STEVE THOMPSON: Sure. I started with the Walt Disney Company in 1994 as a senior character artist for Disney Consumer Products (DCP) working on Pocahontas. After a year with DCP, I went over to Disney Feature Animation and started on my first film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I worked in the animation department as an assistant animator until 2003. From there, I went on to Disney Toon Studios as a key assistant animator and character designer on a few films. I also started freelancing again for DCP doing Disney Princess artwork. These opportunities lead to my current position with Disney Store, where I've been since 2005.
ST: I am still in awe of the animation from Snow White. The animators on the film were the first ever to work on a full length animated feature, something that had never been done before. The artistic achievement was way ahead of its time. At Disney Store, the original films are always the first source of inspiration for any product we create. Luckily, Disney has created some of the most beautiful animated features of our time, so there is endless inspiration to pull from.
ST: I am involved in every step of production, from initial concept to the final approval process for the product I work on. I still draw everyday at my animation desk. I start off doing research on my projects and approach each film or character as if it's brand new.
For example, I did a Snow White Garden Collection (an assortment of Snow White products for the home and garden) a few years back. I first thought about the era the film was released in, what art styles were popular at the time, the film palette, etc. I settled on an "arts and crafts" style and took inspiration from there. The arts and crafts art style is all about natural and outdoorsy elements: wood and ceramics with a muted palette that so perfectly matched the aesthetic of the film. It was a natural fit for Snow White, and I am still very proud of how that collection turned out. I also work with the sculptors and painters to make sure each piece looks just the way I first imagined it on paper. The whole process takes about 12-16 months from initial concept to store release.
ST: Once I knew we were doing a garden-themed collection and settled on an art style, I went about researching the types of things people would want or need for the outdoors. Garden figurines, a bird feeder , bird house, wind chimes, candle holder and ceramic coasters for your table were a few of the items I developed. Some items, like the bird feeder and bird house just seemed like natural items to design. The Dwarfs’ cottage made a perfect bird house, as did the wishing well for the bird feeder. I try to tell a story with the product I design and let each film dictate the type of product we make.
I have also worked on a number of other snowglobes, ornaments, figurines, jewelry boxes and frames. I approach each one differently, but always try to capture a moment from the film or a feeling that guests can relate to.
ST: Kidada is a great creative mind and we instantly bonded over our mutual love for all things Disney. She’s done beautiful Disney jewelry for years, and so a collaboration with Disney Store just made sense. Based on initial conversations, we decided to use storybook art for the packaging of her first line of charms, The Charming Collection. I was happy to revisit designs from The Art of Disney Princess, and add a few new characters like Tiana and Belle in that style.
ST: In the back of my mind I knew the princesses were special, but I never expected the response to be what it was. I think it took everyone by surprise. So far the response to Villains has been amazing.
ST: I do love Snow White. But, I really love all the Disney Princesses. I work with many of the classic film characters, but the Princesses hold a special place in my heart because I’ve done projects with the Princesses for so many years now. I know how important the Disney Princesses are to our Disney Store guests, how many great memories their characters hold for so many people. With this constantly in the back of my mind, I never take my job lightly .
ST: There is a great ornament coming out of Snow White and Dopey that I designed this year. It launches in stores and online in September. You can see a preview of it on Disney Store’s Facbook page. And keep checking back with Disney Store, we are always introducing new and exciting products for our guests.
