How My Poster Collection Became a Lifeline: A Journey of Concerts, Collecting, and Finding Resilience
By Michael Kelman Portney
In 2012, I went to a concert and bought my first silkscreen poster. I remember looking at it, thinking, Man, I wish I had a whole house full of posters. It felt like more than a piece of memorabilia—it was art, a keepsake, and a reminder of that specific night. I’d been to so many shows before, yet I had never thought to buy one until that moment. That single poster sparked something in me, something that’s grown into a collection, a pursuit, and a source of strength over more than a decade.
That first poster kicked off a ten-year journey. It became a mission to go to as many concerts as I could and to collect as many posters as possible. This mission has driven me, giving me purpose through times of uncertainty, transition, and even difficulty. I’d always felt that a single moment—like a great concert—can stay with you, but having a physical representation, something you can see, touch, and hold, has transformed how I remember those times.
The Posters as Symbols of Experience
My collection has grown over the years, and each poster has its own story. Some are from shows I went to on a whim, others from bands I’d been waiting to see for years. Some represent nights that felt like they’d never end, filled with incredible music and energy. Others remind me of challenging times—moments when I needed an escape or found clarity in the music.
Each poster I hang up in my home is a reminder, not just of the shows themselves but of where I was at each point in my life. They are symbols of the highs and lows, the times of joy and the times I found myself searching for direction.
The Collection as a Source of Resilience
What began as a spontaneous purchase has grown into a collection that feels like a record of my own resilience. I’ve moved houses, changed jobs, and navigated the unpredictability of life, but the posters have been there, a constant reminder of something I love. They remind me that even in difficult times, there are moments of joy and connection waiting to be found. The mission to collect has kept me going, giving me a reason to look forward to the future, to keep planning, and to keep experiencing new things.
Encouraging Others to Find Their Own Mission
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my poster collection, it’s that having something tangible to represent your experiences can be a powerful source of motivation and comfort. For me, it’s concert posters, but for others, it could be anything—photographs, souvenirs, journals, or any keepsake that gives you a sense of connection to meaningful moments in your life.
I’d encourage anyone to find their own way to do the same. Collecting something that represents the highs and lows, the good times and the struggles, creates a map of where you’ve been. It’s a reminder that you’re always moving forward, even when the road is uncertain.
So, whether it’s a ticket stub from a memorable night, a journal entry from a difficult time, or any other memento that matters to you, let it be a reminder of your journey. Surround yourself with these pieces of your story. Because in the end, they can become more than just a collection—they can become a part of what keeps you going.
