This Canadian is behind some of the paintings projected during Taylor Swift's massive Eras Tour

If you had told Canadian artistJohn Smith six weeks agothat he'd be looking for Taylor Swift livestreams on TikTok, he would have been "very confused."

TheHamilton resident was scrolling through social media postsover the weekend related tothe singer'sEras Tour, trying to spot the digital paintings he made for part of Swift's show.

"Now I'm very much enthralled in this world," said Smith.

Smith did the digital art and animations that are projected during two back-to-back songs,August and Illicit Affairs.

The Blank Space singer kicked off her 52-date United Statestour in Glendale, Ariz. renamed Swift City for the occasion on March 17.

In Swift's 44-song setlist, fans will be able to see the Hamiltonian's artwork towards the middle of the concert, onsongs 27 and 28.

Connectionsall started in Ontario

Smith told CBC Hamilton his involvement with the concert started with making the "right connections at the right time" in the Hamilton art scene.

He said while working with fellow local artist Kyle Stewart at the Hamilton Art Gallery, he was introduced to Matt Cummer, a former Hamiltonian who hasdone visual editingfor performances by artists such as The Weeknd,Megan Thee Stallion, Janet Jackson and Diplo.

"It is a very Hamilton-based thing," said Smith.

Smith'sinvolvement in the project started only a month ago, and after much stress and countless hours of work, his work was showcased at theState Farm Stadium Friday and Saturday, in front of around70,000 people each night.

The tour continues later this week, with dozens of shows across the U.S. slated until August.

"It definitely was stressful at times, but like an exciting kind of stressful when you're working on something passionately," he said.

'It's something I don't take for granted'

Smith said he listened to August and Illicit Affairs "constantly" while working on the digital art for them, but he also listened to Switft'strack Betty a lot, which he was originally supposed to make the artwork for.

He described hiswork for the concert as transformingfrom a beach scene into an impressionistic painting for August, andthen transforming again into a "monochromatic, more serious tone for Illicit Affairs."

Deven Anthonyhas been a fan of Swift since her debut album in 2006. He traveled from Tampa, Flo., to Glendale, Ariz., for night two of the tour on March 18.

Anthony told CBC Hamiltonthe concert was "one of the most cathartic experiences" he's ever had.

"The set, the production and the energy was something like a world movie premiere mixed with Broadway."

Anthonysaid some standoutsof the night were a transition from the songsDon't Blame Me to Look What You Made Me Do,from Swift'salbum Reputation, and the visuals in the part of the setwhere she played songs from her albumFolklore, which he said had the "best visuals."

"[Song]My Tears Ricochet showed vulnerability to the audience where August/Illicit Affairs created a captivating visual representation of the songs' words," he said.

Smith said for the work, he was inspired by artistClaude Monet and loves that period of art.

With asolo instrumental album, anunannounced Crave TV showandmusic videos all in theworks,Smith who is also a member of Hamilton bandYoung Rival is not slowing down after this milestone and said he has "a lot of project on the go."

"It's something I don't take for granted," he said. "Lots of this stuff comes down to luck and connecting with the right people at the right time."