Last week, the magic of Disney came alive at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 as fans were treated to an insightful panel featuring Disney illustrator Rick Law. Eminent for his iconic Disney VHS covers, Law shared the stage with Jeff DePaoli from the “Dizney Coast-to-Coast” podcast, captivating the audience with his fascinating journey.
The session kicked off with a dynamic sizzle reel showcasing Law’s illustrious Disney career, followed by a warm introduction from DePaoli. Rick Law, who began his Disney stint in the shipping department at Disney Home Entertainment, recounted his serendipitous promotion. A sketch of Mickey Mouse on a coworker’s birthday card catapulted him to the role of cover illustrator, a position perfectly suited to his passion for crafting single, standalone drawings over the repetitive demands of animation.
The conversation took an intriguing turn as Law delved into his creation process for VHS covers of beloved classics. For films like “The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride” and “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad,” Law’s dedication was palpable—he rode the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland 50 times to get the essence just right! Despite his meticulous efforts, he shared his disappointment when the final artwork was altered by Disney’s decision to flip the direction of the film strip, giving an unintended impression of characters teetering off a cliff.
Among his many works, Rick Law’s personal favorite is the cover for “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.” He fondly recalled the magical moment he saw his artwork come to life as McDonald’s Happy Meal toys. “Mickey is Walt, and Walt is Mickey,” he stated, highlighting his deep connection to the project.
The panel also featured behind-the-scenes anecdotes on covers for “101 Dalmatians” and “Mulan,” and Law’s experience with Disney’s technological evolution. He candidly expressed his concerns about AI’s role in the industry, humorously noting, “None of this stuff was created by A.I., but A.I. does steal my stuff.”
By the end, fans were left with a wealth of knowledge about the artistry behind their treasured Disney covers. Rick Law concluded with a whimsical tale about answering a curious query regarding Donald Duck’s handedness, revealing, “He’s ambi-duck-strous.”
What are your thoughts on Rick Law’s journey and the evolution of Disney art? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
Source: LaughingPlace.com
