Conversations with Aria Joy Prichard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aria Joy Prichard

Hi Aria Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you so much for having me, it’s truly an honor to share my journey with you. Creativity has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always inspired by stories, fantasy and imagination—constantly drawing, creating, and finding ways to bring a little magic into the everyday.

One of my earliest inspirations came in second grade when my mom gave me a wall in our basement to paint on. That simple gesture of love and trust gave me the freedom to dream big. She even after that let me paint all over the walls of my closet, which made me feel like Rapunzel painting all over the walls and expressing my creativity. Fairies, mermaids, animals, landscapes, I did it all and let my imagination run wild. Every character I created also had its own story, something I still do today as I love character design.

Going into college I knew I had to go into the arts, that was my path in life and what I felt called to do. I double majored in both Visual Communication Design with an emphasis in Graphic Design, as well as Studio Art where I focused on painting and ceramics at Cedarville University. From there, I pursued a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design, further honing my craft and storytelling abilities.

After gaining experience through freelance and contract work with various companies, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business, Mermaid Friends LLC. There I create ocean themed art and tell whimsical stories through my mermaid character designs. I also bring my work to life by setting up at festivals and expos, where I sell prints, paintings, ceramics, and more.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life is never a smooth road, we all face hurdles and roadblocks that make us feel like we can’t move forward. One of my favorite quotes by Lemony Snicket states, “If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” That idea has been a guiding light for me. I’ve learned that sometimes, you have to take leaps that feel scary, make jumps without knowing the outcome, and stand in faith, trusting that God’s plan will lead you where you’re meant to go.

The journey hasn’t been without struggles. Life brings unexpected setbacks—moving, heartbreak, and even watching loved ones face illnesses like cancer. But I’ve found that true courage lies in transforming that pain into something meaningful, something magical that others can see, feel, and connect with.

A big part of my growth has been stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing my dreams instead of falling into the trap of living someone else’s. My dad has been a huge inspiration to me in this idea. He challenges me to aim higher and encourages me to be the best version of myself. In his bestselling book, The Book of Mistakes, he writes, “Be the hero of your story, not a minor character in someone else’s.” (Skip Prichard) I realized I had been dedicating so much energy to building other people’s dreams that I wasn’t fully living out my own potential. That realization gave me the push I needed to take back the reins and chase what truly inspires me—telling stories and creating characters that resonate with people and inspire them to dream bigger, too.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to call myself a “Visual Storyteller.” My work revolves around creating illustrations that evoke deep, meaningful emotions and tell stories that resonate with the heart. I’m an artist, an illustrator, and a storyteller driven by the goal of leaving a little bit of magic in the world—a magic many of us lose sight of as we grow up.

My work spans across various mediums, including digital and hand-painted illustrations, mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, and painting. I love exploring different ways to bring stories to life, whether it’s through the vibrant colors of a painting or the tactile beauty of ceramics.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to create a mood and feeling within my artwork—one that connects with people on an emotional level. I think that’s what truly sets me apart. I can create and capture emotions in my work, whether it’s sadness, joy, chaos, or tranquility, and I can make those feelings tangible and relatable.

Ultimately, what I cherish most about what I do is the ability to bring stories to life. It’s a gift to be able to create art that inspires, resonates, and reminds people of the magic still present in the world.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m most inspired by poetry, music, and movies—anything that stirs deep emotions while offering a sense of hope and a glimmer of light. As a hopeless romantic, I gravitate towards art that speaks to the heart and sparks creativity in that headspace.

As an illustrator and character designer, I also draw a lot of inspiration from kids’ TV shows. They may be made for a younger audience, but they often carry profound and resonant themes that inspire my work. One of my favorite series is Tangled The Series, created by my good friend and hero, Chris Sonnenburg. His work has been a guiding light for me in my journey. That show in particular was pivotal in helping me decide to pursue my MFA in Illustration.

The themes in Tangled The Series resonated deeply with me and reminded me of my passion for storytelling. In the show, Rapunzel’s mom gifts her a journal with the words “Plus Est En Vous” written inside, which she tells her means “there is more in you.” That message inspired me to unlock my potential and chase my dreams wholeheartedly. It’s something I carry with me in both my art and my life, and I hope to create work that helps others realize the same truth about themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mermaidfriends.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariajoy.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mermaid-Friends/100093890235431/
• Other: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/heartsleeves/list?title_no=868521