Based in San Francisco, CA, Upper Playground is the leader in today’s progressive art movement with its innovative apparel and accessories line and art galleries. Since 1999, Upper Playground has been recognized as a catalyst for the fusion of fashion with fine art. UP apparel and accessories are designed by local and international artists including Sam Flores, Jeremy Fish, Estevan Oriol, David Choe, and Alex Pardee. The Upper Playground collection is sold in over 300 boutiques worldwide and online. In addition, Upper Playground has stores and galleries in San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, New York, and London. http://www.upperplayground.com/

In 2006, Upper Playground teamed up with Estevan Oriol. Estevan’s road to success as a renowned photographer and director has been filled with many twists and turns, but his hard work, dedication to his craft and natural artistic gifts has made the colorful journey a huge success.

After working as a nightclub bouncer and beginning as a tour manager for House of Pain and Cypress Hill, his dad gave him an old 35mm Minolta camera so Estevan could document his unique life experiences. And did he ever. In touring for about 13 years, he visited 44 countries and crisscrossed America multiple times. In the process, Estevan took more than 100,000 pictures – covering everything from behind-the-scenes looks at hip-hop concerts to lowriding culture, inner-city life and beautiful women from all cultures.

Although Estevan’s father, Eriberto Oriol, is also a photographer, he never imagined that Estevan would follow in his footsteps. And although they share an artistic eye for capturing glimpses of life in the way most of us don’t see them, they also have their own unique styles. Having a unique style is something that Estevan says is what separates the true artists from the wannabes.

Today, still shooting with black-and-white film, Estevan shoots for a number of publications. His book, L.A. Women, was published last fall, he collaborates with Upper Playground, has his own Joker Brand clothing line with Mister Cartoon, and he has directed about 30 music videos. As a photographer, director, businessman and family man, he sees new opportunities each day … and he can’t imagine ever slowing down.

Read exclusive interview with Estevan Oriol here.