10/13/2026
π 1ST PLACE β LARGE COLOR! π
Iβm STILL trying to wrap my head around this one. π
This past weekend at Resurrection Island, I took home FIRST PLACE in Large Color, and I am genuinely in disbelief.
The competition was STACKED. Never in a million years did I think Iβd walk away with first place. Hell, I wouldβve been over the moon with THIRD! π€£
Iβve been doing conventions since 2017, and in all those years, Iβve only entered competitions FOUR times. The closest Iβve ever come was fourth place. A few cards here and there, but never past the second round.
And now? FIRST FU***NG PLACE. π
What people donβt always see is how often I struggle with feeling like Iβm not good enough. How many times Iβve stood in a room full of talented artists and felt like the least talented person there. How often I question my work, my abilities, and whether I even belong in the same conversations.
Imposter syndrome is a bitch.
But Iβve never stopped LOVING what I do. I love creating, challenging myself, and pushing to become better than I was yesterday.
My brother and friend Joseph Jones has told me time and time again to ENTER THE COMPETITIONS. Win or lose, place or donβt place, just put myself out there.
So this weekend, I listened.
I took a chance on myself.
AND IβLL BE DAMNED IF I DIDNβT TAKE FIRST PLACE! ππ
This isnβt just a plaque. Itβs a reminder that sometimes the only person standing between you and something incredible is the version of yourself that doesnβt believe youβre capable of it.
Iβm still learning to give myself the same credit I so freely give other artists.
To my fellow artists, friends, clients, and this incredible community Iβve built around meβ¦. THANK YOU. Youβve become more than convention friends. Youβve become family, and I wouldnβt trade that for the world. π€
And to every artist who looks around the room and feels like they donβt measure upβ¦
ENTER THE DAMN COMPETITION.
Even if youβre scared. Even if you donβt place.
Take the chance.
Because sometimes, you just might surprise the absolute hell out of yourself.
I know I did. π€
FIRST PLACE. LARGE COLOR. RESU