Behind the Design: Lana’s Crucifixion and Coachella

I created this drawing around the time Lana Del Rey played at Coachella, inspired by her iconic Coachella billboard that asked, “Has anyone else died for you?” Originally, I planned for a more elaborate design, but after experimenting with different ideas, I realized that simplicity was the key. Still, I wanted to share how Lana’s billboard, inspired by old, weathered Midwestern billboards, influenced my design choices.

Lana’s billboard takes a cue from the kind of religious messages you often see along Midwest highways—bold, weathered, and thought-provoking. Lana made it her own by referencing her infamous SNL performance with the date “Lana Del Rey SNL Jan 14 2012.” This performance faced harsh criticism—one Grammy voter even admitted that he’s never taken her seriously since then.

But despite the criticism, Lana’s influence on modern music is undeniable. I read an article that referred to the artists she’s inspired as her “disciples.” Just as Jesus’ disciples spread his teachings, these artists have built their careers on the foundation Lana laid. Her question, “Has anyone else died for you?” is a reflection of the sacrifices she’s made for the industry, enduring public scrutiny so that others could succeed.

The Design: Crucifixion and Flower Crowns

For the design, I reimagined Lana as a modern-day savior, crucified in the gown she wore on SNL—a symbol of the intense scrutiny she faced during that performance. Instead of a crown of thorns, I gave her the iconic flower crown from her “Born to Die” video. This crown represents the early Lana persona—romantic, dreamy, and a bit tragic. But like every rose has its thorns, Lana’s rise to fame wasn’t without pain. That’s why I hid a crown of thorns just beneath the flowers, symbolizing the struggles and criticism that came with her success.

This design is my way of acknowledging Lana’s sacrifices. Despite being misunderstood and often criticized, she’s influenced an entire generation of artists. This piece is a tribute to Lana’s resilience and enduring legacy.