20 years of Supernatural

I first started watching Supernatural in 2012 and back then it was something to fixate on while I tried to figure out what I wanted to do after high school. It stayed with me through wasting 2 years in Health & Social, then 2 years in Art & Design, and eventually 4 years in Game Art, only to graduate and still not really know what I wanted to do.

Through all of that, Supernatural was there. It gave me something to enjoy when I needed it most and carried me through mental health struggles and life in general. Honestly, I could write a 900-page book on what this show and its characters mean to me.

My first experience in the convention world was Rockwood 2018. As a big Gabriel and Richard Speight Jr. fan at the time, I was gutted when he cancelled, but now I look back and see how much that one trip helped me.

I have always struggled with anxiety, social or otherwise. So forcing myself to go and meet some of my faves, in a country I had never been to, and without my dad booking the flights for me? That was huge for me. I could barely make it to the store to buy milk alone.

Rockwood was also my first introduction to the music of Paul Carella and Jason Manns, who gave me a group of lifelong friends. Those friends went on to support each other during lockdown and during heartbreak, especially when we lost our close friend, Fries (Michelle). I think of her often, and I try to do things she would have enjoyed and I wish she had gotten to experience.

Going from being too afraid to say hi to the guys, to getting to work with them was a curve ball I never expected life to give me. I entirely blame Paul and Jason for that one, they know I cannot catch. Jokes aside, I hope they know how grateful I am. Not only has it given me a sense of purpose, but also something to feel confident about.

From there, I moved on to work with Billy Moran and eventually Richard Speight Jr., bringing me full circle. But the thing I take away most of all from this journey is the support from the fandom and their fans. I was never a well-known person in fandom, I had maybe 200 Twitter followers at the time, and I did not even know how to reply to a compliment correctly. But as much as I know the goodness of fandom, I never expected to be supported so much, from fans liking my art to the fans I have collaborated with. People I had never met before, who did not know who I was, were instantly willing to accept me into their little corner of the world.

And finally, I cant leave out RSJrFanworld and Rain.

Growing up, I always wanted a best friend. I can remember in school when my best friend at the time referred to somebody else as theirs, and I had been heartbroken about it. I could never stay friends with somebody long enough. I wanted someone who supported me, set me straight, and expected the same in return.

Eventually, Rain came into my life.

We first met at Rockwood 2018, but what I cant remember is when we first spoke. It feels like I have known Rain forever, and maybe we argued about web article releases in a past life, who knows?

So, for bringing me the one person who fights my fights, supports me no matter what, is brutally honest, and is simply there for me, I am forever grateful for Supernatural.

The show, the cast, the convention circuits, and the friends and family I have gained along the way have shaped who I am today, so here’s to another 20.

-- Beth