When I began this mural it was to be by far the largest piece I’d ever painted, and the opportunity to bring a design that had been in my head for years to life. It was to be painted in a friends record shop, and in excitement, I agreed to do it for a fraction of its worth without signing a contract. I spent over a week working from 6pm-7am every night while the shop was closed, sleeping in my truck during the days. When I finished I was elated with the outcome, but that was soon overshadowed by the frustrations of someone I trusted refusing to pay for the work I’d done. After almost two years of giving this buster the benefit of the doubt I finally filed and won the first court case of my self employed career. Looking back I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn a lesson the hard way: Its always the ones you consider yourself close to that will try to take advantage of you.