We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Upton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.
Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
One of the most unexpected problems that I had, and still have some times in this industry, is not being authentically me. Not being responsible enough to stay disciplined, and on top of my craft. I find it to be something that has hunted me in the past because I’ve missed major opportunities because I wanted to fit in. These decisions made me lose a lot of time and a lot of connections because of my lack of care for myself. I think now I have learned to really understand that God gave me a power and an identity to be unique. It opened my wyes to be who I was destined to be no matter what, Most importantly, not to be distracted by what everyone else thinks I should be and to follow my intuition. From my own family, parents, and even close friends I’ve gotten different ways that people have viewed me over the years and for a long time I allowed it to determine how I felt and how I moved in regards to my personal and career growth. But, coming back down to my core, really being self-aware, and knowing myself has really pushed me to gain a confidence that I always wish I had. Which was two chase my dreams with discipline, consistency, and in the end, should all be set by goals and lead by God.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Robert Upton I’m an actor, rapper entrepreneur and community activist from Chicago Illinois. I’ve done entertainment since I was nine years old I was raised on the southside of Chicago. I have been on many television shows, including the Chi on Showtime, the exorcist Chicago, PD, and many other publications, I have always wanted to be an entertainer since a young kid I’ve always liked the limelight, and I feel that the number one thing that pushes me is being a part of someone’s story through comedy, drama, and other artistic expressive ventures that delivers my message, which is letting people know life can be fun and free. The thing that I take most pride in is being an example to those kids who didn’t believe in themselves at one point in life and grew up to be whatever they dreamed of being by setting consistent goals and being tough through every obstacle. I have performed on Broadway with Denzel Washington. I have opened up for big-time names like Polo G, and other artist, I have collaborated with stars, actors, and A-Listers but I’m most proud of the person I have become, which is a man of God and man of integrity.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Discipline and Consistency. It really is that simple. However, you won’t have that unless you have your focus set on your goals and you don’t get distracted by the obstacles and the things that can take you away from those things. It’s imperative that you stay strong willed, and stay grounded. Social media is just another facet of life that requires you to give a daily attention have an imagination and being yourself. Researching the best ways to stay relevant and creating your own things at the same time a mixture of both is how I did it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding thing about being an artist is knowing that at the end of the day you’re not doing it for fame or for money, but you’re doing it to create something that others haven’t seen before or others can’t relate to. Being an artist can sometimes make you question who you are at times, and I always like to childish myself, push myself to new heights and really dream big. To see people smell or love my work is gratifying, but I also hear people critique it and not love it sometime. It’s also a testament to the duality of life and understanding that art is meant to challenge and to excite you can’t have one without the other.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @imkingconscious
- Twitter: @imkingconscious
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@robnice23