The Living Seas

Welcome back to Designerland and our first case study of 2013. This year we'll be looking at the amazing fonts found throughout Epcot Center, with our first stop in Future World. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, when my family arrives at Epcot, we always begin our journey counter clockwise, so it only feels natural to dive in to the fonts of The Living Seas. I'll only cover the typography from the pre-Nemo era since this is the Living Seas we all remember and love.

One thing I appreciate about Epcot and especially Future World is the symbiotic branding of each pavilion, so we’ll see many of the same display fonts and classic typefaces over and over again. That's called hierarchy of design, but over time, we see that hierarchy broken as wackier, overly-themed display fonts sneak their way in.

In particular, when looking at the Living Seas, sans serifs fonts are the most prominent, which is fitting because sans serifs are generally used to convey a modern, futuristic feel. There are a few extremely futuristic display fonts scattered throughout Sea Base Alpha, but not too many. As I mentioned before, Disney fans weren't all too keen on photographing signage back in the heyday of the Living Seas, so tracking down fonts was somewhat difficult. Over time a few serif fonts such as that classic but overused Times New Roman made an appearance within the pavilion. In my research I found only one place this typeface was used—while I suspect this was just a quick fix type of situation, it still makes me cringe. 

The Living Seas was my all-time favorite pavilion within Future World, partly because of the powerful preshow with its amazing narration and partly because I have a fondness for water. This week, in addition to the type case study, I'm also showcasing a t-shirt concept honoring my favorite pavilion. 

The design is based on the vintage graphic illustration used on an early letterhead that promoted this new pavilion. The design is a simple three color gradient in shades of blue taken from the front facade of the building. This is set in front of a simple back print medallion with the Seas icon, typeset name and original Epcot Center logo.

Well that does it for this week’s case study. I hope you all have a great week and see you back here real soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Spaceship Earth

Welcome back to a new year here at Designerland. I hope all of you had an amazing holiday season and are ready for what 2013 has in store for all of us!

As you all know, this year we will focus on the typography used throughout Epcot Center, starting in Future World then making our way around the World Showcase. I've spent the last few weeks hunting for display fonts and various typefaces. So far in my research, I have noticed two things: 1. Disney fans just don't take as many pictures of signage/environmental graphics in Epcot as they do in the Magic Kingdom and 2. The typography in general is lighter in terms of usage when looking at Future World.

If you have photos of any Epcot signage or if you're out and about with your smart phone handy, do me a kindness and start snapping away photos to share!  Living in Indiana really limits my access to the parks in order to conduct my research. Before I even started Designerland, I had spent about two years hunting down and cataloguing the materials I’ve covered thus far in our typography case studies.

Next week I'll look at the fonts used throughout the (pre-Nemo) Living Seas. I've tracked down a few fonts but could always use more.

Now onto this week’s post. Since we're celebrating the kick off of Epcot typography here at Designerland, I thought it be fitting to release a new Retro '71 shirt concept based on Epcot...one from the Designerland vaults as they say.

This week’s concept is based on the mural painted by Claudio Mazzoli at the entrance of Spaceship Earth. The entire mural design is framed in a rounded-corner rectangle with the Epcot Center and Future World typeset logos. Lastly, some light distressing gives the overall design a not-so-perfect printed look.

Well that does it for this week’s post. Tune in next week as we release our first Epcot Center Typography Case Study. Until then, have a great week and see ya real soon.

Color Study

A new color palette has been added to the DisneyDesignerland Kuler account! Before you jump on over to check it out can you guess where this color palette is used?

Give up??? Find out the answer over at Disneydesignerland's Kuler page found here.
Check back for more random updates to Wonderful World of Kuler.

From me to you

I wanted to quickly thank all of my readers, followers, friends and fans for all of the support. It's been an amazing year here at Designerland and I can't wait to see what the New Year holds. Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

Retro '55 Holiday Edition

Welcome back to another fun filled Retro '55 shirt concept. I hope you all had a terrific Thanksgiving and are now in full tilt Holiday mode, like we are here at Designerland. 

For this weeks shirt concept I wanted to honor the Holiday tradition that is the Disney Parks and Resorts Holiday Parades. More in point, those jaunty deer from Disney's 1961 "Christmas in Many Lands" parade that are still around to this day!

I came across a brochure advertisement with the deer on it and after some clean up I tested out a new technique I've been toying around with for the past month. While I enjoy using various aged and vintage top textures on my designs, because they align with the branding, my passion is really for tradition printing. This new look and technique is more of a woodblock/letterpress feel which I am in love with at the moment. Granted, it's more work than just overlaying a texture but the end result really pays homage to tradition press.

Well that does it for this weeks post. As you all know I'm out and about scouring the net for those fun fonts and typefaces of tomorrow in preparation for the new year when we tackle Epcot. Until next time have a great week and see you all real soon!

Out Now!

Hey guys justa quick post to let you all know that I have two new shirt I did along with Casey Jones and the amazing team at the Disney Design Group.

Check 'em out at a park near you!

I'm really proud of the reto Mickey/type shirt it was a surprise that the DDG released it. Thanks guys!

Matterhorn Bobsleds

Welcome back to another fun-filled edition of our Retro '55 apparel line. This week’s concept is based on one of my favorite Disneyland attractions, the Matterhorn Bobsleds.

The design of the shirt combines "fast moving" typography with an appropriated bobsled graphic. Changes to typography and the color palette give this old idea a fresh new look. Some of you (midwesterns) may catch the subtle reference not-so-hidden in the shirt!

The Matterhorn Bobsleds opened at Disneyland in 1959, but this design evokes more of an early 80's feel. I have it visualized as a four color design on a heather ringed shirt, but in all actuality, I would like the design be a full color, shiny and slick heat press graphic without the texture. Alas, those details are difficult to convey through Illustrator and Photoshop.

Well that does it for this week’s post. I will be taking a jolly holiday for the next few weeks, and my posts will be far and few between until I begin the Epcot series at the beginning of the new year. Be sure to check back from time to time as I have over 50 apparel designs sitting in the wings and a few jaunty ideas for special Christmas time posts. So until next time, thanks for stopping in and have a good week!