“… In addition to the aesthetic pleasure one receives from Stevland’s work, there is also always the keen sociopolitical aspect of her paying homage to particular and overlooked legends, rendering them immortal in a very distinct way. I look forward to seeing Stevland’s work reach the broader audience it deserves.”
Robert Jones, Jr.
Author of The New York Times
bestselling novel,The Prophets
NOW AVAILABLE!
Cultural Royalty Reimagined.
Portraits of Excellence is a vibrant “art gallery in a book” celebrating 50 Black creators who shaped our world—from icons like Prince and Janet Jackson to unsung pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Dapper Dan.
Each full-page portrait blends the nostalgic charm of Saturday morning cartoons with the timeless nobility of classical Greek busts.
A must-have collection for art lovers, music fans, and educators seeking a bold, honest look at pop culture history.
“I’ve known Aimee for almost 30 years. This project is exciting (and so necessary) for many reasons.”
Arlan Hamilton
Investor, Culture Shifter,
Founder of Backstage Capital
Unique Art Style
Saturday morning cartoon charm meets the nobility of classical Greek busts to create playful yet sophisticated portraits that celebrate the individuality and recognizable character of each cultural icon.
Visual & Cultural Keepsake
128-page hardcover book designed as a collectible, coffee-table book with editorial-quality design and layout.
For All Ages & Interests
Bridges art, pop culture, and history, engaging readers of all ages who appreciate visual creativity as much as cultural insight.
Purpose in Every Purchase
Half of all net proceeds from the book will be directed to a Black-led cultural institution, ensuring this work continues to give back to the community it honors.
Available Now at These Online Retailers
| Amazon US | The Great British Book Shop | BookVault Shop (UK) |
| Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon DE |
| Amazon CA | Amazon NL | Amazon BE |
| Wholesale Options | ||
↑ Or direct from the artist. ↑
Buying direct cuts out the middleman, ensuring more of your money goes directly to the support of Black-led cultural and educational organizations.
Why I made this book
“I created Portraits of Excellence to be the collection I wished had existed when I was a kid. Growing up, I rarely saw artwork celebrating my musical heroes in mainstream cultural media. Years later, after witnessing more anti-Black bias in my own career, I decided to take a more active part in creating change.
Through the artwork in this book, I hope to offer a visual record that honors the humanity, creativity, and influence of Black creators, while inviting readers of all ages to acknowledge, learn from, and be inspired by their essential role in shaping American culture.”
– Aimee Stevland, artist and author
Help Me Choose Which Org to Support!
I intend to share half the net proceeds from all book sales to Black‑led cultural and educational organizations, supporting the next generation of artists and innovators. I’d love your input to help me decide where this support will go.
Blogs: The Journey to Excellence
The Inspirations, Early Drawings, and Moments That Shaped This Tribute
Immerse yourself in these iconic artists with this curated playlist. Over 8 hours of excellence!
About Portraits of Excellence
At a time when libraries are being defunded, museums politicized, and Black history erased, Portraits of Excellence serves as a heartfelt cultural preservation project and a fresh, visual resource celebrating Black artistry.
Artist Aimee Stevland reimagines cultural royalty, blending Saturday morning cartoon charm with the nobility of classical Greek busts. This growing series invites students, educators, journalists, publishers, and art lovers to explore, learn, and share this vital truth: Black creativity is the heart of American culture.