Once the U.S. Postal Service had chosen to create an Elvis commemorative stamp in 1992, 15 years after his death, eight artists were hired to evoke the singer’s personality. Working independently, the artists submitted over 60 sketches and paintings in almost every style one could imagine, each aiming to create a portrait that personified the legend himself (via the Smithsonian National Postal Museum).
The artists were not given limitations on the style or any specific era of Elvis’ life and career. As a result, many of the designs took inspiration from different outfits, career choices, and ages. The U.S. Postal Service narrowed down the submitted designs to two portraits: a watercolor painting of a young Elvis by Mark Stutzman and a more mature Elvis painted by John Berkey. After the two designs were chosen, it was up to the public to decide which better represented Elvis’ large personality.
