in last year, my broseph James finally got into the school that both of us have dreamed about getting into- California Institute of the Arts, aka CalArts. It's been a rough amount of years for myself, haven't decided if I want to get into the school now. But I am happy that he finally did it.

I don't often bring up a lot of my friends on many occasions, but James has been the one friend who's endlessly supported my art, gave me an ear to hear my troubles, and was willing to do what he had to when I was falling into my deepest problems last year and this year; I'm alive because of him. I consider him my brother!

So the story goes that in my lowest point of my depression, James asked me if I would try out Grand Theft Auto V and Ori and the Blind Forest to take my mind off all my problems. So he shared his steam account so I could give them a look, and on the side I noticed he never made a steam profile image. After some time playing those games, I was inspired to make him a profile picture.

James tends to be a very pacifist and chill dude, so in humor I imagined him with this sinister look; surrounded by flames. I am glad that the absurdity won a lot of people over! He loves the piece, and friends among both of us have given me compliments on it.

Another great friend that I wouldn't know what to do without them!

The link to his Youtube Channel is in his name on top, but I personally recommend checking out his passion project and the videos of his sketchbooks-

Thomas James Heelis - GAPA Foundation scholarship submission
James Heelis - Calarts Sketchbook 1 2017 - Accepted
James Heelis - Calarts Sketchbook 2 2017 - Accepted

art by Matt "Wretneck" Billingsley, 2017