National Album Day Mural Competition: Winner Announced

National Album Day 2025 is turning walls into stages. The winner of this year’s National Album Day Mural Competition, celebrating the spirit of rock in all its forms, has been announced. 

The winning design, created by Brandon Burch, will be placed on the side of The Gryphon, one of Bristol’s most iconic rock venues, in partnership with Black City Records. The design will be brought to life by artist Seán Whelan, with Brandon credited and featured across all National Album Day channels. 

The competition drew dozens of emerging and established artists. A full list of the shortlisted entries can be found here. The winner, Brandon Burch, is a freelance artist and heavy metal musician from Plymouth who studied at Arts University Plymouth. His art style draws inspiration from 19th-century etchings, with music playing a major role in his creative process. 

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

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