First off, I'd like to ask, who is NOT inspired by Mickey Mouse? I mean, come on, a giant mouse, who can talk and has single handedly (with the help of Walt) revolutionised animation!
But how is he on the dance floor? Look no further, people. Mickey's got the moves here!
Could you beat Mickey in a dance-off? I don't think I'd dare challenge him! Pretty inspiring stuff though, right? It's made me look at Mickey Mouse in an entirely different (creative) light.
Yep, it's that wonderful time of year again! Disney are bringing out another film for us to enjoy.
As I've said before, I have been a lifelong fan of Disney. They filled my childhood with many good memories. I find it weird when I meet someone who hasn't seen ALL the Disney Classics. I mean, what did you do when they were young??
I remember the first time I realised Robin Hood wasn't actually a fox and Ariel didn't actually marry the prince and live happily ever after. The moment I realised Disney just steal stories from other people and wrap them up in cotton wool was a sad day.
Their latest addition, Tangled is no exception. It's quite clearly a 'new take' on Rapunzel (the one with long hair that lives in a tower.)
Don't get me wrong people, I'm going to see it and I have no doubt that I will thoroughly enjoy it. Going to see Disney is like walking down memory lane, remembering all the times me and my sisters shared Disney. I love it, I love it, I love it!
So without further a do, here's a sneak peek at the newbie. Enjoy!
For Christmas the family got a Wii game called Epic Mickey. Basically, Mickey Mouse has to go on a quest to save a world created the Sorcerer (from Fantasia). Mickey ruined the new world by spilling paint all over it, releasing a evil paint monster that he now has to find and destroy.
I have to say, I'm pretty rubbish at it, so my sister does the controls and I tell her where to go! We make a good team I think.
So, why am I telling you about this? Well, I actually think it's a really creative game. For one thing, a new world has been created (which I think is supposed to represent Disney World). Plus, when Mickey's in the world, his weapon is paint. That's how he makes enemies his friends and how he breaks down walls to pass through...what would be your creative weapon of choice?
Games are amazing. There are so many varieties, something for everyone. The cool thing is, it's some one's job to make and design them. Could it be your job?
Sometimes you just have to treat yourself. What do you do when you need a rest, a boost of energy before something big's gonna happen?
I tend to revert back to my childhood; I watch The Little Mermaid.
Yep, it's my favourite Disney film and always will be. I pretty much know all the words and I'm not ashamed to admit it. So, the other day, I climbed into bed with some chocolate and my knitting and watched The Little Mermaid, singing along to the songs and laughing at Sebastian and Scuttle. Good times.
It's a wonderfully creative animation. I love the story, the colours, the music, the characters, the songs...Everything about it is gorgeous. And, I get to be creative in my own way by knitting while I watch. (I know it so well, I don't really need to look at the screen anymore. In fact, if I just sat here right now I could probably play the whole thing out in my head, songs and all. Who needs technology, eh!)
So, for your delight, here's a clip. It's my favourite bit (along with the rest of the film!) Sing along...
I've just put my new double duvet on my bed to keep me warm on these winter nights. It's got a really cool duvet cover which got me thinking about how many millions of duvet cover designs there must be in the world.
When I was a kid I have loads of Disney ones like 101 Dalmatians. I had a Snatch the dog one too, complete with lampshade and bin. (so cool, I know!) I had a panda one too. Everyone has one with their favourite animal on, right? Then as I 'matured,' I had, Lord of the Rings 'cause I was obsessed! When Uni started it was bright pink and now I have a brand new green one with flowers and dots. (it's actually way nicer than it sounds!)
I loved all of them at one stage or another, but I can't help but think it would be infinitely cooler to create my own duvet design...
What design would you create...? Here's some ideas to get you started on your creation!
Take a look at these logos. The chances are, you will know what company most of them belong too, we see them so much. That's the power of advertising.
But what do these symbols really mean? Why did they chose those colours, patterns, arrangements?
The cool thing is, it's someones job to design them and they get to see their work all over the world. When I was 14, I entered a competition to design a logo for a local bowls club and I won (yay). It was really fun and as far as I know, they're still using it.
Big companies like the ones above are always looking for ways to re-style their brands to keep it fresh and new...My challenge for you today is to design you own logo. It could be for your own future company or for an existing one you think needs to get with the times.
You your creative fingers going and design your way to the top!
So, the other day I went round my friends house for, I guess you could call it a party. It wasn't your traditional student party with booze and loud music. Oh no, it was far more safisticated than that.
We spent the evening watching Disney movies and colouring in! It was great! It took me right back to being a kid again. I used to spend hours colouring and drawing. It would seem that not much has changed.
We watched Matilda, which is an incredibly creative story (hats off to you Mr Dahl) and made those swirlly pattern pictures. You know the ones where you take your pencil for a walk on the page and then colour in the sections? Well anyway, it was heeps of fun and I really enjoyed being creative with my friends who I wouldn't normally be creative with.
I also feel like I put my own mark on the old favourite. Instead of colouring each section in one colour, I added paterns too. I feel like I have advanced from my five year old self, even if just a little bit! Here are my much loved pattern pictures:
Psychodelic huh!
Move the page up and down with your curser and see them mooove!
My hope is that this will inspire you to have a party with a difference. Invite your friends round for a DVD and a colour. Boys, maybe you could watch and draw zombies instead of princesses, but whatever takes your fancy...
Oh, what a brilliant film! I remember watching the classic Disney animation when I was about 8 years old. It wasn't until many years later that I realised, Cruella DeVil, is really a, 'cruel devil' (clever, eh)! Disney made a live-action one too, which is amazing as well. Good old Glenn Close, she's soo evil in it!
Turns out, 101 Dalmatians was first a book by Dodie Smith. When I was a kid I thought Disney were the best story tellers in the world, but actually, they 'borrowed' everyone else's stories! But, this isn't about Disney, it's about the doggy adventures of 101 Dalmatians. There's a quest, friendship, love, villains, slapstick, heroes, singing...and of course, a happy ending.
For old times sake, here's a clip for you to enjoy:
If you've seen this, I encourage you to watch it again. It's funny what different things you see in a kid's film when you're grown up. Try it. How is it different? Does the story seem different now you're older?
If you haven't ever seen it, then spend an hour and a half watching it, 'cause it's a great story with great characters.
Oh Disney, how I love you! I'm sure there will be many more entries given over to it's magical kingdom of creativity and inspiration, but for now, I am reeling myself in to just Dalmatians.
