Meet Sarah Sharp: Photographer, Graphic Designer, Animator, & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Sharp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
POPPN MAG came from a previous business I started called “The POP Awards” (Professionals of Photography Awards). It was a photography contest and award event honoring outstanding female photographers. After the success of the first event, I realized that I wanted to reward the winners of the contest with something more. As a photographer, being published in a magazine is a really big deal. So I thought, “I’m going to start a magazine.” And I did just that 100% solo. I taught myself how to do editorial layouts and graphic design and 9 months later the first print issue of POPPN was created. We are now working on the 4th issue of POPPN. I started this because I wanted to give photographers a safe space to share their work even if they are just a beginner. It is a great feeling to be recognized, feel like your talent is being seen, and to feel part of a community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m unique in that I don’t just do one type of art. I got my start in the art world via photography, but I have since gotten really passionate about animation, graphic design, and illustrations. Animation is one of the areas I am most proud of because it has been the most challenging to learn. Black women in animation is extremely rare. We are like unicorns. Haha! My style of animation is stop motion, claymation, rotoscope and 2D minimalistic animations. I am completely self taught in animation so it has been a difficult and steep learning curve, but I don’t think I would have it any other way. It has allowed me to learn at my own pace and be as creative as I want to be. I only started animating about a year ago, and I’m proud to say that some of my claymation work will be in an upcoming experimental film for an up and coming young filmmaker! So I’m extremely excited about that. What I have learned is as an artist, you don’t have to put yourself into a box and only do one style of art. It is amazing how different styles of art can coexist together harmoniously. I want the world to know that Black female animators (photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators) in Houston exist and we are here to stay.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since we would be staying at the incredible Post Oak Hotel, I would definitely take them to Bloom & Bee for a delicious and boujee brunch first. Then we would head over to the Galleria to walk it off and do some serious shopping. After that, we might head into the museum district and check out the Van Gogh virtual experience or check out the museum of fine art. For the evening we might head into the Montrose area to bar hop or may head downtown and catch a show at the Hobby Center. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friend & business partner Amanda Tevyaw @therealsummerroberts . She has been down for me and believed in POPPN since day 1 and has been rolling with me ever since. She is also a talented photographer, model, and designer. Not only is she an amazing artist, but an incredible human being that deserves all the things and all of the love.

Website: poppnmag.com

Instagram: @poppnmag

Facebook: facebook.com/poppnmag

Youtube: poppnmag

Image Credits
Fuego Gatsby Rob Allen Amanda Tevyaw