08/08/2026
Some designs are more personal than others. This is one of the most personal pieces I’ve ever worked on.
A few years ago, God brought my best friend Charles Stevenson into my life, and over time that friendship became something a lot deeper than just “yeah, that’s my buddy.”
From late-night conversations about life, relationships, faith, and whatever else was going on, to hopping on the Xbox together and passing the time with absolute shenanigans, we’ve been there for each other through a lot. We’ve supported each other, called each other out when needed, pushed each other forward, and had the kind of conversations you only really have with somebody you trust like family.
At some point, we started talking about creating something that represented that relationship. Maybe a tattoo, a symbol, or just something that was ours.
Because at the end of the day, Charles isn’t just my best friend.
He is my brother.
So I started pulling together different things we’ve connected over through the years and figuring out how to turn all of that into one design.
To start with, you have Anakin and Vader.
For us, they represent two sides of the same coin. Light and darkness. The parts of ourselves that are easy to understand, and the parts that sometimes aren’t. Some days we might feel more like Anakin, some days a little more like Vader.
Underneath all of that is the idea that life isn’t always made up of easy choices. Sometimes you know what’s right and wrong, but protecting the people you love, carrying responsibility, or making the hard decision can put you in places that aren’t always black and white.
Then you have Goku and Vegeta, both at their strongest point.
That one hits differently because Charles and I are both combat veterans. Two fellow warriors who understand what it means to fight for the things and people that matter to you.
Obviously, our relationship doesn’t come with Vegeta screaming about how much he hates Goku 😂, but that rivalry/relationship still represents something real to us. Goku and Vegeta constantly push each other to greater heights because neither one is willing to stay where they are.
Our version of that is a little different.
For us, it’s about pushing each other toward the best versions of ourselves. Supporting one another, challenging each other when needed, competing with ourselves, and refusing to let the other person settle for less than what we know they’re capable of.
Then in the background, you have Captain America and Bucky, with the shield and the words:
“I’m with you 'til the end of the line.”
That one is probably the simplest to explain.
No matter where life takes us, how much time passes, or how circumstances change, that’s the promise.
'Til the end of the line.
And then at the center is probably the most important part of the entire piece.
The crossed swords and crest are inspired by 1 Samuel 18:1-4, and the covenant between David and Jonathan.
Jonathan, the prince, gives David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt as a sign of covenant, loyalty, and brotherhood.
The crown in the center represents Jonathan as a prince and David as the future king. The robe represents that exchange of honor and identity. The belt ties back into the same covenant.
Even the swords have their own details.
Along David’s sword, near Vegeta’s head, are the five stones, representing the stones David chose before facing Goliath.
Jonathan was an archer, so his sword incorporates a bow and arrow into the design.
None of it is random.
Every piece represents something about who we are, what we’ve been through, what we believe, or what our friendship means.
Brotherhood. Loyalty. Faith. Accountability. Fighting for the people you love. Pushing each other forward. Standing beside one another through every version of life.
And after finally showing him the finished concept, I had one more thing to ask him.
I told him I’d send him some stickers, maybe even a little poster to hang up...
but on one condition.
He has to stand beside me as my best man at my wedding. And he said "Of course."
Definitely not the traditional best-man proposal, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Charles, I love you brother.
