opera, or a hat."

Maira Kalman, artist and author

"Nico Muhly is a brilliant composer. He incorporates incredibly eclectic influences, from American folk songs to biblical texts to Philip Glass."

Nico Muhly, composer

"Mary H.K. Choi writes funny things that are brimming with slang but have a profundity and social urgency. She is hilarious."

Mary H.K. Choi, MTV Style

"Kerin Rose is a glitter queen and professional bedazzler who fashions molten face masks for Japanese Vogue, spike-cowl contraptions for Lady Gaga, and louche-tastic sunglasses for Rihanna."

Kerin Rose, A-morir

"Jordan Silver's passion for vintage eyewear is matched only by his extensive knowledge. He is always thinking about the next five steps he can take to grow his brand."

Jordan Silver, Silver Lining Opticians

"Jessica Gold is a 21st-century marketing and business force in the fashion industry. Her dry sense of humor and willingness to be honest are traits not often found in freelance consultants."

Jessica Gold, JG & Co.

"Heather Clawson writes the fantastic interior design and lifestyle blog Habitually Chic. Her entries are consistently interesting and great to look at; she has an excellent eye for style."

Heather Clawson, Habitually Chic

"After working as the creative director of Kate Spade for 11 years, Julia Leach has gone out on her own with lifestyle brand Chance. I can't wait to watch her realize all of her dreams."

Julia Leach, Chance

"Working with startups at Redscout Ventures, Roo Rogers looks at issues that won't enter the cultural conversation for months. He's constantly ahead of the ever-shifting curve."

Roo Rogers, Redscout Ventures

"I love the way Christine Muhlke is reinventing Bon Appétit. She finds stories that are often hidden in an obscure town or remote island and brings them to life for a mass audience."

Christine Muhlke, Bon Appétit

"Jonathan Butler and Eric Demby have transformed a parking lot into a spot for 12,000 shoppers with Brooklyn Flea. They've made mini moguls out of chocolatiers and Salvadoran pupusa makers."

Eric Demby, Brooklyn Flea

"Blue Marble Ice Cream emphasizes regional networks and yummy natural foods. The founders recently launched an ice-cream parlor in Rwanda to create economic growth. They're the sweetest gals, too."

Alexis Miesen, Blue Marble Ice Cream

"Koyalee Chanda directed the wildly popular Blue's Clues at the age of 23. She now owns a productions company, Inner Dog. It weaves nuanced humor and story lines into child-friendly material."

Koyalee Chanda, Inner Dog Productions

"Through her writing, Deborah Reber is actually changing young girls' lives by empowering them to tell their own stories, in their own words."

Deborah Reber, author

"Jess Weiner is leveraging the energy and passion of pro-girl-empowerment gurus around the world to create change. She is one of my personal mentors."

Jess Weiner, The Actionist Network

"Seth Matlins was CMO of Live Nation, but since the adoption of his kids, he's been tackling social issues. Off Our Chests is a site that helps women address whatever is ‘hating on their happy.'"