Mormon Artist Gets Recognition on Huffington Post for Breathing Life into Disney Artwork

Robin Hood Photoshopped
Above: Robin Hood Photoshopped for a more modern feel. Below: Original frame from the Disney classic "Robin Hood."

On Monday, the Huffington Post published an article titled, “Artist Uses Photoshop to Breathe New Life Into Old Disney Movie Scenes.” The artist mentioned is Tyson Murphy, who also happens to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tyson Murphy said he’s been featured for his artistic style on blogs and other sites before, but that the Huffington Post was the biggest aggregate that has recognized him for his hobby of repainting scenes from Disney movies.

It was cool! I don’t really feel worthy of it or anything like that, but I’m flattered, for sure.

Murphy grew up in a large family with seven siblings, and a dad that’s known as one of the best Mormon baseball players ever, Dale Murphy. Although Tyson enjoyed sports growing up, he said he was always drawing and doodling during class and church.

A comic Tyson made for his Dad on Father's Day.
A comic Tyson made for his Dad on Father’s Day this year.

I actually get my artistic nature from my Dad, believe it or not. He’s always doodling and drawing and painting, he really fostered that with me in the same way that he fostered sports and athletics with my brothers.

After his LDS mission, Tyson applied for Brigham Young University’s animation program and later went on to work for Disney Interactive in Salt Lake City. Tyson now works as a Lead Character Artist at Blizzard Entertainment.

Hearthstone artwork
A piece done by Tyson Murphy for a recent Hearthstone cinematic.

Tyson also says his faith has affected his artwork.

My beliefs have helped me for sure… having the culture of the church and the doctrine helps give me a unique view and approach to a lot of everyday tasks.

Check out more of Tyson’s artwork on his Tumblr page.

Whitney studied Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism at BYU. She also served as Miss Utah 2009 and spent her year promoting Children's Miracle Network, fundraising for anti-bullying/suicide prevention programs, and speaking to mutual groups.