💜 My Fairy Tale: How Prince Bought My Illustrations and Featured Them on Stage
This is a story that feels like it happened a lifetime ago, yet remains one of the most defining moments of my career. It’s the moment one of my Prince portraits made it to the biggest stage with one of the greatest legends of all time: Prince himself.
The Dream Email in 2014
It all began back in 2014 with an email I'll never forget. It was from Prince’s management, and it was the kind of message that makes an artist drop their brushes and question reality. The subject line was simple: "Prince loves your work and is interested in purchasing your art."
As an artist, and married to the ultimate Prince fan, just having his team acknowledge my work was monumental. By the end of that year, a huge milestone was already checked off: Prince became the proud owner of one of my original digital illustrations, including all the copyrights. That was already my "happily ever after" moment. I truly didn't expect anything more.
A Funkily Ever After Moment on Stage
Then came the surprise that truly cemented the legacy of that piece. During one of his Toronto concert tours, my art was suddenly everywhere!
The original illustration he purchased from me was displayed in full screen on the massive stage backdrop. And, incredibly, another painting of mine was printed in huge format on his tee-shirt.
It was an absolutely unbelievable sight. To see my art serving as the backdrop for a global icon’s performance, shared with thousands of fans, was the ultimate validation for a little artist like me. Prince ended up buying the copyright to that second image as well.
A Note on Copyright: Unfortunately, because Prince purchased the full copyrights for these two specific illustrations, I can no longer sell them myself, and the rights now belong to the Estate. This makes those two pieces a truly unique part of his legacy.
The Unfinished Project at Paisley Park
Just when I thought my story was complete, I was invited to an even more stunning project. Thanks to his team, I was being considered to personally decorate the main recording studio in Paisley Park: the legendary Purple Rain studio itself.
This wasn't just a commission; it was a sacred opportunity. I was slated to create a massive mural dedicated to the entire Purple Rain story. We started the initial sketches in January [2016]. The first feedback was classic Prince: "Not enough colours," they said! The project was paused when his tour began.
Tragically, the tour never ended.
For many of us, his passing left a heartbreaking sense of unfinished creations. For me, that feeling was tied to the very real project I will never get to complete. I will never see the mural finished, but I can share the sketches and the story of this surreal opportunity with you all.
Bring Prince’s Inspiration Home
This entire experience has been a true fairy tale. Since then, Prince has been a huge source of inspiration and my muse. I’ve painted him so many times, and I even released a sold-out book, “On The One,” as a tribute to him.
If, through my art, someone can find a bit of comfort and connection to his memory, it will be the best use I can put my skills to.
👉 Browse my Prince collection and bring home a piece of his legacy here
Thank you all for sharing this journey with me. This is proof that you never know who is looking at your work, so keep creating!
Peace, and be wild. 💜
12 comments
Thanx 4 Sharing!!! long time Fan of Prince ` past & present Truely Miss him!!` & Muzak i seen him @ Concerts but never met him but feel like he is mY Brotha!!! Supa Soul,Spirit & Kindred!! Peace :)
Through divine intervention, Ur artwork, was able to transcend Prince in2 the afterworld 4 4ever more. The floodgates of heaven has transcended in2 Ur Poplife filed with purple dreams of violets & daffodils.
LoveGod, LoveLife,LoveSexy.
Kco0L
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you for creating such beautiful pieces. What an honour for Prince to have shared your work on his stage and clothing, with his own art and craft to a global audience. I can only imagine it being overwhelming and humbling all at once. I have to congratulate you on creating the work, it’s beautiful and delicate and I’m glad to now know the story behind it’s revealing and its endearing mark on the anniversary of the Paisley Park Museum. I’d say, the best museum in the world to have your Prince portrait pieces in! Thank you again and congratulations on making such a lasting impression.
I love to see a persons art come to life through someone so known to the world as Prince. That had to have been one of the greatest highlights of your career. Congratulations!