#imrobinthisjoint

- This song came on on the way to opening night and it really just underscored the feelings I had of arrival, confidence, and unabashed success. So it became the theme song for this outfit and my night. -

Opening Night at SEAF is statement night for me: With it being the first time people see me with my artist badge on, I want my opening outfit to show people exactly who I am. Every year has been different: Year One - I wanted to show up and show off; I'd finally made it and wanted to feel like it // Year Two: I'd been busting the butt all year and felt I earned the right to say I meant business when it came to my art - so I donned an open blazer and high end accessories, a boss uniform.

But this year was a little tougher than the last two: People tried to tarnish my artistic character; I had to realize that and say goodbye to some that left me blowing in the wind...It felt like people made it clear they wanted me to disappear and that others were fine with me disappearing. And honestly, if you asked me 10months ago, I wouldn't even be sure I could tell you I'd be around to see 2023 at all. But despite all that, I was here - in 'real life' and at the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival for the 3rd time in a row.

So for 2023's opening night fit, I wanted to be as visible as possible - a reminder to myself and any opps that I’m not just here, I am a presence here.

 Something about this look was gonna catch that eye: the eyeliner (which really tried to play me but I was able to corral), the sweater (which I incorrectly thought would work as a dress but gave it that Ariana Grande vibe by wearing a sky high mini underneath), the nails, the shoes or the “so wrong its right” socks that I wanted to pop off the rest of the look. I wanted to be wear something that would make me stand out in the crowd because *I* am a stand out.

And, of course, in a sweater by @imrobinthisjoint​ emblazoned with affirmations of creativity and black excellence, I wanted to put on unapologetically for the kids that look like me in the art world, especially when I - a black artist - was displaying a piece shot by a fellow Black artist (the great @lamargphoto on IG), and doing so on a big stage in the shadow of experiencing the socially familiar attempt to write Black creative voices out of the story. So while I wore the sweater to represent, I also wore it as a reminder to myself that all the affirmations printed loudly on it were true about me: They are so impressed; I am divine success; and I did, I do, and I will craft that success my way.

I wanted to show those that tried to overlook or undercut me that your girl is present and in a big way and is impossible to miss. And if you're seeing me here it's because I belong here. Now let's get back to businessz shall we? On to the next one.

I made a whole slew of gifs in collaboration with GIPHYArts in preperation for this years' midterm elections! I hope you all got out there and voted/mailed in your votes!

These animated stickers were created to encourage people to vote for the recent 2022 midterm elections.