Drawing is learning to communicate visually. It’s another way (or language) we humans can share ideas and visions in our heads. We can share stories and narratives that shape and guide our culture. And that skill brings great power and responsibility to push others in the right direction. I’ve always believed and held high respect for the storytellers of Disney. They use imagination to move reality and humanity forward.
There’s so much good stuff on Disney+. Peaceful, artful and lovely works of media. You can watch behind the scenes and the making of films, or you can simply watch the sunsets at Walt Disney World’s iconic parks or an imaginative flyover above the worlds of Star Wars… I love what they’re doing. Disney Sketchbook is one of those wonderful things that have popped up as original content on the platform.
It shows you how characters are drawn to life and I also loved hearing the story and path each Story Artist or Animator took on their path to Disney. it’s inspiring to hear. I love the way each episode shared something about their life and their choice of character. If I could be a critic I would have given a bit more time to focus on the drawing aspect. Sometimes it went a little too quickly in time and I had to pause the video to keep up with the master artist…
It’s fun to draw like this, there’s something about drawing these characters that just brings joy. But I also know that in order to really qualify as someone good at drawing I need to be able to not just follow along with an artist to make the character look recognizable but start creating poses and situations with the characters that are unique and original. Figuring out how to draw what’s in my head to communicate an idea. Here are a few sketches and more steps along that path.
Such a fun process watching, learning and getting inspired by the character drawings and stories each of these artists shared! If Google ever happens to link you here and you happen to stumble across these sketches, I thank you and will welcome your feedback! In the meantime, I’ll continue dreaming and drawing.
Eric Goldberg - Genie - “Aladdin”
Hyun-Min Lee - Olaf - “Frozen”
Jin Kim - Captain Hook - “Peter Pan”
Gabby Capili - Kuzco - “Emperor’s New Groove”
Samantha Vilfort - Mirabel - “Encanto”
Mark Henn - Young Simba - “The Lion King”