Looking for a burst of inspiration to fuel your creative pursuits? With countless accounts dedicated to showcasing their talents and creativity, you’d probably be shocked to find out many of them come from the Bakersfield community. Whether you’re an artist, aspiring writer, photographer, or simply someone looking to add more aesthetically-pleasing posts to your “Saved” gallery, here are five locals you should follow this year.  

1. Elijah David , Kiljoy Magazine 

The rap scene in Bakersfield, California has been on the rise and it is in part to one local magazine. Kiljoy Magazine is a local urban brand that promotes up-coming rappers and other musically-inclined artists. The owner, Elijah David, felt as though the city deserved to write its own narrative.  

“The goal of the magazine is to give a spotlight to the artists [whether] this is either their first time being recognized for their talent or their only time,” said David. It is this type of recognition that has kept a community of artists grinding for the next come-up. 

Features such as Joe Maynor and Aye Nate have graced the covers of this homegrown ‘zine. You can even find in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes moments pulled from its podcast. If you’re looking for some underground music inspiration that has been backed by expert opinion, you should click “follow” on this account.  

Instagram: @kiljoymagazine 

2. Erika Herrera, Mixed Media Artist 

Searching for an account that mixes travel with art? Well head over to Instagram and follow Erika Herrera’s account.  

You can find this Mixed Media Artist walking alongside the green hills and tall palm trees of Colombia, reviewing master studies in local art museums, or sketching a portrait of Jean Michael Basquait as she awaits her next flight.  

In her free time, she likes to settle in the ambiance of a coffee shop here in Bakersfield. With a sketchbook and pencil in hand, she immerses herself into her illustrations as she pulls inspiration from the places and faces of the town she’s resided in for several years.  

Looking to test the limits of your imagination? Take a note from the artist and test your skill by trying plein-air painting. You’ll be able to experience what it is like to paint beyond four walls. The changing weather and lighting can pose a challenge you might actually enjoy!  

Instagram: @erika.h.artist 

3. Keaton Punch, Photoshop Expert, Cinematographer, All of the Above? 

Want to Juggle a 6-jar stack of peanut butter without dropping them? Perhaps you want to cosplay as your favorite “Stranger Things” character? Maybe you want to suspend in the heights of a 20-story building? All are possible with the mind and creativity of Photoshop Expert, Keaton Punch.  

Punch has years of digital media savviness, a craft that has retained him with multiple professional titles. He does it all and more. You can spot his name on several projects in the community. 

The ice cream company, La Rosa has hired the creative on more than one occasion to be cinematographer for their commercials. In 2022, Punch was able to create a music video for local indie group, Eunith, in the heart of downtown Bakersfield .   

In his free time, he likes to get his friends together and create carefully curated photo shoots and out-of-the-box reels that show him turning an orange into a crushed soda can.   

Instagram: @keatonpunch 

4. AJ Zadora Battle-Cverle, Model 

If you want to know more about how to get into the modeling scene here in town, you’ll want to take a peek at AJ Zadora’s Instagram. The Bakersfield local has done it all!  

From working with clothing brands to killing it on high-fashion photo shoots, this 28-year-old has mastered the art of posing. One of her most recognized works was being a part of a passion project in 2020 that showcased the unity of women of all shades during a time that felt so divided.  

Zadora continues to collaborate and bring awareness of the positive influence modeling has. Zadora gives some advice on how to get your foot into the door as an aspiring model. 

“When it comes to getting into modeling, the best thing you can do is grab a photographer and start creating. Make a mood board for what style of photos speak to you, and team up with people to make that vision happen,” said Zadora. 

Instagram: @aj_zadora 

5. Britt Tapia, Photographer 

In such a digital era, it’s nice to see film photography attracting attention. With expertise in both, Bakersfield photographer, Britt, knows how to balance the two.  

While scrolling through her profile, you may feel like you’re flipping through the pages of a fashion magazine. Your eyes catch a feed of bright orange and pink. She describes her personal style as “girly and feminine”. 

Being able to know her own brand makes it easy to capture the best business shots for her clients. From family photos to couple’s shoots, and even local clothing lines, Britt has a stacked portfolio.  

“With a formal background in cinema media arts, I fell in love with movies and the art of filmmaking. Diving into that world led me to become passionate about visual storytelling,” says the shutterbug on her website. 

Although a beach shoot would make for an aesthetically pleasing post, you’ll find many spots in Bakersfield make a feature. 

Instagram: @portraiture_by_britt

From photography to modeling, these accounts will stimulate your imagination. As you continue on your creative journey, remember that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. So, go ahead, hit that follow button, and go out there and create something truly extraordinary.