If you’ve been reading the Disney Parks Blog over the past couple months, then you have probably seen a few of my recent posts featuring some of our Disney-inspired artists. This month’s “The Art Of” series will feature artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, who over the course of the year have created some very nostalgic and classic Disneyland park 55th anniversary pieces. I’m so excited to showcase some of these new pieces right here on the Disney Parks Blog. I guarantee you, if you’re not already familiar with some of Kevin’s and Jody’s recent works, after this, you’ll be fans forever. I hope you enjoy this insider’s look at these two artists, as much as I enjoyed interviewing them.
Michelle: Our Disneyland Resort Guests have gotten to know you through your Disney-inspired art and collectible merchandise. How would you describe your art style for someone who has never seen any of your work?
Jody: We hope that the majority of our collectibles do not reflect our own personal style. We work very hard to keep own “fingerprints” hidden and really showcase the original design of the item we are replicating. If we’re adapting the design into a new medium, like a teapot or a stained-glass lamp, we place the design esthetic into a particular time period, such as Art Noveau, Craftsman, or even Post Modern, that will compliment the original design. More than style, I hope we’re known for aspiring to a high level of authenticity.
Michelle: Your collaborative partnership has served you well. How long have you been working together and what is the spark that ignites each Disney project?
Kevin: We started working together in 1990 as designers in the Disneyland Entertainment Art department. Since then we’ve created all kinds of things for Disney from illustrating books to designing toys and, of course, Theme Park entertainment. Everything we do starts with a ton of research. The “spark” might come from seeing a beautiful background from an animated film … or a grainy black and white picture of a long lost attraction sign!
Michelle: You bring out the collector in all of us with your anniversary themed merchandise created to celebrate iconic Disneyland park attractions such as The Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean and most recently for the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in 2009. Your soon-to-be-released collection to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park will debut on July 17. What is it like to work on these milestone projects that bring back fond memories, for both Guests and Cast Members, and also inspire new ones?
Kevin: Well, it’s no secret that we’re big time Disneyland fans. We always start out by asking ourselves what WE would like to own. The Enchanted Tiki Room, for example, is so near and dear to our hearts that naturally we’ve put the spotlight on it quite a lot. The opportunity to research and create a new item within the original design esthetic is enormously fun. It’s the next best thing to traveling back in time to our own childhoods.
Michelle: With so many projects behind you including a one-of-a-kind auction lot of the “Hat Box Ghost” created for the inaugural D23 Expo, what can we look forward to seeing from you next?
Jody: We’re releasing many exciting 55th Anniversary collectibles throughout this summer, including true replicas of Walt Disney’s personal Main Street vehicle, Harper Goff’s first concept for the Jungle Cruise boats, and the classic Fantasyland Pirate Ship that we all fondly remember. Later this year, look for items commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club television show. We’ve just begun concepts for Disney California Adventure park’s Buena Vista Street and Cars Land merchandise – and the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! With both of us growing up in the 1970s, we have many good feelings for the early years of Walt Disney World!
Michelle: Do you have a list of dream projects you would like to develop?
Kevin: Wow, I would love to create more items from my favorite Disneyland attractions that no longer exist, like Adventure Thru Inner Space and America Sings. These attractions made my young imagination soar!
Jody: When you’re a kid, it’s easy to take for granted certain experiences will always be there for you. Since Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade went away, I became very inspired to design a new nighttime parade for Disneyland, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since – it’s something I would really love to do some day!
Tip: Jody and Kevin will be on hand at The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. on July 17, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a special appearance and signing, along with Artists Dave Avanzino and Noah. If you’re interested in learning more about 55th Anniversary inspired merchandise, click here.
Keep an eye out for next month’s “The Art Of” series.
Comments
Can’t wait to come and get the tea cups! Still wishing I could get the boxed set the guys made for the 50th anniversary! So awesome guys! Great job and look forward to seeing you!
Is there anything special going on at the park aside from the new 55th merchandise? I can’t find any information on any Disney related websites.
These two are amazing. Their design skills are so diverse and it is so exciting to see what they will come up with next. Also, being an artist with Disney does keep us young at heart! I feel privileged to get to be a small part of it! Jody and Kevin have been an inspiration to me for many years! Keep up the magical designs!
I love Kevin and Jody’s pieces. I would love to see some extinct attractions and more ride vehicles. I would love a doombuggy the scale of the Mr Toad’s car with the bat stantions and moving walkway. I would also love a piece with the peoplemovers going inbetween the old circle vision and monsanto building like the postcards. Or maybe a model of the innerspace microscope with the snowflake background similiar to the rocket to the moon piece Kevin and Jody did for the 40th event. Keep up the good work guys!!!
If you are hoping for replicas of some of our beloved attraction vehicles, then keep watching our Disney Parks blog in the coming months. I think you’ll be very excited to see what we have “in store.”
I will be at Disneyland on the 55th birthday weekend. Will these items be available off the shelf or will I need to wait in special lines like the 50th birthday merchandise?
I would definitely plan on there be a queue/line for the 55th Anniversary product and for the event at The Disney Gallery that morning. As I’m sure a lot of Disney enthusiasts will be in attendance.
Did Kevin and Jody design the really cool retro Disney merchandise that came out in, I think 2007? It had aqua backgrounds and retro looking cartoon pictures of characters from the older attractions like the Yeti from the Matterhorn, Spaceman by Rocket to the Moon, Teacups etc. The colors were beautiful and I have a photo album my son bought for me. Oh, I just looked @ the back and they were for the 50th Anniversary!
Similar question to those above me, but more specifically, will this only be available for purchase inside the park, or will I be able to purchase these at the World of Disney?
Disney DelivEars is a good way to get merchandise that is at the park that you neglected to pick up while visiting or just can’t get there due to distance.
I hope these will be available through them.
Obviously, working as Disney artists must keep you young at heart and young everywhere else… they say they grew up in the ’70s but both look like they are about 22. I think I need to become a Disney artist to stem the aging process.
Love their stuff, have some of it already, looking forward to the new 55th Anniversary merch.
Kevin and Jody’s creations for the 40th Haunted Mansion Anniversary were amazing! I really enjoyed their presentation at the Doombuggies’ event.
Same question as Tricia – we love the look of these pieces and are wondering if they are available online or at the park only?
Will these items be available for purchase online?
I knew you’d be excited to see these 55th Anniversary pieces. As of right now, they will debut on the July 17th as part of our special event, but you may want to check with Merchandise Guest Services in the days following the event, for any remaining quantities.
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