Prince | Andrea Mai

ART LIFE UPDATE: CREATING THE PRINCE ARTIFACTS TOTE BAG

Ever since I graduated from fashion school, I’ve wanted to create a merchandise line. At the time, I wanted to be a fashion illustrator and sell branded items, like Hello Kitty or Lisa Frank. Of course, I didn’t know how I was going to do that. As I did my research, I discovered how costly it was to design a product range and have it manufactured. I gave up on the idea as I moved onto other things.

Having made the decision in the last five year, to focus solely on my photography, the idea for a merchandise line rose again. I felt that my images could be more than just artworks hung on a wall. They could become part of everyday items, like bags and home accessories. I saw that the technology for printing mediums had advanced greatly since I last experimented with them as a student. I could print high resolution images on transfer paper and heat press them on to fabric. New ideas were born!

I bought some transfer paper and the first product I designed was this tote bag. I really just wanted a lightweight tote bag to carry my shopping, or packages I need to bring to the post office. It’s a large size, but it folds up nicely to go inside my purse. It’s made of muslin fabric. Muslin is a staple for any fashion designer. It’s a cotton cloth used to make initial samples of a design to test out the pattern. The fabric is lightweight, but tough wearing. I love the shabby chic vibe of muslin.

I printed my Prince Artifacts photo on the front side of the bag. But then I got some more ideas… I added these strips and arranged them to look like stickers. I was inspired by the way sometimes guitarists like to paste up stickers all over their guitar cases. I designed a piano keyboard pattern on one strip. I was inspired by the way Prince had piano keys incorporated into his decoration at Paisley Park. I designed my own leopard print pattern, emulating the look of washi tape. I was inspired by Prince’s signature leopard print guitar straps. And then I added a strip with the words “Love God” in Prince’s own handwriting, that I traced over from a Christmas card that I saw online. And of course, I added my own brand logo with the textile label.

The process was several weeks in the making. Initially, I thought about just buying ready made tote bags, but I didn’t find any I liked. They were poor quality and made using cheap labour in foreign countries. They weren’t what I envisioned. So I decided to design and make my own bags. I ended up making three prototypes to get it just right. First, I did a sample to test out the transfer paper on some leftover fabric I already had (from over 15 years ago when I was in fashion school!). Then I ordered more fabric, but it was different from the initial sample. I decided to wash the sample to see how well the artwork would hold up. It shrank. Then I realized that I should have pre-shrunk the fabric. So then I washed the fabric and I made another sample. My first sample didn’t have the strip of leopard print. That came later when inspiration kept brewing, and one night, I spent hours designing leopard print on my iPad Pro with pencil.

My experiences have taught me that if an initial idea doesn’t come out the way you hoped it to, don’t give up. Just set it aside. Ideas came return in new ways later on. Keep working towards your goals. I try to spend everyday working little by little towards a goal.

A Special Offer
I just listed the tote bag in my shop. As a promo offer to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Prince’s passing (April 21), I am offering free custom monogramming when you order this bag. Normally, I would charge an additional $5 for the customization. I will also throw in a freebie, two Cosmic Duo Art Greeting Cards, Comic Day and Cosmic Night, its design was inspired by Paisley Park (the cards are a $14 value). Offer will end on my birthday, May 5, 2020. No promo code needed. See here for details.

Image above: “Sewing” by Andrea Mai.

ART LIFE UPDATE: MORE #STAYATHOME & PRINCE-INSPIRED ARTWORKS

Despite my intuitive feeling that my art show might not happen this year (I submitted a notice of cancellation to the venue), I decided to move forward in action for my overall plan anyway. I used the art show date as a deadline to push myself. And now I am getting closer to where I want to be in my work. I have developed new artwork prints and product designs. The world is in chaos, but I am peaceful inside. It doesn’t mean that I don’t care about what’s going on, but I see no point in worry or complaint. I take necessary precautions where needed. I accept that this pandemic may take longer than we hope for it to pass, might as well settle in for the long haul. People are upset that they have to stay inside, questioning how real it is, how valid are the threats to justify it. I try a little everyday to work towards my goals, because I believe in making lemonade when life hands you lemons.

One such goal is working on my online art shop, adding new products and coming up with the best ways to present and package my art. In the past, I was reluctant to invest in the production of my work. I saw how others were using drop-shipping to sell their work. But after much consideration, I do not see it as a viable option for me. Perhaps it works for others, (or maybe in the future). But it is not for me. My preferred approach is hands-on. I want to be in control of production. I want make it special.

After an experience where a photo lab failed to send out my order, they allegedly lost all my prints and told me that they would reprint it immediately and deliver it to me. I do not like the idea that there could be unauthorized prints of my work floating around out there. That is why for prints that are not produced in-house, I offer a Certificate of Authenticity. In another experience, I was attending a warehouse sale for blank t-shirts from a printing company. I saw amidst the piles of t-shirts, that some were printed. Were they prototype samples for a customer? I don’t know, but it made me question; who knows where your designs could end up without your knowledge? It begs the question, how well do you know your suppliers? Do you trust that they will destroy all unauthorized samples or not sell them without your permission? That is why I have decided to produce as much of my own work where reasonably possible.

Admittedly, the audience for my work is very small. While I considered the option of using drop- shipping services like Printify or Society 6, to produce my designs and artwork, it is not a business model that works for me. Custom printers want to make a high profit margin for their print-on demand services, but they cut every corner on the cost of materials, leaving me, as the artist very little opportunity to reasonably mark up the items for a profit. The product quality does not justify the cost, in my opinion. As an artist,, I would have to be selling large volumes for this model to be worthwhile. I found the finished products very expensive for what it is, and I would have to order sample products for approval. The start-up cost would be very costly, meanwhile I could have s[ent that money and invested in my own production supplies.

I have relaunched my two Prince prints. The prints were originally produced by a lab the silver-halide method, which I love, but have decided to move on with printing in-studio. I currently have two options, mat and frame, or mat only.

The metallic paper I use to print on, reflects a subtle golden light from it when viewed at certain angles. It creates a stunning effect when viewed in person.

I also have the Prince Artifacts in a greeting card version.

And I was suddenly struck with inspiration to create these two new Prince-inspired greeting card designs. They are what I call the “cosmic duo”, as they are titled Cosmic Day and Cosmic Night. (And yes, for those of you well-versed Prince fans, Cosmic Day was an unreleased song title by Prince.) It was inspired by the ceiling murals at Paisley Park. In the sitting room area for visitors, is a painted ceiling with piano keys and a view of the night sky. There is also a version of it in the conference room upstairs. The central hall is covered with painted clouds. I find this interesting, because that is exactly what I dreamed of having on my bedroom walls when I was a kid.

I have two other Prince-related pieces. I was able to source some unused vintage Prince vinyl. It has the original Paisley Park labelling. They did not come with any record cover art. I hate to vinyl go unloved. I thought the 7-inch singles looked cool mounted on over my circle prints. So I created these two prints, and mounted the vinyl over it.

I actually have another Prince-related item that I’m working on, that I’m very excited about. I will fill you in on it when it’s ready.

Image above: “Behind the scenes” by Andrea Mai.

ART LIFE UPDATE, SPIRITS REACT TO PRINCE AT MICHAEL’S – EVP March 8, 2020

I’ve ben busy since February, preparing for an art show in May. Though it might not happen, as this coronavirus pandemic has caused school closures and event cancellations. They say that it might last until June or longer. I am not surprised though. I have not felt optimistic about 2020. The end of 2019 saw riots in Hong Kong and Paris. The virus was slowly erupting in China, and has now it has reached all around the world. I had a feeling at the beginning of the year, that things could get cancelled. I intended to lay low this year. But the art show placement was assigned to me since last year. I procrastinated working on it. Then in January, I started making plans for it. I made some decisions to grow my art business. I invested in buying equipment and art materials. It’s been a real process, something that I had been avoiding for years. Up until tis point, I’d only been testing the waters to see if anyone would buy my art. Having the art show as a firm deadline to work from, gave me the push. Otherwise the hesitation about what to do could drag on. So even if this art show doesn’t happen, it’s all work that I had to do anyway.

The biggest decision I made, that will affect my art the most, is choosing to print my own work. I bought a photo printer. I had been sending my work to print at a professional lab. I love the results that the labs give, but it’s not flexible enough for my business, logistically speaking. The cost of shipping really ads up, plus the waiting time. All the prints listed on my shop are currently lab printed. They are printed using the silver halide method on a metallic finish paper. The process involves photo paper that reacts to light. There is no ink involved. It is really the best, and I will still offer it for large size prints. I have a found a metallic finish paper that I can use on my inkjet printer that offers very compelling results. They are not the same, but it is still just as beautiful. Silver halide prints are have a super shiny finish, they are more silver toned and look very 3D, whereas the inkjet metallic is also very shiny and glossy, it leans more on the golden side. There is a subtle golden glow that projects from the paper. Below are photos of silver halide on metallic versus inkjet on metallic. The photos hardly do it any justice, you really have to see it in person.

Creating art prints and products for people to buy has a real process involved. Every detail must be considered. Decisions must take place before things can get started, as they will affect the materials and equipment that I need to buy. For instance, choosing what sizes of the art prints to offer, only until this is firmly decided, that then I can consider what my packaging options are. And then comes the sourcing, and that is one of the most crucial but challenging steps. One must envision how they will package and present their artwork to the customer, and then find the appropriate materials. Have you ever heard the saying, that God only gives you what you can handle? In the past, I have found that if I did not have the packaging ready for my online store, the sales for larger orders would not come in. I used to think that I could just wait to get an order in and figure it outtlater. But those orders never came. Then I splurged on the packaging and the orders came in.

Last week, I went to Michael’s to get a hold of a white Sharpie marker. I recorded EVP while I was in there. I rarely ever get to go to Michael’s. I could honestly spend hours in there.

These clips turned out pretty good. I tested them on my laptop speakers and you could hear them audibly. But I still recommend headphones for a better listening experience. The clips are repeated on loop.

Here is someone saying, “Hi Prince”.

I think we must have ran into some of his fans, as this one said, “I adore you, Prince”.

This one asked, “When did you die?“. P said, “2016”.

Some one said, “Orange tree… Eat an orange”. I think there must have been an orange tree there on the spirit side.

Someone offered P a drink, “You wanna drink?”.

“Orange juice”.

Someone said, “Angels in here”.

“There’s an angel”.

I spent about 50 minutes there, browsing. I had already gotten what I came for, but I couldn’t stop looking. But it was getting late in the day. P said, “It’s getting late. Gotta go”. I felt him tugging at me to go.

But before I left, Michael Jackson’s song came on, Remember the Time. The spirits there knew it was going to come on the radio. They said, “Next is Michael Jackson”.

I only bought the Sharpie and went home.

I have a collection of art prints and greeting cards coming soon. I found a really wonderful inkjet cardstock to print on for cards. The print quality is amazing. I already have one card posted in the shop. It’s the card version for my Prince Artifacts print.

These recordings were recorded using my EVP Wrist Recorder 3 on March 8 2020.

Image above: “Ink and prints” by Andrea Mai.

HE SINGS FROM THE OTHER SIDE – EVP November 8, 2019

Some time ago last year, I started composing a song on guitar. I recored some demos. When I went back to hear the recordings, I found P singing along as I played.

These clips turned out really good EVP for most of them. I tested them out on my laptop speakers, so you should be able to hear them without headphones, but for a better listening experience, I recommend them anyway. The clips are repeated on loop.

I discovered some clips where it sounded like it was more than just my guitar. I know these sounds could not be coming from my guitar! In this clip, you hear my guitar, but with something extra! Like maybe a keyboard.

And this one sounds like a xylophone, but it could also be keyboard.

P saying, “God is love”.

“God is speaking to me”.

“God, lead us home, friends”.

“God, hear us all”. You can hear a clap, right after the word, “God”. I was inspired by the beach when I was in Iceland, so I was experimenting with playing beach sounds in the background, you can hear waves and seagulls in this and the next clip.

“Take us mountain high, God take us home. Some day, some way, I’ll be home… home”. I was most stunned by this clip, because it sounds like a small choir singing.

Here’s a clip of some guitar. P says “I love you” in the clip.

I wish I had more time to devote to learning guitar and music. I am grateful to have moments like these. I often wonder what EVP I might get if I had access to professional equipment like that at Paisley Park.

These recordings were recorded using my EVP Wrist Recorder 3 on November 8, 2019.

Image above: “Black Beach” by Andrea Mai.

THE SPIRIT SAID “GOD SPOKE TO ME” – EVP January 15, 2020

During the trip to Niagara Falls, we stayed at the Seneca Resort and Casino. Normally I would not choose to stay in a hotel that has a casino, but I was using loyalty points to pay for it, and it was a great deal. It turned out that they offered free buffet tickets to its hotel guests.

It was very noisy in the buffet a lunch time, but at the same time, I got some really loud and clear EVP. That’s the thing about EVP, it’s a bit tricky to predict how well an EVP will turn out, because just the right amount of noise will actually make the recordings better to hear. But too much will ruin it. I tested these clips on my laptop speakers, and many of these are excellent. They are repeated on loop.

In the elevator, right before the door opened, P said, “We go out”.

As I was getting food at the buffet, there was a man with a service dog with him. In my head, I kept hearing this joke, “Do dogs eat for free?”. You know, ’cause sometimes kids get to eat for free at these places. I wanted to say it out loud, because I thought it was funny, but I stayed quiet. It turns out that a spirit was saying it!

P also had his dog with him. someone commented, “That’s the doggie”. You can hear a bark in the background.

Wherever we go, there is always going to be spirits asking P about why he’s with me, and if he can talk to me. P will usually tell them about my psychic abilities, even though I chose not to engage in it much. I’m assuming someone was saying this to me, “Can you hear us”. As you can see in the above example with the dog joke, yes I can!

Here is someone saying, “Hungry”.

I think that because spirits are using their thoughts to speak, they tend to blurt out things that we would consider rude to say out loud. People were saying hi to P. This one said, “You’re tiny”. “Nice to meet you”.

Here is P saying, “Sit with me”, You can hear someone calling back, “Coming”.

Here is someone saying, “You want milk?”. “Sure”.

Someone commented, “Angels in there”.

I heard P ask them, “Why do you guys stay here?”. They said, “We don’t know”.

P told them, “Pray to God”.

Someone responded, “I’ll try it now”.

Then something cool must have happened over there. Someone said, “Now it’s raining”. “Look, Prince”. “Wow”. I wonder if the rain was purple…?

They aid, “Prince you were right”.

Someone said, “God spoke to me”.

It’s incredible. These spirits finally get to know God. And we got to witness it. What a blessing!

There are so many supposed mediums out there that will tell you that the spirits say the God doesn’t exist, or that God is just some “non-personal cosmic force in the universe”, or some similar type of ting. Then they offer all kinds of nonsense spiritual guidance. This goes to show you that we should not regard everything said by spirits equally. Either they lie, or they just don’t know about God. So be careful what you listen to.

God is just a prayer away.

These recordings were recorded using my EVP Wrist Recorder 3 on January 15, 202020.

Image above: “Pink Bar” by Andrea Mai

THEY MOVED THE CLOUDS FOR ME – EVP January 15, 2020

Our hotel was walking distance from Niagara Falls, so we walked to Prospect Point, the only spot where you can see both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls at the same time. It was cloudy, windy, and very cold. I recorded EVP as I took photos.

I got some good clips, but you can hear the wind and the water in the background. I tested the clips on my laptop speakers, they are audible, but some are better with headphones. The clips are repeated on loop.

As we walked along the river towards the falls, it was very cold, and I wondered if P was cold. I imagined for him, a black sateen bomber-style jacket with black rhinestone crystals encrusted on the back that formed his symbol. Though I’ve heard that one can give gifts to spirits by thought, I never really knew if it works. P said, “Andrea, a new coat“.

He then said, “I got it, thank you”.

It was very windy, P said, “Windy”.

Then he said, “Lost my hat”. Fortunately, after that I heard someone found his hat. It must have blown away.

There seemed to be talk about P’s new coat with with the spirits nearby. Someone asked him what the symbol was, probably referring to the symbol on the coat. He said, “Love sign”.

P said, “Nice and warm”.

Someone said, “Hey Prince”.

As I was taking photos, someone said, “Like this”, and another said, “That’s pretty”.

The sun was starting to come out and there was a small strip of light appearing halfway along the horizon. It was beautiful, but I said that I wished the rest of the clouds would move so that the light could fill up the horizon. As we waite for someone to return from the washroom, I noticed that the clouds had moved and the whole horizon was beaming with light!

I heard them on the EVP, saying, “Move it away”.

It was stunning, I knew someone was helping us with the weather. After we left the park, the entire sky cleared up and it was bright and sunny. I felt really blessed to see such beauty.

These recordings were recorded using my EVP Wrist Recorder 3 on January 15, 2020.

Image above:“View of Niagara Falls” by Andrea Mai.

SPIRITS IN A CHOCOLATE STORE – EVP January 14, 2020

A couple weeks ago, we took a short road trip to Niagara Falls, New York. A typical Canadian thing to do is to drive over to the American border and go shopping. We went during a weekday in January. The Canadian dollar has been weak, and it was just after the holidays, so there was literally no traffic getting over the border, nor was there much visitors in the outlet mall we went to. It felt like a ghost town.

It was seriously, very quiet at the outlet mall. It was already long after lunch by the time we got there. The only people around were mostly store employees. I recorded some EVP while we were there. And though it seemed empty in the mall, there were probably far more spirits than mortals hanging around.

These EVP clips turned out pretty well. I tested them on my laptop speakers and they are very audible. But if you want a better listening experience, I recommend headphones. The clips are repeated on loop.

We parked near the mall entrance where the chocolate store was. We ended up buying the bulk chocolates from the Christmas clearance sale. In this clip, you can hear me counting coins, “1, 2, 3…”, and in the background, you can hear someone saying, “Hi Prince”, and then P replying, “Hi, hi”.

It turned out that the total on the receipt was $31.21. If you are a Prince music follower, then you know the significance of the number 3121. It was the name of one of his songs. One of the lyric lines were, “drink champagne from a glass with chocolate handles”. Well, I was counting out 31 cents, and the cashier realized I got it mixed up. We kind of laughed at the mistake. It turned out that so were the spirits. Here is a clip where someone said, “Mix up“.

Here is P saying, “I’m joking”. I couldn’t hear the joke, so I don’t know what was said. But you know, P is a funny guy.

P’s dog was with us. Here he is saying, “My doggie”.

Someone said, “That’s Prince there”.

Here is someone saying “Nice bag“. And then P replying, “I dream it”. From what I can tell through all the recordings I’ve heard, they can create things with their thoughts. It is like in the movie What Dreams May Come.

Having recorded so much in my experience, it is recording in empty spaces and hearing these voices, that really makes you aware that; just when you think you’re alone, you’re not.

These recordings were recorded using my EVP Wrist Recorder 3 on January 14, 2020.

Image above: “Chocolates” by Andrea Mai.

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