In 1987, less than a year after graduating college, I was hired by legendary fashion designer and artist Stephen Sprouse as his full-time assistant. I worked with him until 1990, when his company—like so many others—fell victim to the recession. Over the years, I continued collaborating with him on various projects, in different capacities, until his untimely death from lung cancer in 2004.

Stephen was far more than an employer. He was a mentor, an older brother, and above all, a trusted friend. I created this video for his memorial in just a few days, pieced together from a suitcase full of old VHS tapes. The image quality may not stand up to today’s standards, but I believe it captures Stephen’s singular spirit. I miss him every day.