Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Danny Upshaw of Central Phoenix

Danny Upshaw shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Danny, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I really been enjoying riding my bike in the city and to other cities. I live in Phoenix and love to join all the local bike groups, here in phoenix, tempe and mesa. I’ve also started a group bike ride centered around Folding bikes. The group is mostly consisted of Brompton folding bikes which is a brand from London England. But the folding bike in a city like phoenix is very beneficial to multimodal commuters and I love sharing my experience as a cyclist in Phoenix and commuting by folding bike.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Danny Upshaw — born, raised, and still living in central Phoenix. This year marks my 10-year anniversary at a design and advertising agency based in Tempe, where I work as a video editor, filmmaker, and motion graphics artist.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me on a bike ride with friends. I started a group ride focused on a folding bike made by Brompton, a company based in London, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with them on several storytelling projects.

I’m Diné and have been fortunate to partner with organizations dedicated to sharing Indigenous stories. In many ways, storytelling has become the core of my work — whether it’s for a cycling brand, Indigenous communities, or fellow creatives and friends. I’m always looking for something worth capturing, whether through photo or video.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe a lack of trust can break bonds. When someone you expect to have your back doesn’t show up or stand with you, that alone can be enough to fracture a relationship. Still, I think time and understanding can help repair those breaks. Given enough time, bonds can be reformed — and with true understanding, they can even grow stronger than before. Interestingly, sometimes it’s a lack of understanding that prevents bonds from breaking in the first place.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I recently heard a quote from a poet I admire: “Every time I get my heart broken, I become a better poet.”

I believe that when you truly sit with your pain, you begin to understand it. If it were me, I’d try to translate that pain into art — something I could share, so that maybe someone else might see themselves in it and find comfort for their own pain.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The creative and design industries are often seen as glamorous and effortless, but they’re clouded by persistent myths that distort the reality of the work. Many believe design is purely about aesthetics, when in truth it’s about solving problems, improving user experience, and meeting business goals. Others think anyone can instantly become a designer, overlooking the years of practice, study, and refinement the craft demands. Creativity isn’t just a sudden spark of inspiration — it’s a process built on research, iteration, and persistence. Success doesn’t depend on having the latest tools but on mastering core principles and applying them effectively. While trends can inspire, authenticity and purpose should lead the way. Far from being solitary work, great design often grows through collaboration and feedback. And while passion fuels creativity, it should never be used to justify low pay, exploitation, or unpaid work. Even the value of creative projects can be measured with the right goals and metrics, proving that design is both art and strategy. Recognizing and challenging these misconceptions helps create a healthier, more sustainable environment for creative professionals.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in the zone. Whether that be on a bike ride with a good cadence and my breathing is good and i’m feeling strong and thinking about each push of the pedals and I have a clear destination in mind. I wish i could apply that to my relationships and work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unheardharmony.com
• Instagram: unheard.harmony
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unheard_harmony