The Story Behind The Mural - Overcoming Doubt and Fear
- Junior Gomez
- Dec 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Creating art often seems like a solitary endeavor, but the reality is that artists confront their fears more than you might think. This mural project was a significant challenge that pushed me to rethink my own beliefs about what I could accomplish as an artist.
At the beginning of 2023, I made a commitment: to face every challenge head-on, no matter how uncomfortable it felt. My goal was to embrace uncertainty and explore the unknown, not knowing that this promise would lead me to a life-changing experience.
Meeting Rich Moyer
Everything changed when I met Rich Moyer, the owner of Pinhouse, Hoppin Brands, and Two Scoops Ice Cream—popular spots in Charlotte. We first connected during a basketball game, where I casually mentioned my dream of painting a mural at one of his locations. To my surprise, he responded, “I’ve got something for you.”
Rich had a vision he had been nurturing for years: Charlotte's first illusion mural, where viewers would appear to stand on a plank above the city skyline. At first, I laughed, unsure how I could pull off such an ambitious project. But deep down, I felt a spark of excitement that signaled this was a challenge I wanted to tackle.
Embracing the Challenge
I told Rich that I needed a few weeks to study perspective and understand how to create the illusion. I immersed myself in research, exploring new techniques and artistic styles. Over a couple of weeks, I created a concept sketch that incorporated Charlotte’s iconic skyline. When I shared it with Rich, he loved it. We set a start date, and reality struck.
The Week of Doubt
The week leading up to the mural was one of my toughest experiences. I wrestled with doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety. My mind raced with questions: “What if I can’t do this?” I almost called Rich to back out. Instead, I confided in my close friends and partner. Their encouragement was powerful. “You got this, Joon,” they reminded me. Their belief shifted my perspective and renewed my confidence. It became clear that I wasn’t alone; I had a support network ready to uplift me.
The Reality of the Project
When the project kicked off, Charlotte was facing a scorching 95-degree heatwave. I found myself painting on concrete with no shade to escape the sun's relentless rays. The conditions were physically demanding—I worked 10 to 12 hours a day for ten straight days. Despite the heat and exhaustion, I refused to quit.
The Final Stretch
As the days progressed, I encountered various obstacles, from the intense heat to the intricate task of crafting an optical illusion. Each brushstroke was a battle against my own self-doubt. However, with every challenge, my determination grew. I began to trust my instincts and leaned on the skills I had developed over time.
On the tenth day, I finally stepped back to view my work. I saw it: Charlotte’s skyline emerging from the illusion, complete. The feeling was beyond words. More than just a mural, I had conquered my fears and self-doubts.
The Impact of the Mural
This mural is not simply a piece of art; it encapsulates a journey of self-discovery and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder that stepping out of our comfort zones fosters incredible growth. The illusion mural has become a beacon of what can happen when we confront our fears boldly.
A Final Reflection
This experience reinforced the truth that all artists encounter their fears, often silently. The process of creating this mural highlighted the importance of belief—in oneself and in the support of others.
Next time you admire a mural or any artwork, consider the story of courage, vulnerability, and triumph behind it. Embrace your challenges, as they might lead you to uncover your true potential.
The mural stands as a source of inspiration, not just for me but for everyone willing to dream and create. Let it remind you that overcoming doubt and fear is achievable and essential to your artistic journey.
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