One fun part of being an author for the Disney Parks Blog is interviewing Disney Design Group artists. These talented women and men create artwork found on merchandise at Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line and even Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa at Ko Olina. Each artist has a distinctive art style which has been captured in a new art program for 2013. I spoke with artist Dave Keefer, whose posters, shown above, served as a catalyst for this project.
“Before we created the ‘Believe in Magic’ program, we had many ideas for the direction of the 2013 dated merchandise,” explained Dave. “During the development process, we played off the idea of lucky versus unlucky. For some people, the number 13 is an unlucky number, but I thought the opposite. I drew a quick sketch that had an ‘always lucky’ number 13 emerging from an upside down Sorcerer Mickey’s hat. The poster concept was well received, so other artists submitted their takes on 2013.”
Thirteen artists submitted posters which became a part of an over-sized 13-month calendar. Artists created two slightly different versions of their posters for Disneyland park and Walt Disney World Resort. Patty Landing selected the lucky “Baker’s Dozen” for her poster.
“I’ve been supporting the consumables department, so it was natural for me to design a sweets-themed poster,” said Patty. “I enjoy a vintage art style, which I tried to capture with the colors and design for my poster.”
Thomas Scott used the phrase “lucky duck” as the inspiration for his poster.
“I used ‘lucky duck’ as no other artist claimed the phrase,” explained Thomas. “I wanted my posters to look unique and happy, so I designed them using my favorite high-contrast art style.”
For 2013, a new monthly pin and Vinylmation collection will also use this artwork. We recently released a set of 48 paper coasters and a set of four mini serving dishes with the art. Look for some limited edition D-Tech on Demand covers for the iPhone next year, and some online exclusive apparel items are coming to the Disney Parks online store in the spring.
Finally, you can meet artist Dave Keefer on Friday, January 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side. Additional artist meet and greet events will be held throughout 2013.
Comments
Where and when can I purchase the Disneyland calendar, pins, coasters and little plates? I love them all!
will these posters be used for t-shirts as well
Looking forward to checking in on the 29th! Will be buying up some of the new merch!!! Will look great in my home!
Steven, I missed the Dave Keefer signing yesterday. Will he be making another appearance later this month or year? I’d like to have all 13 of the calendar posters signed.
@Chris – I’m so sorry to hear you weren’t able to attend. I don’t know of any additional appearances for him at this point. I’d have to check with the Merchandise Special Events team.
Any Figment appearances?
@Sharon – There wasn’t any specific artwork created for this program using Figment. I’m hoping that you have seen this article from my fellow author Michelle Harker –
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2013/01/events-to-kick-off-the-new-year-at-disney-parks/
I’ll have to check with the development teams to see what new Figment merchandise may be found this year. Stay tuned.
The 2013 logo merchandise is spectacular! I love all of it!
I already bought the calendar because Oswald is on it. Which other items will Oswald specifically be on? Hoping all of it: the pin, Vinylmation, coaster, mini dish, and iPhone case! Love Oswald and live all the new offerings!
@Alison – I know that the Oswald artwork is one of the 48 paper costers in that set. I also know there will be an iPhone case. I’m unsure at this point if they will have a pin or Vinylmation. I believe it is something they are considering but no final confirmation / release date yet.
The posters look great, but just one question. Why is the Earful Tower used as Disney’s Hollywood Studios icon instead of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat?
@Tim and Brian – My gut tells me they chose the Earful Tower since Sorcerer Mickey wearing his hat was already being used in the artwork (better balance than having two Sorcerer Hats). A few of the design folks have been on vacation, so I’m hoping to cofirm when they return to the office.
…sorry, I should clarify…will the posters (and/or calendar) be available for sale??? Thanks!!!
I LOVE all three of these, but don’t collect Vinyls or pins (anymore). Will these be available as posters??? I *still* collect those!!!
@Chrissy – You will be happy to know that both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World versions of these posters are now available via the Art on Demand kiosks in the gallery locations.
I see that the Water Tower is being used as the Hollywood Studios logo, is the hat going away?
Loving everything as usual! Would love to get my hands on the coasters! The Minnie’s Bakeshop is to die for!! Can I get a SKU. I will have to phone order. Thanks!
@Nicolette – Here is the item number for the coaster set – 400006905598
Will the WDW calendar and vinylmation (specifically the Minnie Mouse Bakeshop) be available on the disney store website? If not, would I be able to call a WDW shop and have them ship it? Thanks!
@Sandra – The calendar won’t be offered via the online store. Your best option would be to contact Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com
Reference these item numbers:
Disneyland Resort Cover – 400006937629
Walt Disney World Resort Cover – 400006937612
The Vinylmation figures, however, will be carried each month via the online store. We recently offered the first figure as a “Facebook First” for fans of the Vinylmation store on Facebook. It is now available via the Disney Parks online store:
http://www.disneystore.com/vinylmation-disney-parks-2013-figure-3/mp/1325474/1000284/
WOOOOOOW!!! LOVE all of it!
As a WDW cast member, I’m looking forward to collecting the “13” merch.
And I’m extra thrilled to see Oswald in the mix!!!
Couldn’t 2013 be the year of Oswald??? More Oswald merch!! LOL
Aw man…Vinyls AND pins?! I just wanted the calender! I simply cannot wait for all the cool merch this year!
Comments are closed.