“The Artist” (TAFKAP)

This ostentatious symbol served as a name for the musician Prince for more than five years after a publishing dispute with his recording company (Warner Brothers) left him unable to use the “Prince” moniker. Adapted from the alchemical symbol for soapstone (by the addition of a circle) as illustrated in a Dover Clip Art Book, the symbol was most likely chosen for its resemblance to the planetary symbols of Mars and Venus, making it a particularly fitting symbol for the androgynous artist.

The glyph was unpronounceable and caused much consternation amongst in the media, who took to calling him “The Artist formerly known as Prince,” a mouthful eventually shortened to the acronym “TAFKAP.”

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