Stephanie Travis is one of many artists putting their talents to the test in The People’s Artist competition, and is seeking local support to not only win, but to help get a fresh start for her family.

For Travis, the competition is a chance to not only gain exposure for her photography but to give her children something more.

“I moved here about eight months ago, and it was due to some unfortunate circumstances,” Travis recalled. “I was provided a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), and I was fully established here within three months, got me an apartment for me and my kids, and have been trying to build my photography business as I can, but I’m a single mom, one income, so I do it when I can.”

The People’s Artist is a competition sponsored by Johnny Depp that invites artists and photographers to show their work, where the winner will have their work featured in Artforum Magazine and on display at The Art of Elysium’s Salon in Los Angeles. The winner will also receive a cash prize of $25,000.

“You get $25,000, which would be a life-changing thing for me and my kids.”

Travis said the competition was one of the only competitions that try to make sure to verify everyone’s identity, so competitors are not paying for their votes. Those who get caught are disqualified.

“I went through one, I got second place, and it turned out the competitors were paying for their votes, and I got it without having to do that at all,” Travis said.

After researching the People’s Artist competition, and seeing that it benefits the art school, Travis went ahead and entered the competition. For the competition, Travis said she has three rounds to go through before the winner is announced in August.

“There are a variety of very good artists in this competition,” she said. “I’ve made it this far that I can actually see winning, and it would change mine and my kids’ lives.”

Given that she’s newer to the area, Travis said she is looking for community support to make it into the top five and advance.

“I’ve been just trying to be authentic, and I’m needing the support from the votes to get me to the top five,” she said.

To support and vote for Travis, visit https://peoplesartist.org/2026/stephanie-travis.