My Fairy Tale: How My Art Ended Up on Prince's Stage & On His T-Shirt

💜 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. 💜