LICENSED ARTWORK

I was a licensed artist for Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi for about five years, working with Affinity Licensing and the Collegiate Licensing Company. During this time, I created custom artwork and sold over 25 products directly to customers and retailers. 

These products featured official designs from both universities, with trademarks licensed through Affinity Licensing and the Collegiate Licensing Company. These two companies are among the largest and oldest collegiate licensing companies in the U.S., representing over 200 colleges, athletic conferences, bowl games, the Heisman Trophy, and the NCAA.

Mississippi State University jump-started my business. I maintained three licenses throughout my undergraduate tenure and while pursuing my master's degree at the University of Mississippi. To say the least, I kept busy with balancing art, school, jobs, and many extracurricular activities.

I started with a Crafter's License for MSU, which allows individuals to create and sell items that feature officially licensed university logos, trademarks, or other intellectual property. 

However, demand for my artwork was quickly growing beyond the legalities of a crafter license. This is where it all took off.

Mississippi State University Baseball and Dudy Noble Field is where it all really took off for my small business. In July 2021, MSU won its first team National Championship, defeating Vanderbilt in the 2021 College World Series.

At the time, I had a few prints of MSU's campus, but when we won the national title, I was presented with a unique opportunity. 

The very next day, I remember lying on my bedroom floor, devastated that I couldn't be in Omaha celebrating, and I began painting the winning moment and celebration. I combined images of the dogpile and the breathtaking sunset, then shared it on Facebook.

Needless to say, it spread quickly, and orders were immediately flooding in from all over. Long story short, I worked with the wonderful licensing team at MSU to help me secure a special license for the NCAA Division 1 Men's Baseball Champions. 

It was an unforgettable moment, and the response was overwhelming. This piece became a turning point for my business, as it connected me to so many MSU fans who shared the same pride and excitement. 

Since then, my journey as a licensed artist has led to some incredible opportunities.

I've had the privilege of showcasing my work as a vendor at Bulldog Bash, Mississippi's largest free outdoor concert. I've collaborated with the MSU Office of the President to create custom stationery for the university president. I've also been honored to create exclusive artwork for the MSU Alumni Association, which is sent to donors as a token of appreciation.

Since obtaining my Crafter's License at Mississippi State, I have expanded my licensing to include the University of Mississippi. I've worked with local stores and retailers across Mississippi to carry my artwork, making it more accessible to fans and alumni throughout the state.

I've also had the opportunity to partner with various campus departments, including the Center for Student Activities, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, to create unique and meaningful pieces that celebrate the spirit and tradition of both Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi. Each of these experiences has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to connect with both communities—and my alma mater—in a special way.