Ten years ago I was a sleep-deprived art student, dragging my portfolio around comic book conventions without showing it to anyone, dreading the possibility that I’d still be working nights as a security guard in another ten years. As an artist, I was good, but there was something holding me back. It was around that time that I received the same powerful message from two sources that I couldn’t possibly ignore. That message changed everything for me, and, I think, unlocked my creative potential.

I was due for my “midpoint review” at the Academy, which was a sort of check-in for advanced students. A senior instructor would take a look at your portfolio and give you some big-picture advice to help you prepare and improve your body of work with an eye toward your career post-college. For me, I was lucky enough that this review was given to me by Robert Revels, one of the most skilled and thoughtful illustrators I’ve ever met, and an ever-present influence on my artistic process.

I had also recently met my future wife, Shannon. Falling madly in love with her was an awakening for me on such a deep level that it made me reconsider all of my priorities in life and art. She believed in me so fiercely - when I felt barely confident enough to show someone my portfolio. It was a breathtaking moment in my life.

Within what seems in my memory a remarkably short period of time, both Robert and Shannon told me the exact same thing, almost to the word:

“You’re good, but you need to find your passion.”

What they meant was that I was technically proficient, I had the all the chops - anatomy, perspective, composition, etc. But my art was lacking the emotion, the personal connection, the energy - the fire - that it takes to make something real.

From that moment, I started to fight for it. I started to reach for the emotions inside of me that I had been suppressing for years to cope with grief and pain and to finally express them through my pencils and inks, instead of just drawing muscles and bones. I’m still fighting for it, but I’ve made some things that I’m proud of. And it all started because I listened.

So, thanks Shannon and Robert. This one’s for you.