05/22/2026
Sooo…I’ve been so busy with school that I haven’t stayed on top of much else. I assumed I’d be out of this contest by now, because I knew it was basically a popularity contest, but thought it’d be fun to try.
I received a notice the other day that I was in the top 15 and headed to the third round! 🤗 Wow! But that seemed pretty weird since I have a small following and hadn’t done any sharing for weeks. Then I started looking at every People’s Artist page I could find. Amazingly, EVERY single artist I looked at had made it to the top 15. It just feels weird.
I’ve gone back and forth on this for a few days, but after noticing that, I’ve decided to withdraw.
I’m really thankful for everyone who voted, shared my posts, commented, and supported me through all of this. Seeing people rally behind my artwork honestly meant so much to me. ❤️
At the end of the day though, some parts of the competition just didn’t sit right with me — I knew it was set up as a popularity contest from the get go. I read all the fine print. I did not realize there would be an option to buy votes, that hasn’t sat right with me. My art is something that’s very personal to me, and I have to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel fully aligned with my values.
This wasn’t an easy decision, because I know so many of you were excited and cheering me on. And to anyone who spent money on votes for me — please know I appreciate your support more than I can say, and I’m genuinely sorry. (Send me a note and I’ll send you a print so your money was not wasted.)
I’m just starting to feel uncomfortable with it and I feel good about stepping away.
🥰 Thank you all for supporting my art, not just in competitions, but all the time!! 🥰 That support means way more to me than any contest ever could. I’m excited to keep creating and sharing work that feels authentic and meaningful to me.
- Nettie ❤️
