Behind the Drawing Pad: Interview with D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Artists 

Ever wondered what goes into bringing some of our favorite products to life?  

We’re going ‘behind the drawing pad’ and diving into the journey from merchandise concept to guest by chatting with some of the artists who helped develop products for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Unable to attend last weekend’s event or purchase a coveted product? Not to worry! All the collections we’re touching on today are available NOW on DisneyStore.com/D23Event2024.

Now, let’s turn it over to the artists, starting with Ashley Eckstein and Ashley Taylor. 

Nathalie: We’re so excited to have the infamous Ashley and Ashley duo on the Disney Parks Blog! Thanks for joining us today, ladies. What would you say is the best part about collaborating with your friend? 

Ashley E: Ashley Taylor is such a brilliant artist! We’ve been working together for so long that we practically share a brain and work so well together. We bring out each other’s strengths, making it so much fun to collaborate. We both LOVE Disney and always approach every new project from a fan’s point of view, because we’re fans too! 

Ashley T: We’re completely Disney fans! I think the best part about collaborating with Ashley Eckstein is we both want everyone to feel loved, seen, valued, and celebrated when they wear the products we design. Making people feel special is our top priority! I also think Ashley and I both have such a sharpened eye for details. Every product we create is designed with so much thought and care. Working with Ashley Eckstein is always such an inspiring, dynamic, and rewarding experience. 

Nathalie: That’s so sweet! We can tell you two really value your friendship. Speaking of sweet, your collection, A Walk in Disneyland, is an absolute Fantasyland dream come to life. I especially love the dresses! What do you hope fans takeaway from this collection? 

Ashley T: I hope everyone walks away from this collection feeling like they are the magic that brings Disneyland Park to life! Disneyland Park is pixie dusted with all the beautiful experiences and memories we leave behind, and I hope our collection reminds everyone of the memories they have experienced over the years – and all the future adventures yet to come! 

Ashely E: Totally agree, Ashley. This collection is our love letter to Walt Disney. We really tried to imagine what it would have been like to walk through Disneyland Resort in the early years, when Walt would frequent the Park. We were inspired by the early attractions and Walt Disney’s fashion, which is why the whole collection has a mid-century feel – an ode to 1955. Ashley and I both agree that our favorite item is the Storybook Land Canal Boats and Monstro figurine set! We are SO excited that we were able to design pieces for all to enjoy. 

Nathalie: Thanks for joining us on the Disney Parks Blog, Alex! As a certified Kylo Ren fan, I love everything in the dark side-themed collection you helped develop. Where did you draw inspiration from while creating this line? 

Alex: When I was designing, I wanted to find the balance between the evil and the fun. What I’ve always loved about the Star Wars villains are how diabolical they are, but how much fun the actors bring to the screen. I wanted to work in a way that was angular and blocky, using flat colors with striking highlights to create a look that was simple yet dynamic. And of course, something that would translate well in the result! 

Nathalie: I completely agree with you on that! The actors really do bring these villains to life for us. We just have to know though – dark side or light side of the Force? 

Alex: When I’m watching the movies, I always root for the good guys, but as an artist it’s so much more fun to draw the villains! 

Nathalie: Welcome to the Disney Parks Blog, Stacey! The heroes and villains inspired vinyl figures you created are must-haves for any Disney collector; my personal favorite is the Ariel one. What steps are involved with designing a vinyl figurine?

Stacey: This particular vinyl series originated from illustrations I worked on that depicted the iconically evil Disney Villains characters in a very “cute” stylization. I love the worlds of evil and cute combined and was so excited to hear these would end up being made as vinyl figures! The next step was to evolve the concept into a “Good vs. Evil” storyline and to complete the collection with a “hero” counterpart to the Villain. I LOVED having a chance to design the heroes! I worked closely with our amazing 3D team to bring the illustrations to life in vinyl. The process was truly a team effort and included 3D modeling, multiple overlay rounds to refine the sculpts and paint reviews. The final result is so fun, and I can’t wait for fans to get them! 

Nathalie: We all have our favorites, but which heroine or villain do you see most see yourself in out of the ones in this collection? 

Stacey: This is a tough one, it’s so hard to pick a favorite! I’m such a fan of these films and love the classic “heroes and villains” component to the storylines. One of my favorite Disney movies growing up was “The Little Mermaid,” so just like you said Nathalie, I’m especially excited to have Ariel and Ursula as part of the collection. I love that Ariel is an adventurous dreamer, and, of course, who doesn’t love the ultimate villainess Ursula! Overall, I’m honored to be able to have shared my interpretation of these characters this weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and now on DisneyStore.com!

Nathalie: Last up, J and Steve – welcome to the Disney Parks Blog! You two have quite the tenure with Disney, having designed so many of our beautiful designer dolls throughout the years. What’s the best part about designing? 

J: For me it’s definitely seeing the final doll! It’s always magical to see the head-to-toe doll sample come in after the long process of developing and sampling. 

Steve: Right! Every collection is a new chance for me to work with J’s incredible designs and come up with a new and unique art style that matches the theme. It’s my job to take the initial sketches and bring them to life the same way J brings the doll to life. It’s fascinating to let the design of the outfits inspire the character poses, mood, and attitude. It’s like watching them come to life in a new and unexpected way before your eyes! 

Nathalie: Fascinating stuff! In my role, I love seeing the end results come to life too, especially when it connects with such amazing people. Now, to finish things off, who is your favorite character in the Midnight Masquerade series? 

Steve: It’s always so hard to pick, but I think my favorite from this release has to be either Gaston or Queen of Hearts. I love that we’ve added a few unexpected characters, and they are both such a mood! You can’t help but love them. Ask me tomorrow and I might have another favorite. 

J: Agreed with Steve, Gaston was unexpectedly fun to work on! I was also able to mentor two of my teammates while they designed and developed concepts for the Snow White and Mother Gothel dolls. It was especially fun to help bring those two dolls to life in the final production. 

Steve: Teamwork! 

Are your shopping lists ready yet? I know mine is! As mentioned, all these collections and so much more can be found now on DisneyStore.com/D23Event2024, while supplies last. Until next time, a huge thank you to our wonderful artists for taking time to go behind the drawing pad with us today – we can’t wait to see where their imaginations take us next!

Photos of Ashley Eckstein and Ashley Taylor by Zachary Follmer