We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sean “Shiz” R. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sean “Shiz” below.
Sean “Shiz” , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My first initial path for connecting my professional experience was through wardrobe design and makeup for film from my business in the arts “Sickwise”. I knew i wanted to pursue it more when i realized my skillset was growing, and I saw ways behind the scenes to hustle and connect myself with the right people. Back in the early 2000s, you could get on a set with just being talented and having alot of promo pics. I had pictures of myself, my work, the work i did for others, plus a resume filled with experience in many things that producers, directors, and leads needed me for. I knew when i met with these professionals I could show my multi-talented skills and network myself to the next set, job, or producer in charge who could hire me or just have me on set
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Sean “Shiz” R, Founding Artist/Chief Creative Baron of “Sickwise”, I am a West Philadelphia-bred powerhouse of talent, creativity and experience in the Arts. Equipped with a wide range of skills from Mix-media Artistry, Digital Marketing and Design, Painting, Hand-Crafting, Fashion Design, Styling/Wardrobe, Grooming and Makeup for Film, Creative Directing and many years of experience as a Writer and Recording Artist. With “Sickwise” he marries an Urban Creative & Street-Inspired background matched with professional readiness in the Arts, eager to connect with other Business Colleagues, Artists and Influencers. At Sickwise, we bring a wealth of experience to the world of creativity and the arts. With a passion for design, hand-crafting, grooming, and a flair for mix-media, we have honed our skills over the years to become experts in various facets of artistic expression. Our journey in the arts extends beyond the creation process, as we also offer invaluable assistance to the community and fellow creatives and professionals. From guiding artists through their projects to providing creative direction for shoots, productions, and events, we excel in curating unforgettable experiences. Our expertise encompasses everything from selecting the perfect locations, to meticulously managing logistics and overall project details. After a brief stint at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I studied Design and Art History, I created “Sickwise” in 2011, then being a Wardrobe/Custom Designer for Film, opening up my Artist experience more, later doing Makeup & Special Effects. With many years as a Freelancer, I was chosen to assist many productions and Films assisting on set for many Actors, Actresses, and On-Air personalities. Moreover, Designers for (New York Fashion Week) NYFW, years later becoming a Fashion Week Partner in 2018. With a star-like personality, filled with my confidence, I connects with the Art and Culture community and everyday working class, to engage others with this creative collective I tend to passionately.
Under Sickwise’s umbrella, I have helped curate 3 other business/entitites all ran under and mixed in with our Art House.
“NOIREM” an urban-creative Design & Art brand, where he utilizes his skillset for Fashion Design, Textiles, and Digital Art.
“THE U-CITY ART WALK” an event and online artist platform that engages and uplifts the small business and Art & Culture community, also mirroring “THE U-CITY ARTS FOUNDATION” which focuses on more community and assistance for artists and our community partnerships.
Sickwise is also responsible for it’s creative directing efforts for “KIDZ FIRST PROJECT” also a non-profit geared towards uplifting and assisting the community and children.
In this past Fall 2023 I haVE recently showed my design brand “NOIREM” in New York Fashion Week, for Fall 2023, prior to being one of the first brands from Philadelphia to be featured on Fashion Week Online’s New York Fashion Week Calendar to the entire Fashion Industry. The show was also featured in “El Periodico Adoquin” a publication in Puerto Rico featuring the brand and the fashion collective from Tiny World Model by Juan Colon. I have also partnered “Sickwise” along with The U-City Art Walk with over 10 new companies and entities from the end of 2022 to the current year to date.
My experience and creative talents has led to recognition and work all over the tristate area, as well as the West Coast for my contribution to Styling Assisting for BET Networks and VIACOM. My community work and Fashion background work has also been seen on many productions, and TV programming such as 6ABC Action News, MTV, PBS, VH1 and in publications such as JET and The Philadelphia Daily News.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to know and have some business experience behind my work. I take pride in doing all my administrative things, and having the mindset to sit on my laptop and make things happen in the cyber world and internet. These efforts have allowed me to connect myself with business funding through grants and awards through many honorariums. Being an Artist, it’s not merely just how many pictures or designs i can create or sell, but to be able to market and position myself in ways that will engage my audience better.
Have you ever had to pivot?
During the 2020 season, amongst the pandemic was the biggest pivot I had to make. I was working freelancing on Set, and working part time as a health professional for the YMCA, when everything closed down, and i had to figure out what to do to sustain myself. I went from freelancing to building a community based artist and creators platform “The U-City Art Walk” where I started to put on my own event programming, engaging the community, and providing a space for vendors, artists and creatives to join and sell their own products.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sickwise.com
- Instagram: @mynameisshiz @sickwiseofficial @theucityartwalk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theucityartwalk
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/seanshizr
- Twitter: @mynameisshiz
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/mynameisshiz