We're ditching the gatekeepers in design
and craft!
We're a crew of solo creators and entrepreneurs who believe everyone deserves a shot, regardless of who you know or how much $$ you have.
Breaking Down Barriers
We see way too many talented folks shut out because of things like cost, lack of connections, or just a feeling that they need a certain level of skill just to start. We believe your passion and
drive are all you truly need to
get started!
Empowering Everyone
The Level Up Project is designed as a community hub for everyone, from seasoned professionals to complete beginners. We offer support, encouragement, and a chance to connect and learn with others, regardless of where you are on your creative journey.
Learning Made Accessible
We host a series of virtual workshops across a wide range of creative disciplines. The best part? We prioritize affordability, with free and low-cost options so everyone can join. No fancy studios, expensive equipment, or prior experience required – just willingness to learn and grow!
Paying It Forward
We use a redistributive pricing model for our workshops. This means those with more resources can contribute a bit extra, allowing us to offer free materials and keep costs low for everyone. It's about creating a cycle of support and opening the door for a wider range of voices to be heard.
Our Team
Allison Samuels
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
TASNIMA TANZIM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Furthering Our Reach
Once we have covered our administrative costs (i.e workshop leader fees, materials), we use a portion of our proceeds to support organizations we believe in
Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Collective
We are proud to have donated 15% of our Session 2.0 proceeds to Black Trans Femmes in the Arts Collective, a community-based arts organization that creates spaces for the production and preservation of Black trans art. They organize programming that centers and highlights Black trans femme artists, executive produces projects led by Black trans femme artists, and provides direct support to Black trans artists.
One of our major focuses at TLUP is making art more accessible, so supporting BTFA Collective is a no-brainer. Check them out for virtual events, resources, and to learn about the artists they support.
Arts Business Collaborative
We are proud to have donated 50% of our Session 1.0 proceeds to Arts Business Collaborative. This organization offers technical assistance and research to improving the quality of life of people of color through the arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). Their programs focus on the underlying factors that affect quality of life for people of color: access to capital, access to networks, access to training, and entrepreneurship.
ABC offers two main services that systemically support economic mobility and stability to improve the quality of life in communities of color through STEAM: the Grassroots Action Project and the Rising Tides Research Institute.
#MAP4Youth
We are proud to have donated the other 50% of our Session 1.0 proceeds to #MAP4Youth. This organization moves resources to build youth leadership through mutual aid projects, founded by Mariame Kaba & organizers behind Project NIA. Mutual aid is when people get together to meet each other’s basic survival needs with a shared understanding that the systems we live under are not going to meet our needs and we can do it together “right now!”
Mutual aid projects depart from these norms of charity, social services and non-profitization. Learn more about what mutual aid is, and its importance in supporting hyper-local communities.