Defined by Disneyland

I am an Anaheim native... and a former Disneyland cast member... I assume you have figured that out by now.   If not, you are now informed and can now cast your vote as to whether Disneyland is my (A) hobby; (B) cult; or (C) fetish(?)

I initially started this blog because I had created dozens of Disney inspired graphics over the last several years and sought a place to display them.  Obviously, I showed off everything I had to offer at the time,  between June 2011 and November 2011, therefore recent posts have been rare (at best).

I have continued to be inspired, despite my blog absence, by several other blog sites I visit weekly and as a result, I have a few newly created graphics that I personally enjoy.  I will roll them out over the next few weeks, as a Thank You to everyone who has continued to visit my site regardless of a lack of new items...

Here is my idea for a canvas print...  it probably won't be manufactured, as it really highlights Disneyland as it pertains to my own experiences.  Regardless, I hope you can appreciate the time-places-images that are represented herein!

Disney Poster, by the Decades

Back in July, I posted a faux "Disneyland Poster" from the opening dedication ceremonies.  I had created this image about 5 years ago for a school project.  (I will repeat here, that this is not an actual Disneyland poster)

Much to my surprise, this post has become the most visited post in the short history of this blog.  (My many thanks to those who appreciate and visit (and copy) my work).

The volume of visits made me think, if I had to create a new poster, what would it look like? Those thoughts have been in my head for a couple of weeks, and I did finally come up with an idea.

Here is my latest poster idea... I put it together in about 4 hours with images I could easily create or access.  It was not part of a graded school assignment, nor did Disney contact me with a business proposal to create this, so some of the graphics are a bit rough.  (I am unemployed, so a Disney offer would certainly be welcome!!!)

This is MY Disney Decades Poster.  Each decade, from the 1920's thru the 2000's are represented in a singular element within this poster, however, only the realms of Disney that are part of my own life are represented (sorry, Marvel).  Look for different elements that represent animation and parks to be featured...

Disney Decades Poster (1920s thru 2000's)

I am gonna open this post to my readers.  Can YOU figure out which element represents which decade?  If you'd like to participate, just comment below with your response (PLEASE RESPOND WITH AN ANSWER FOR ONLY ONE DECADE---I'd like to give everyone the opportunity to respond, so I will delete multi-decade responses---however, if you think you are uber-knowledgable, once someone else has added a response, I will accept your next reply)

Decade Icons:  (UPDATED 25 June 2012)

• 1920's- The "pie eye" classic 1928 Mickey face [Trevor]
• 1930's- wavy music bars from the 30's Silly Symphonies [Trevor]
• 1940's- Sorceror Mickey hat from 1940's Fantasia
• 1950's- Disneyland's "D" logo; opened July 1955
• 1960's- E-Ticket "Castle Background" existing on only for '66-67 ticket books.
• 1970's- WDW original logo globe; opened in Oct 1971 [flymetothemoon]
• 1980's- Original Rainbow Castle logo from BVHV [Pixie Pebbles]
• 1990's- Pixar Ball from "Luxo, Jr", the short shown before 1995's "Toy Story".
• 2000's- Disney Parks cheesy balloon from 2008's "Celebrate Today" promotion.

Disneyland Poster, July 17 1955

I have been saving my Disneyland ephemera since 1977.  A ticket or guide book from each of my annual visits somehow avoided the trash after the day ended, and once I realized I had begun a small collection, I began to keep all of these free souvenirs to this day.

Had I had the insight, I would have collected a lot more than what I did.  I would have even purchased some of the more cool items.  But alas, I was poor and didn't foresee how fascinated I would be decades later with the historic significance of many of these items.

Thankfully, blogs and photo galleries on the web have created a venue in which to revisit the tickets, posters, maps, promotions, and photos of Disneyland through the decades.

I am still poor, so in lieu of actually purchasing these items, I have turned my interest into trying to create images that help to give historical significance... hence the different series of graphic images I am creating for this blog.  With that in mind, I thought I'd share one of the first projects I did years ago, as a graphic design student.

I have always loved the Disneyland Attraction Posters; even long before they were reproduced and made available to guests, and even then, I couldn't afford them myself.  So when my instructor announced a new assignment, to create a "period-appropriate" poster for an activity or event, it took two seconds for me to figure out what I'd be doing.

Below is my "early attempt" at a Disneyland silk screen style poster for the dedication event on July 17, 1955.  My re-creation of the early castle logo had been completed long before this assignment, and truth be told it was a bit weak, with rough edges and crooked lines... perfect to represent screen printing!

This is simplistic, which is my style... and I can see many ways to improve upon this image, but I loved this poster when I made it, and still love it today.  That is why I am rounding out this Disneyland Birthday week by including it here and sharing it with you.

Chronologically, this poster could never have been real.  Walt's quote didn't happen until after the time stamped on the poster, the iconic Disneyland Sign did not exist for another three years, and the Park wasn't promoted as The Happiest Place on Earth at the very beginning.  This is my romanticized interpretation, fifty years after the actual event.