Keith Haring died at age 31 from AIDS. His legacy includes not only his art but the Keith Haring Foundation; “to assist AIDS-related and children’s charities”.  Below: a brief letter of advice he wrote to an aspiring artist and fan of Haring’s work, circa-1987.   (Letters of Note)

Michael -

Thanks for your letter. I draw everyday. When I was 15, I wanted to be an artist so I drew all the time. It was my only visible talent.

Whatever you do, the only secret is to believe in it and satisfy yourself. Don’t do it for anyone else.

Good luck,

Keith