We recently connected with Sierra Upshaw and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sierra, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Above/Below means the most to me because it was created in love. Everything happened so organically. My sister Natalie was visiting while I was living in Baltimore at the time. The moment she walked in the living room and said “we should make an astrology calendar” I was instantly with it. We started brainstorming, created mood boards and just had fun with it. This was in 2020 when we had lots of time and pandemic coins on our hands. It felt so good to create freely and have the resources do it. We got a team of artists together to execute and had a beautiful experience. Originally, it was designed to be a finite project but our vision for the brand has grown tremendously. The esoteric sciences are so rich, giving us great inspiration to create! I’m excited to release A/B’s SZN II which includes new products, media and events.

Sierra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a storyteller. I say that with much pride and conviction. I’ve been intentionally creating since middle school when I began attending the Cleveland School of the Arts. My work is authentic to my experience and even when it isn’t obvious spirituality is implemented in all that I do. In the age of personal branding, being a true individual makes me so proud. I love being myself! No filter. No image. My latest season of ‘UPSHAW’ will be released on Youtube this spring and I’m excited for my audience to connect with my mind in this vulnerable way. People should know that, like my work, I am an original and have no desire to be anything else.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I encourage the collective to support art they enjoy without hesitation. Don’t wait until someone is popular or “verified” before you share their work or purchase from them. I find that people feel uncomfortable publicly supporting someone who isn’t popular and are way too comfortable joining the bandwagon even when they don’t personally enjoy the person/movement. This behavior leads to mediocre everything because creators are only encouraged to make projects that are trending. It’s tired and uninspired. I welcome a renaissance throughout every art form. We all benefit from quality art so let’s support each other even at the ground level.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

After struggling in LA I had to learn that the traditional route is not my path. I’m not for Hollywood and they are NOT FOR ME. I want what God wants for me and refuse to force my will onto something that isn’t for my highest good. I’ve learned that although my dream isn’t manifesting the way I previously envisioned that doesn’t mean it won’t come true! I’m reimagining what it looks like to be an artist at this time. It’s truly a new life and I’m up for the adventure.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierraupshw
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sierraupshw
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/abovebelowstore

Image Credits
Rachel Zahm @thelifeofrayzahm