What began as a second-grade rainforest mural on the walls of her family’s basement has blossomed into a thriving creative career for Aria Joy Prichard.
The Cedarville University alumna who resides in the Columbus suburb of Powell, Ohio, double-majored in visual communication design and studio art. It was during her classes that her passion for storytelling, imaginative worlds and entrepreneurship came to life and today she is captivating audiences far beyond the canvas.
Armed with nothing but paint brushes and a head full of ideas, Prichard’s childhood was a colorful adventure.
“I remember when my parents let me paint the inside of my closet,” said Prichard. “That tiny space felt like a kingdom, like I was Rapunzel, painting the walls of my own little world.”
That moment of creative freedom left a lasting impression on the young artist. For Prichard, it wasn’t just about the painting; it was about being given the space to express herself.
As a college student, Prichard pursued a degree in visual communication design, drawing upon her imaginative ideas with artful structure and digital design strategy. It wasn’t long before her professors noticed her unique gift for character illustration and expressive work.
“I couldn’t stay away from the studio,” said Prichard. “It felt like home.”
With the encouragement of her faculty, who saw potential in her early sketchbook work, she added a second major — studio art — to an ambitious academic schedule. This move helped to position her at the intersection of fine art and marketable design.
“Cedarville gave me the freedom to explore both sides of who I am as a creative person,” Prichard shared. “It wasn’t just about technique; it was about vision, purpose and how art can tell stories that matter.”
But Prichard’s creativity isn’t confined to the studio; it’s entrepreneurial. Drawing inspiration from her father, Skip Prichard, CEO of the OCLC and bestselling author of “The Book of Mistakes,” she launched her own company, Mermaid Friends LLC — a growing brand that blends whimsical illustration with bold storytelling. Featuring a collection of original mermaid characters, each with a backstory and unique personality, Mermaid Friends is more than a business — it’s a world.
“I wanted to create something bigger than just pretty drawings,” Prichard explained. “Each mermaid is part of a narrative universe. They deal with friendship, adventure, identity — things real people experience. It’s joyful and fun, but also meaningful.”
Her website, mermaidfriends.com, serves as a hub for her vibrant universe, offering original art prints, stickers, character bios and themed collections that reflect both her playful style and thoughtful storytelling. The brand has already gained traction online, and Prichard continues to expand her audience through fantasy conventions, commissions and creative content on social media.
As an artist, business owner and storyteller, Prichard’s mission is to blend imagination with impact. “I want people to see my work and feel something, whether that’s nostalgia, hope or inspiration to create something of their own.”
Today, Prichard continues to dream big. From sketching in closets to building imaginative worlds, she’s proof that creativity, when nurtured, can become a powerful force for connection, business and beauty.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.