When summer approaches Haunted mansion Get ready to get Jack Skellington to take over his weird Christmas mash-up at the end of the year at Disneyland. But the ghostly retreat evokes Halloween year-round and has become a collection of Disney store staples inspired by beloved attractions.
Related to the latest Haunted house Product drip, you can bring some spectral energy to your seasonal fall decorations. Two of the most outstanding pieces in the series are the highlight stretch portrait icons at Disney Store, produced by artist and product design manager Steve Thompson. The incredibly detailed statue looks like an animation that depicts the explosives of the crocodile Sarah Sally Slater on her crocodile and dynamite gentleman.
IO9 recently caught up with Thompson with Thompson, who shared with us the original concept art of these characters, discussing the process of his characters and his 70th anniversary with Disneyland.
Sabina Graves, IO9: Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind your unique explanation of the gentleman character of Sally and Dynydante?
Steve Thompson: I’ve always been Haunted house Since my first trip to Disneyland in 1980. Of course, my favorite spot is the stretch room and its portraits. Like any new project, I never want to repeat myself. In the past, we have done some really cool collections, decorations and artwork that are very loyal to the portrait characters you know. So, for me, the challenge is, how do we portray these characters in new ways?
Over the years, portraits of the stretching room have been painted by different artists. As a result, their appearance has also changed. My approach to designing these statues is to respect this tradition and draw them like I’ve seen. It all started with my initial sketch. I would say my biggest inspiration or starting point was the original paintings of Disney legend Marc Davis. His paintings are interesting, and at the same time a little weird – there is magic in his eyes!
When an attraction already exists Haunted house Yes, the challenge is for Haunted house Fans have never seen anything they have ever seen before. I want the characters to be poses similar to portraits in the attractions, but you don’t remember them completely. Almost as if you are capturing a slightly different moment from the same portrait session, as unique as the mansion itself. I hope fans enjoy their favorite characters!
IO9: Your personal connection with Disneyland and Haunted mansion over the years?
Thompson: I grew up and went to Disneyland and like many people who grew up in California, the park has always been my inspiration. This is indeed a magical place. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work for Disney as an artist and being able to visit the park regularly helped keep my dreams alive. I can say that I have been lucky in the past 31 years! Haunted house To me, this is one of the great attractions in Disney’s history. Every detail is perfect. Over the years, I still feel like there are always new discoveries.
IO9: In what way did Disney Park become one of your earliest fanatics and how did that affect your career path as a designer?
Thompson: When I grew up visiting Disney Parks, I felt that nothing was possible. The park is a safe space I dream of and imagine. You can see all the details of love, talent and craftsmanship. As a designer, I always remember that I am just one of a long group of artists who help keep these characters and stories alive. It has a huge responsibility and a true love for the original material.
Some of my favorite memories of the park lately are when I was there myself after an art signature or a work conference, walking through the park and seeing things I helped sell in the store. This is something I dreamed about when I was a child. The park brings out my inner child to take a step back and enjoy it. I always excitement to see what we are going to design next!
IO9: In addition to specific numbers, there are other aspects Haunted mansion The weird seasons in the park resonate especially with you?
Thompson: When I was a kid, I wanted to live in Haunted house– I also want to Alice in Wonderland Be my car! Haunted house For me, every time I am in the park, it is essential. Besides great characters and music, I also love architecture. Its creation is not ignored. This is only something Disney can do. Cycling at night is almost as magical as it is, and for me, as a designer, these conditions are perfect for finding my next inspiration. You never know what we will do next. stay tuned.
See this Haunted house Release online at Disney Store and more Halloween season.
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