The Fan Art That Made It Into Journey’S Limited Vinyl Sleeve

April 2, 2025

At dawn, the city of San Francisco was bathed in soft hues of orange and pink, but inside her small apartment, Mia was still lost in a world of colors and melodies. She had always dreamed of being an artist, pouring her heart and soul into every brushstroke, but her true passion lay in music. When Journey announced a contest for fan art to be featured on their limited vinyl sleeve, Mia felt a spark of hope ignite within her. It was a chance to blend her two greatest loves—art and music—into something powerful and meaningful.

For weeks, Mia immersed herself in creating her artwork. The contest called for a design that captured the spirit of Journey’s iconic song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” To her, the song was more than just a melody; it was a lifeline during her toughest moments. As she painted, she envisioned people from all walks of life, holding onto their dreams while navigating the winding roads of hardship. She painted vibrant cityscapes under starry skies, filled with silhouettes of people reaching for their dreams, embodying resilience and unity, just like the song itself.

After countless late nights spent perfecting her vision, Mia submitted her design, but she felt a swirl of anxiety. What if no one noticed her work? What if her art was just one among thousands, lost in a sea of talent? Still, her heart clung to the hope that maybe, just maybe, her art could resonate with someone. When the day of the announcement arrived, Mia could barely breathe. Gathering with a group of her friends at a local café, they eagerly watched the live stream of Journey revealing the winning design. When her name echoed through the speakers, Mia’s heart raced, and tears of disbelief filled her eyes. She had done it—her art would be featured on the vinyl sleeve.

The moment her artwork was unveiled to the world, something shifted in Mia’s life. Her phone buzzed with messages of congratulations, and social media was flooded with people celebrating her achievement. Journalists reached out for interviews, and before she knew it, people were eager to follow her journey as an artist. Mia’s work resonated with so many, and she received countless messages from fans who shared how her art inspired them. The connections she made through her art breathed new life into her career, and she realized that her dreams were not just fantasies anymore; they were becoming her reality.

With newfound determination, Mia poured her energy into her art and music, collaborating with aspiring musicians and artists in her community. She started hosting workshops, teaching young artists how to express themselves through both mediums. Mia found joy in mentoring others, encouraging them to pursue their passions with the same fiery dedication that had driven her. The experience taught her that art has the power to inspire not just the artist, but everyone around them.

As the sun set over San Francisco, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple once more, Mia reflected on how far she had come. From the girl who feared her art wouldn’t make a difference to the artist whose work inspired an entire community, she understood now that resilience and passion could create waves of change. Every brushstroke was a testament to her journey, and she vowed to continue using her art to uplift others, reminding them to never stop believing in their own dreams.