Festival of the Arts with Disney Fine Artist Dom Corona | Episode 81 part 1

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:15] Speaker B: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of the Mouse Ears podcast. You're listening to your go to source for all things travel, but mostly Disney, sponsored by Fairy Tale Journeys Travel. Whether you're a first time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, we're here to bring you the latest news, insider secrets and fun stories from the happiest and most magical places on earth. Make sure you give us a like and a follow on whichever platform you're listening to or watching us. And don't forget to check out Mouse Ears blog where we dive even deeper into Disney tips, trip planning and all the park magic in one location. Now let's jump into today's episode because the magic starts right now. So in order to get started, if you've been listening to us at this point, season four episode what is it? 81808181 Crazy. We've got two fantastic hosts. Addition to me, Stephanie. I've got Brooks. How are you, Brooks? [00:01:16] Speaker C: How do ho neighbors? Doing well. [00:01:18] Speaker B: We've got Jen. How are you, Jen? [00:01:20] Speaker A: I'm doing well, thank you. [00:01:22] Speaker B: We're missing Calton. I know we're all very sad, but he's actually on his first ever Disney cruise, so we're excited for him. [00:01:30] Speaker C: Hopefully he's not on a royal cruise. [00:01:33] Speaker B: He's not on a royal cruise. I know, and he might be converted. Fingers crossed. He's making Laura the queen of cruises proud right now. But instead of Kelton, we have a very, very special guest, first timer to the Mouse Ears podcast and a Disney fine artist, Dom Corona. How are you, Dom? [00:01:53] Speaker D: Hello. I'm doing great. Thank you for having me. [00:01:56] Speaker B: Super, super excited to have you on here. So the people listening were probably wondering, why is there an artist on this show? Well, people, we talk about all things travel, but mostly Disney. And there's a lot, a lot that happens in Disney, not just booking a trip. And one of those wonderful things is the festival of the arts that has just concluded over at Epcot. And Dom Corona was actually there for the majority of the festival doing all kinds of fantastic things from greeting fans, painting, taking selfies and just looking fabulous. Also drinking margaritas, which we'll talk about as well. So before we really dive into this fantastic topic that we've got laid out for you guys today, we're going to do today's trivia. Brooks, take it away. [00:02:42] Speaker C: All right, well, today's trivia question is brought to you by a wonderful sponsor, Fairy Tale Journeys Travel. Next time you want to book a Disney cruise, let the agents at Fairy Tale Journeys Travel take Care of all the details for a stress free experience at no additional cost to you. When you book with them, not only do you get expert advice, but you all. You can also receive up to a $1,000 on board credit. This offer is exclusive to bookies Mayor Fairy Tale Journeys travel. So contact them today and let them know that the podcast sent you and enjoy a magical Disney cruise getaway. So today's trivia question, since we have the great Dom Corona on here, decided to go with a animation trivia question. So the class of 1989 Disney Legends, which is like their hall of fame, consists of 10 animators. It consists of Disney's nine old men and what other famous Disney animator. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for the answer. [00:03:54] Speaker B: Totally lost. I don't even have an educated guess. Nothing. You really stopped me today. That one. Well, anyways, thanks Brooks. Can't wait to hear it at the end of the episode. [00:04:04] Speaker D: See, so we don't have to guess it. [00:04:06] Speaker B: I mean, you can guess it. [00:04:07] Speaker D: No, no, no, no. I, no, I'm, I'm thrilled. I was really nervous for a second. [00:04:12] Speaker B: No, we'll give the answer in the end. We kind of just, we think about it today, have no guesses whatsoever. I'm just gonna let it be. [00:04:22] Speaker A: Sometimes we try to guess. Yeah, I don't think that'll be happening today. [00:04:27] Speaker D: No, no, not on my end. Over. [00:04:33] Speaker B: So stick around for the trivia question answer at the end of the episode. But for now, we're going to get started on today's episode topic. So in a nutshell, we're going to be talking about the Festival of the Arts with Disney fine artist Dom Corona. His perspective, what are some of you know, how he became a Disney fine artist. What was it like to participate in the festival? You know, we'll talk about some of his art pieces, we'll talk about his famous margarita from, you know, this season and a few other things to just have everyone get to know Dom Corona. And so before I hand over the mic, the figurative mic over to Dom, just a little bit of backstory about him. So at about five years old, Dom visited Walt Disney World for the first time and sketched his first Mickey Mouse. In 2008, he visited Hollywood studios and where, where it planted the seed for his future when a Disney artist wrote to Dominic, future Disney artist. After participating in the Disney College program in 2016, Dom honed his skills and built a dedicated online following. In 2021, he was invited to be a part of the Disney Creators Lab, opening doors to official opportunities with the Walt Disney Company and ultimately leading him to. To Disney Fine Art. Did I miss anything? Do you want to elaborate on, you know, where your love of Disney and art kind of stemmed from and how it kind of progressed to where you are now? [00:06:05] Speaker D: I think that. I mean, definitely from the first time that I visited, I was in line to meet Sorcerer Mickey, and I had my little autograph book, and I drew him, just looking at him, and it's absolutely awful, but it's a little Mickey. And then he signed his name next to it. And Sorcerer Mickey was my favorite Mickey growing up, and he still is. But Steamboat Willie is like. They're really. They go, yeah, yeah. They're like. They're interchangeable for me. But I just always wanted to be a Disney artist, and I didn't know what it looked like or in what capacity I would be able to do that in. So, yeah, no, my love of Disney just grew ever since I came here. And I knew that I probably liked Disney a lot before I came to the parks for the first time. But I think it's that that first visit to the parks where you're like, this is the best thing ever. And, you know, I'm an only child, so I think that I probably clung onto it a lot. I haven't unclung myself. I don't know how you would say that, but, yeah, it's just. It just gets stronger every day, probably. [00:07:10] Speaker B: So, yeah, I love that, that it gets stronger with each day, because, you know, for those of us fans of yours who follow you on social media, I mean, I know you're at the parks often, whether here on the east coast or even in Disneyland in the West Coast. So when, you know, when I hear something like that, I just think, oh, man, this is someone who's probably getting inspired left and right, you know, to draw or to do something, you know, artistic. And we'll, you know, elaborate more as the episode goes on. So you would say that you were always drawn to painting. Do you have a favorite medium? [00:07:55] Speaker D: Yeah, I only paint in acrylic, so acrylic is, like, my number one favorite. It's. It's. What I love about acrylic paint is it dries fast, sometimes a little too fast, but that's okay, because oil I don't have the patience for. I would love one day to venture into oil paint, but I would have to learn some serious patience skills to be able to work with oil paint, because it, like, takes forever to dry. And acrylic paint is great because it's like, you know, I paint the background. You know, if I just put my base color down, and then I can, you know, take a little break, come back to it, like, 20 minutes later, it's all dry. It's ready to go. And there's. There's also, like, different mediums that you can mix into acrylic paint, which is great. And, you know, they can kind of. If you're working on something that you need it to dry a little bit slower, you can mix that in and it'll dry slower or even faster. So it's a great medium. So, yeah, acrylic paint is my number one. [00:08:48] Speaker B: How long? I mean, I know there's different, and I'm kind of going to be jumping a little bit as the conversation flows and my questions kind of. I get inspired. I know you. You paint basically different sizes, but on average, how long does it take you to make an artwork? [00:09:05] Speaker D: It depends more than the size of the piece. It depends on the subject and really how it's coming together creatively. For me, there's always a part of creating a piece where I hate it. It happens every time without fail. It's like, I look at it, and I'm like, this is the worst thing I've ever done. And then, you know, it'll take me. Sometimes it'll only take me, like, an hour to kind of go back into it with, like, fresh eyes. And then I'm like, oh, this is the best thing I've ever done. And it's. It'll. You know, sometimes I go back to a piece after a day or a week. So it just varies based on, you know, if I really like the piece or if I'm, you know, like, this piece behind me, I did just for, like, this room. And so I knew what my vision was, and I knew it wasn't going to be a very, like, intricate piece. So it came together, and I was really happy painting it. I was in a great mindset, and I really only try to paint when I'm in a great mindset. I think that's really important to, like, me and, you know, how I. How I create art is I have to be in a good mood. I don't ever want to do anything when I'm, like, too stressed or too tired or anything, because it definitely reflects in my work. But, yeah, I know that's not the straightest answer, but it really depends on the piece and just how it's coming together creatively. [00:10:20] Speaker B: I think it was a very comprehensive answer. So please don't apologize by any Means. But that's fantastic, because I was curious at one point, correct me if I'm wrong, one of the pieces that you did for the festival was the Mickey with the phone. The cell phone taking a picture. [00:10:40] Speaker D: Yes. [00:10:40] Speaker B: How was that? How did. I'm obsessed with that piece. But how did that one come about? [00:10:46] Speaker D: So that one, we submit all of our work and it gets approved to be part of the festival ahead of time. Like, months and months ahead of time. So I was trying to think of something really fun. I was always weary about including anything technology related in my work because I didn't want then the work to become outdated. I was. I just felt like, I don't know, phone, me, my phone. And like, social media is such a big part of me as an artist. And so I kind of wanted. I thought it would be fun to paint that. And also didn't realize that I was going to hear so many people saying, oh, my, like, look, Nikki's taking a picture of you. And that really, like, was a lot of fun for me to hear because parents with their children and just kids like, oh, my God, say cheese. Or, you know, it just. It was really cute. So I didn't know that it was going to kind of spark that, but I was really happy it did. So it came about just wanting to include something like phone and camera related, and I'm glad that I ended up painting it. [00:11:54] Speaker B: Well, I'll say I'm a huge fan of that one. And what I think is, you're welcome. It's funny because you're saying you don't want technology to be outdated and you're insane. You know Epcot, where you have Spaceship Earth, where it's an iconic ride. [00:12:08] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:12:09] Speaker B: But boy, oh, boy, could that use. And I love that ride with my whole heart. It would be so cool if we could have some updated scenes, right? [00:12:17] Speaker D: Oh, yes, yes, for sure. [00:12:20] Speaker B: However, that's one of those artworks where you look at it and you're like, man, there's so many different ways to interpret it. And, like, you can ask Jen and even Brooks, really, like, I'm the kind of person, I'm at the parks and I'm taking pictures left and right. So something like that. It's cool to hear how some of the fans and guests were perceiving that, you know, painting, because I have my own perception of it. I'm sure you did too. You know, talking about Mickey taking a picture. But yeah. So more to that, do you have, like, an aha moment when you realize you could make a career out of your Disney inspired art. [00:13:00] Speaker D: What would have been the moment? I think on my college program I tried to ask as many questions as I could about what a career as an artist, like a Disney artist could look like and what different avenues there were because I didn't necessarily know that Disney fine art wasn't, was even an option and like a career option for me. So I thought that if this is something that I wanted to do, I would maybe have to be like an animator or not have to be. I mean it's a great privilege to do any sort of art for the Walt Disney Company. But I didn't know if that was necessarily what I wanted to do because I know that comes with a lack of freedom of being able to paint what you want. And yeah, I just asked a lot on my college program and I think it happened really naturally over the years and just learning more about different art avenues within the Walt Disney Company. I think that's how it sort of came about. If I'm not getting too far away from your questions. [00:14:00] Speaker B: No, you're not. Especially because Disney has so much to offer and I don't think everyone always sees Disney as something that has all these different facets. So the fact that you had the opportunity to basically explore within the company and, and you know, of course the Disney college program is a great exposure slash tool depending on how you use it, you know, that's just awesome to hear in case anyone listening out there is an aspiring artist, you know, and can take some notes from, from you. But on that topic, did you have some early struggles and how did you push through when you first started or was navigating this new space? [00:14:39] Speaker D: Well, in high school I like art has always been my thing. So I knew I wanted to do something with art, but I struggle wise. I mean, I would say even before any, any of this happened, I struggled in high school because I had an art teacher that was not very encouraging about my love of Disney and Disney art. And so she always told me like, those aren't your characters. Like you can't do anything with this. You have like, like don't do this basically. And she, yeah, just was very dismissive of anything that I wanted to do, Disney related. And she like, I always tried to work it like into every project and I really think that didn't make her happy. So I think that, that, that was definitely, I think the biggest struggle because I mean I spent so much time with her. I spent like every day with her in school and I was able to work it so that I Had, I think, like multiple like periods of art within the day because I took classes so that I took like more advanced classes at the beginning of high school so that like my last two years of high school were like freed up. And I only went into school for like art and maybe ceramics, which I also did Disney related things and ceramics. And that teacher was more fond of Disney, but that would be my biggest struggle was kind of. And she, she made me not want to paint for a few years. So after that, and once I got back into it, I think I was much more optimistic about kind of taking it on and doing as much as I could with it. [00:16:12] Speaker A: I found that it's hard when people don't love Disney as much as you do, that they're like, can you do anything else? Can you talk about anything else? There's other things out there in the world. It was like, this is what I love and this is what I'm passionate about. So I want to know, like, how has your artistic style evolved over the years? [00:16:35] Speaker D: Well, I think that when I first started posting things on Instagram, I did this style that I'll always have like a love for, but it was, it was more vibrant. And I sort of like outlined the characters, like again and again with like, kind of like white or different color sort of lines, which I thought that was my style. And I was so not willing to try anything else. I loved that look and I love that work. But I think I sort of was like, you know what, I can try to do different things and I love that I've used softer colors as the years have gone on. And I think a lot of people associate my work now with like, pastel colors and like just very soft color schemes. And sometimes I do something that's more vibrant or loud, but I tend to use, you know, that like, really soft color palette. And I think that that's. That's probably really happened over the last two years of just two or three years of like my life. And I think it started with the mural that I did for Disney Springs because I knew that that piece I wanted to be really pastel. So that's when I bought all this pastel colored paint and like these light colors to mess around with. And I was like, oh, I really like this. I even started using, like, there's so many different kinds of acrylic paint. I learned that there's some that I really like the consistency of because I sort of. They're really light and layer them. It gives chalk ish effect. So I think that My work has evolved most with my, like, openness to explore different kinds of paint, honestly, and just, like, different brands and different kinds of acrylic paint and, you know, that kind of thing. [00:18:14] Speaker C: Yeah. And to me, is. Is real interesting hearing talking about, like, experimenting with, you know, almost kind of different styles and everything. But what advice would you kind of give to aspiring artists who dream about one day working with Disney? Because, like you said, when you were in the college program, you asked a lot of questions to see how you can get into that world. [00:18:40] Speaker D: Yeah, I would say just continue to build a portfolio, and wherever that is, whether it's, like, online, if it's a webpage, or if it's a document or whatever it is, just continue to build it and keep it up to date and keep it filled with work that you're really proud of and just show everyone and, like, anything that. That you could be interested in as an artist. I think that, like, LinkedIn is such a great tool for connecting with different people and. And maybe, you know, your art could catch the eye of someone who maybe want to put it on a product and who knows where. I think that it's so not, like, linear, if that makes sense. There's just so many different avenues. And I think that my advice would be to just be open to what's out there and always talk about your work and want to share it with people. And I just keep trying new things and build a portfolio and show everyone and everything. [00:19:36] Speaker B: And don't let those cranky teachers. [00:19:39] Speaker D: Don't let you down teachers tell you that you can't do it. Exactly. [00:19:43] Speaker A: These cranky teachers. What are we gonna do with them? [00:19:45] Speaker B: We don't like them. [00:19:47] Speaker D: She's retired now, thankfully, so go ahead. [00:19:52] Speaker A: But not really, y'all. We're family friendly. [00:19:54] Speaker B: Oh, no, no. That was the Queen of Hearts reference. Please, please, no. So I. I wanted to just touch base a little bit about, you know, your layers and your colors, because I think that's one of the reasons why I was also very attracted to your artwork. I mean, for those that are watching us on see, I actually have three of Dom Corona's amazing artwork in my. I call this my mouseum. I always have different Disney memorabilia stuff. I have a couple of. You know, I have Royal Caribbean here. But anyways, you'll find just about anything and everything behind me, from old to new. But anyways, I've got some of your artwork in the colors. I love, love vibrant colors, but there's something about the usage of the colors that you use that's like pastel, but it's still bright without it being muted. And I think that is magical. And then the layers, too. Yeah. It just so happens that Steamboat Willie and Sorcerer Mickey are my two favorite Mickeys. I did not know that you love them as much, so that's why I have those two. So anyways, love it. Okay. I get sidetracked going off the rails. So we talked a little bit about what was the journey like from creating art at home. Home or in your school to becoming an official Disney fine artist. But do you have anything more to add about, like, the last three years where you really came into being this Disney fine artist? [00:21:27] Speaker D: I think that. Well, I think that a lot of the last. I want to say especially the last two years and a little before that, since I started working with Four Seasons, I think that my work has been heavily influenced by the more tropical side of things and also the resort. And I think that I have a lot of, like, luxury product and brand influence into my work because I just. I think I. As. I think the way I want to answer this is I would say that I really only try to paint things that I'm really interested in. And I think that the last three years, I've definitely gotten more and more strict with myself about the things that. That I paint. And as far as, you know, you get asked for work that's commissioned or people have ideas and they come to you. And I try to really stay true to, like, what my vision is. And I'm happy to. To create other things, but I really try to every day stay more true to, like, what my vision is as an artist and draw inspiration from the things that make me happy. So I think that it takes a lot because, you know, you don't want to be so, like, I only want to do this or, oh, I only do that. But I think it makes you who you are as an artist, and I think, like, staying true to the things that make me happy makes my work better in turn. So I think that that's. That's gotten more and more evident in my work in the last few years. [00:22:59] Speaker B: As a fan, I will say that I, you know, if there's two things that I can actually, there's a lot of positive things I could say, but if there's two words I could use, it's that I feel like you evoke a lot of happiness and confidence in your work. So, you know, in everything that you. You're welcome. But I mean that genuinely. And so. And I'm. It's no surprise to me that Disney would then ask you to be a part of, you know, Epcot's Festival of the Arts. So we're dying, so dying to know what it's like to be an artist at Epcot's Festival of the Arts, because that's my favorite festival. Will you see me at Food and Wine often? Yes. Yes, you will. That is definitely when I'm at the park the most. But not because Festival of the Arts isn't my favorite. I'm not at Festival of the Arts more because that's right after the holidays, when I'm poor, after all the presents. [00:23:58] Speaker C: And it's also the shortest one too, Other than holidays. [00:24:00] Speaker D: It's very short. Yeah. [00:24:01] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:24:02] Speaker B: It makes me sad. It really does. But I'm very passionate about Festival of the Arts. I know. I mean, I'll be honest. Our season two, I think it was. I think it was season two, it was just Brooks Kelton and I. Jen hadn't joined us yet, and we did a whole background episode on Festival of the Arts and it's probably our top five in our top five most listened to episodes the whole entire time. We're just so passionate, talking about, you know, all the different things. Totally shouted you out on that one. [00:24:34] Speaker D: Aww. I have to listen to it. [00:24:37] Speaker B: Yeah, if you want. It's one of our earlier episodes. But, you know, we're really excited to hear your perspective from being at Festival of the Arts. How does Disney even ask you to be there? And then not only that. The margarita. [00:24:51] Speaker D: Yeah, The Artgaritas. [00:24:53] Speaker B: Yes. [00:24:54] Speaker D: Well, I'm there with Disney Fine Art. Right. And that's the group. So we had a few booths in that area, that new area right next to Communicorps Hall. So it was something that I was there with them for the first time last year officially because we, we had, you know, it takes a lot of prep work and things need to be kind of solidified many months in advance because then, you know, Disney needs to put schedules out and be able to promote things. So it's an opportunity that I've had Now. I've been at Festival Arch for three years, but I've been there with Disney finally the last two years. It being there is. I mean, it's insanely inspiring because, I mean, it's just like, you know, you kind of get in your zone when you're painting and then you like, look and there's Spaceship Earth or like, you know, it's. You like, sort of forget where you are for a second. And that's really cool. And it's also really cool to just see people talk about my work. And I kind of like being a fly on the wall sometimes. And seeing people kind of go in into, like, my little booth area and talk about which pieces they like or where they saw something previously or where they know my work from is always really exciting because it's always like, wow, you know, I didn't think that maybe they would associate my work with this or that or just, you know, I'm lucky to be around other really incredible artists. And I think what's a lot of fun is them people always knowing, kind of like, where one artist's work stops and where my work begins. That I think is really fun because it's like that to me, says, like, I do have my own style. And it's like, for me not to say anything to anyone, for somebody to just come in and know that is a lot of fun for me. But, no, it's just. I mean, it's the most incredible experience. And knowing that there's a whole festival with foods and seeing other Disney fine artists like Trevor Carlton paint live, it's like, I don't know how to be on that stage and be painting in, like, 20 minutes. I could never do that. And there's so many people there that are artists and, like, specialize in different kinds of mediums. So it's really fun to kind of walk around and see my favorite artists and. Yeah, so it's just a wonderful experience overall. [00:27:10] Speaker B: Sorry, I was on mute. Sometimes I just delay. I love hearing that, you know, you're like a fly on the wall, listening to people's, you know, thoughts, you know, and what they think about your. The emotion that comes out, looking at your different artwork. And like I said, your artwork is so fun. It really, really is. And you have, you know, all the iconic characters, lots of Mickey, you got some stitch in there. And Winnie. But I feel like that's probably like, the most satisfying thing. Like you said, you know, you can differentiate what's my artwork versus them. But you know what? You say that you can never be on that stage. I bet you can, and you will in a few years. It's gonna happen. You've had already so much success, and I know you're going up from here, so it's only been three years. Look at how much you've accomplished. Seriously. [00:28:02] Speaker D: I think it's a. It's a different kind of. It's a performance art. Right? So I don't think that maybe that's maybe where I draw the line of Being up there and having a billion eyes on me while I'm dancing to and singing, or not singing, but dancing and painting. It's just. I'd be like, I have stage fright. I just wouldn't be able to do it. [00:28:21] Speaker B: I bet if you had Nemo, your pet, you'd be fine. Just saying. Yeah, he's the emotional support pet that we all need. [00:28:28] Speaker A: Yeah, it's the cutest. He is so adorable. [00:28:32] Speaker D: Yeah, he. Good boy. [00:28:33] Speaker B: He's so cute. Oh, my goodness. I love it. I love seeing him on your social media. It's like. Anyways, I get off topic, so. Okay. How do you mentally and emotionally and physically, like, with your artworks, prepare for a festival like this? Do you, like, bring all your artworks? Do you have a plan of, like, what you're gonna bring? Walk us through this process of yours, please. [00:28:56] Speaker D: Yeah, so we planned kind of what's going to be there, and we also pre plan what pieces I'm going to be painting there. And that's done, you know, months ahead because it kind of, you know, everything needs to. Everything with Disney is. Is done in advance. They want to know, like, what I'm going to paint there. And so I bring my paint. But as far as, like, what I'm painting each day there, that's sort of like, that's not something that I really planned in advance. Like, it's sort of like what I'm feeling that day because I at least need to have the freedom of, like, what I'm painting that day. Like, I don't know what mood I'm gonna be in that day. So, like, I had a bunch of concepts that I gave to them. And so there were like, there was Mickey, there was Donald, there was more Mickey. And I always kind of want to paint Mickey. It's like, it's just. It just happens that way. And I know it's like I need to kind of expand my. My character base a little bit, but it's. It's mostly Mickey. Yeah, but there was a really cute piece I did that I loved of Donald and Spike the bee. And that piece sold, like, pretty much as soon as I finished it. So I was like, you know, it. It's also fun to, like, paint things and be able to, like, look at them for a little bit. So it's like, bittersweet that it sold so fast because then it's like, I don't, like. Like, I look at pictures of it. I'm like, oh, I remember this. Like, but, you know, you finish it and then it's like out of. It's like, gone. I didn't really get to appreciate my own work in that sense. But, yeah, no, I have to be in the mood to, like, I figure out what mood I'm in that day and what the vibe is when I get there. If, like, you know, if it's like cold, medium, like, not. I don't know, it's. [00:30:36] Speaker B: It's. [00:30:36] Speaker D: Maybe Mickey's not so tropical that day or something. I don't know. It's like it's got. I gotta feel the vibe of the day to figure out which piece I. [00:30:43] Speaker B: Want to start paint. No idea. No, for sure. I just. I honestly had no idea how much pre planning was actually done between artist and Disney fine art and that you have to come up with concepts and stuff. Because I'm all about what I'm feeling in the moment. [00:31:00] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:31:01] Speaker B: You know, so I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking, oh, I just thought you would just show up. And I'm feeling Mickey today with a. With the phone and he's taking selfie and just like everyone else in this park, just throwing an example out there. Whether that happened or not, where you pre planned it, I mean, you mentioned you did, but still, it's just everything. [00:31:20] Speaker D: Everything with Disney, with the characters. I think I'm allowed to say this. It needs to be approved beforehand because character integrity is super important to the Walt Disney Company. And I mean rightfully so. I always really happy. I embrace the fact that. That I didn't invent these characters, but I'm allowed to create pieces of art with them. So for me, when things get, you know, I submit pieces and sometimes there will be corrections on them that I need to fix. Whether, you know, Mickey's thumb might be a little bit long or, you know, it could be something like that. And I just appreciate that it's being looked at that closely because, again, I didn't. I didn't invent Mickey, unfortunately. I would have loved to. I probably wouldn't be here right now, but, you know, it would probably be long gone. I, you know, I want to. To pay as much respect to Mickey and the other characters as I can. For something to be, like, corrected by somebody who knows even more than I do about the integrity of the character and how something should look is more of, like, an honor for me to be able to have that opportunity for it to be looked at. Because, you know, there was once upon a time when I wasn't a Disney fine artist where I just painted things and, you know, I would post them and, like, you know, it didn't really mean as much in terms of, like, it wasn't official Disney arts. Like, this is what I worked so hard for, is the opportunity for it to be corrected. [00:32:47] Speaker B: So you leveled up. That's what this is, being a Disney Fine art. This is leveling up. That is. [00:32:55] Speaker D: It's an honor. It really is. It's really cool. I mean, it's not something that I would have ever like, you know, I never would have thought the process would be what it's like. So it's a lot of fun. It's a dream, really. [00:33:07] Speaker B: And, you know, I really do think that you're paying these characters respect. I saw what you did for Oswald, the rabbit. That was chef's kiss. I mean, gorgeous. Serious. [00:33:21] Speaker D: Yeah, he's super cute. [00:33:23] Speaker B: He's underrated. And then you did it in blue and green, which you really can't see, but blue and green are my favorite colors. And I was just like, yeah, the. [00:33:31] Speaker D: One with the peace signs. [00:33:33] Speaker B: Yes. Yes. Listen, I really do love art. Like, it's a. If I had this space to buy them all, I would. I could look and talk about art forever. And I'm not an artist. I take pictures and videos, and I love to do that, but I can't do what you do. Much respect, but, yes, I. Big admiration. Okay, does anyone want to ask a question? Because I feel like I'm mumbling. [00:33:57] Speaker A: I do, because I also. I love Festival of the Arts and have been just a huge fan of all the artwork. But I was able to do several trips last year during Festival of the Arts, and your booth was very busy. Yeah, it was very busy. I kind of. You said that you were. You. You kind of, like, get in the zone, and then you're like, I'm. I'm in Epcot. I want to hear a little bit about the interactions with. With the guest and, you know, and with your, you know, your collectors. What is that like to speak to them and, you know, do they have any really good stories about your art? [00:34:48] Speaker D: There's a few pieces that I think they've been given a lot of meaning because of the reasons why people buy them and whether. And I think there's a lot of times somebody will buy a piece that Pluto's in and say it reminds them of their dog. And that, to me, is probably, like, really up there on the meaningful scale for me, because I. I, you know, would jump in front of a bus for Nemo. You know, it's like, if. Yeah. Bye. So anybody that has a bond to Their dog and, you know, sees their bond with their dog in my work is, like, such an honor to me. Also, people that I think, like, on, I guess, both sides of the spectrum, like, there's a lot of people that come up that are really elderly, and, like, I'm definitely, you know, they've seen Disney art for a long time, and maybe they've collected Disney art for a long time. So for me to have my work to have meaning to them, and for them to see something of mine that they like when they. When they've, you know, been going to the parks their whole life, and that. That's a meaningful interaction to me. And also the younger kids is a lot of fun. There was this little girl this year who her parents brought her last year, and she got her first piece from me, and then she returned this year and got another piece. And immediately when she saw my work, I think she turned like, five this year. So she was, you know, four last year. She's like, I have this piece, and this is where it is in my room. And now I'm going to have this piece, and this is where it's going to go in my room. And she was so cute. And, you know, I think that. I mean, honestly, anybody that has their own story on, like, why my work resonates with them is like, there's not really. Not one that's more meaningful than the other to me, because it's like the fact that I just painted something and strikes a chord with you, you know, reminds you of the bond with your animal or, you know, significant other or your brother or your sister or, you know, anything. It's like, it's just so cool. It's not anything that I would have, because I obviously didn't intend for that while I was painting it. And so it just means that somebody is really kind of, like, looking at my work and it's hitting something for them. So it's always really cool. It's. It's like a. It's a huge honor for me. [00:37:00] Speaker C: Yeah, I mean, it, I think kind of echo everyone else says, huge fan of Festival of the Arts. It was actually. It was the first festival my wife and I went to together at as a married couple. And, like. And we would. Because her mom wasn't it, and I say was. Is an artist. So she grew up kind of in that world. And so just seeing, like, all the. All the different artists like you were talking about earlier, like, you know, the different mediums and everything, we actually took her mom this year for her first time. Ever At Epcot, at Festival of the Arts, and literally just seen her just in awe of everything. So. But, you know, going. Going back to Festival of the Arts, what is something that you would think most people don't realize about being part of Festival of the Arts? [00:38:11] Speaker D: I would say that you also have to be open to negative feedback. Yeah, of course. I mean, you know, you catch comments every now and again. Luckily, I didn't hear that many of them, but, of course, people are critiquing your work, so I think that it's equally as important to realize that it's not all rainbows and butterflies and that you're putting your work out there for people to critique it and walk past it and say how they feel about it, whether it's good or bad. So, yeah, it's not. It's not always that, you know, like a. It's not always a dreamy Walt Disney World commercial where, you know, the kid is running up to Mickey Mouse and everybody's all happy. It's like, you know, it's like maybe somebody off with their head, but it happens, and it's okay. It's fine. You know, it comes with the territory, of course. [00:39:04] Speaker A: Okay, well, here's a PSA from a mother. If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. Just keep walking. Kindness is free. There we go. There we go. I'll get off my soapbox. I'll get off my soapbox. But I know sometimes things just don't quote story. [00:39:23] Speaker C: Just keep swimming away. [00:39:25] Speaker D: Exactly. Away. Far away. [00:39:27] Speaker A: But I get it. Sometimes things just don't, you know, don't resonate with people. But still be kind. [00:39:33] Speaker D: Yeah. And. And honestly, more often, I'm really like, I didn't hear that many at all, which is nice. And it's mostly they just don't like a character. [00:39:43] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:39:43] Speaker D: Or, you know, it's like. And you're not looking at it like, I hate so. And so it's like, you can't take it personally. They just don't like that character. So it's like not, you know, or they ask you if you have a certain character that maybe they didn't see, and then you show them the piece. But you can't expect them to, like, love that piece and then want to buy it. It's. It's like, I'm. I, like, I'm very. Like, I'm. I'm probably. I like, I. I hate the salesy aspect of. Of art, and I always. I never want anybody to. To speak to me Thinking that, like, I would be pushing them to buy something. Like, if something speaks to you and you love it and you want to take it home with you, that's wonderful. But if you also just want to have a conversation with me about art or about whatever, equally as. So not for, like, the sale, because I think that's so not an authentic way to be an artist, because that's not what I want my art to be about. That's not what I think art should be about. So, yeah, like, I can't expect somebody to. Even people that have purchased pieces from me, like, I can't expect them to, like, like the next thing or like something because a certain character's in it. You sort of just have to have a completely open mind and not take anything personally. And, you know, it's. It's. It's art, so it's. It's completely subject. Subjective. [00:41:02] Speaker B: Well, I love what you just said about how people shouldn't feel, like, necessarily nervous or afraid to go talk to you if that's what they want to do. And I feel like that really speaks great to your character and, you know, your delivery with your art. You're proud of your pieces, and at one point, your pieces make you vulnerable because there are, you know, there are critique critics out there. But at the end of the day, I mean, I feel like, you know, we're getting to know you, you're getting to know us, we're getting to know that you're like, this genuine guy, and no one's gonna know that without talking to you. And they don't have to feel obligated. And people I know, I'm the first one where I'm just like, I talk to someone and I feel obligated, and I just feel bad because they try, you know, So I love that. I hope that the people who listen to this podcast and, you know, hear that coming from you, that if they ever see you out and about, whether it's Four Seasons, Disney Springs, or at a future festival of the arts, and they want to, you know, approach you to talk that they can, and they don't have to feel, you know, I feel like those little things that's also, like, I don't know, magical because it, like, I always, always tell my clients, I tell my friends and family, like, every time I go to Disney, I always try something new. And I've been to Disney a million and one times, and every day, I always like, what's my something new? And that's something. You could just be talking to someone that I would have not had that interaction before. And that one interaction can make your whole day just completely different. It's something super silly. But anyways, I just think that people see these artists and see these booths and they just. They feel that obligation to have to buy an artwork. But really, you don't have to. Like a museum, you can go, you admire the work. And I think that's what makes festival the arts so special. You know, it may. It brings something, I don't know, luxurious into a more, like, humane environment for people to have these interactions, which I really think is. Is just awesome, personally. Here's a question that's a little bit out of the blue, and this one's from Mike because he texted me. So, like I said, I'm a big fan. Have been a big fan for the past three years. So he's like, don't be nervous. He's a human. But can you ask him this? He's like. So he wanted to know, okay, what would be, like, your dream collab if you had one with another artist? Might be a little bit of a curveball. I'm so sorry. [00:43:37] Speaker D: With another artist? Well, I have a dear friend and also Disney fine artist. Her name is Denise Collette, and she. She is. And I ask her every time what. What her, like, official verbiage is for the title brand creator, I'm pretty sure is the title with Swarovski. And she uses Swarovski crystals in her pieces. And I love her work. I love her even more as a person. And so we've talked about maybe working together on something in the future. So that artist, wise, like, she's like, I just admire her work and she's incredible. And so, yeah, she does really cool stuff. So around, like, Covid Swarovski, I think, restructured their whole brand, basically, and how they, I guess, distributed their crystals. So it's much more difficult. Like, you can't just go into, like, a craft store and buy Swarovski crystals now. You have to get them from them, and you have to be, like, an approved artist with the brand. And so she's the only Disney artist to have that sort of certification and relationship with them. So she's able to use their crystals in her work. And, you know, there's like, thousands of crystals on some of her pieces. And she does a lot of really cool stuff. So, yeah, she's like, my. Like, I just really admire her. [00:45:00] Speaker B: So shout out to her. That sounds incredible. [00:45:03] Speaker D: Yeah. [00:45:04] Speaker B: That made me think of the sorcerer Mickey hat that they had at D23 this past year. That was made out of Swarovski's. [00:45:11] Speaker D: Yeah. Yeah. Crazy stuff. [00:45:14] Speaker B: So. Oh, my goodness. That was. Anyways, would love to see that. [00:45:19] Speaker A: Her work is amazing. [00:45:20] Speaker B: I don't think I've seen her work. [00:45:23] Speaker D: Yeah, she has such cool stuff. [00:45:24] Speaker A: I mean, like, anything sparkly. Like, I'm. I'm all over anything sparkly. [00:45:30] Speaker D: Yeah. And I love the fact that she went and sought out that, or. I don't know if she sought it out or they invited her to be part of that program, but I think that, that, like, I'm. I'm very big on that part of, like, the brand relationships, too. So I think that that's super cool, and it adds a lot of validity to her work. Not that she needs it, but it's like, to. To say that it. Like to say that you're backed by Swarovski is, like, such an incredible accomplishment. [00:45:59] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:45:59] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:46:00] Speaker B: All right. Should we talk about the margarita? The art Gorita, please. [00:46:05] Speaker A: Is it margarita time? [00:46:07] Speaker B: I am okay. I'm so sorry. Sad. I did not get a chance to try it. And I. I. Yes, I am. I feel like I failed just the whole festival as a whole. And I just look at all these pictures and videos, and I'm just like, there's not enough money in the world for me to go back right now. And just. Just every single time I looked at it. But anyways, yes, I cried about it. But, you know, you're. You're gonna talk about it. [00:46:30] Speaker D: I'll be able to get you the recipe so that you can make it at home. I don't know if it's a super secret Krabby Patty formula situation, but I will. I'll see what I can do. And if I can get you the. The recipe, that would be amazing. [00:46:45] Speaker B: Don't get yourself in trouble. [00:46:47] Speaker D: Yeah, maybe you'll be able to make it. I'll see what I can do. [00:46:50] Speaker B: Thank you. Well, I'm just sweating over here, like, just an excitement. Tell us about your Arcarita. How did this even happen? Because, you know, La cava del Tequilas, everyone knows the avocado margarita there. You've got the Neil Patrick Harris. I don't. It's black smoke or something like that. [00:47:10] Speaker D: Black magic. [00:47:11] Speaker B: Black magic sounds about right. But now you got your own exclusive for the festival. Only for those of us listening here, unfortunately, it is long gone. Unless you come up with something else for any future festival of the arts. But anyways, tell us all about this masterpiece. [00:47:28] Speaker D: Well, so last year we had one. Last year and we had one this year, but last year that one we had a lot less time to work with before we did it. It was, last year was like a spin off of a margarita that they already had for the festival. So it had other things added to it. Plus it had like a paintbrush. And so what was fun was like it had this sparkly blue Curacao, if that's how you say it in it. So it like changed the color from. It was yellow, then it changed it to like a green color, which green is my favorite color. So it was like, it was really fitting and it came together quickly and. But we executed it and it was great. But knowing that we had now a full year, they sort of, we talked about what the next year's could look like and I was like, okay, it's a lot of pressure, right? Because it's like, it's something where you want it to be cute, you want it to be like Instagrammable and obviously inspired by art. So I wanted it. So here's where my brain was, was the pink drink at Starbucks is. Has always reminded me of like my paint water when I use like pink paint, because it's sort of like got that consistency where it's like, you know, clear but not. And it's like a little bit cloudy because it's got whatever in it. This is like an awful description of the pink drink at Starbucks, but you know what it is. And so I wanted it to look like that. So we sort of went off that and. And they, they don't use like artificial coloring in their drinks, so they had to really play around with what they could use to make it that pink color. And so they came up with a recipe and I tried it and I was like, this is incredible. They're strong and they're way too easy to drink every second of it. So yeah, then we put it together for this year and I, like, I honestly don't think it could be better. And it makes me really nervous about next year because it's like, I don't know how we can, how we can top like. It was so cute. It was just cute and it tasted great and it was fun. So. Yeah. [00:49:22] Speaker B: How did you get approached to do something like this? And before I lose my train of thought, you know what I honestly thought the first time I saw the picture of this Arcarita. I hope you guys can fill in the blanks for me. But I was thinking of like those chocolate covered animal crackers with like the circle sprinkles on them. [00:49:43] Speaker D: Yes, yes, that is. [00:49:45] Speaker B: Yes, that is what I pictured. Like, it probably doesn't taste anything like it, but that was like. Oh, I bet that was inspired. You know what inspired something similar? I don't know, it just. That tastes like. [00:49:58] Speaker D: It tastes like a pina colada with tequila instead of. I guess rum would be in a typical pina colada and not frozen because it's just over ice. [00:50:09] Speaker B: You're nailing the tropical topic. [00:50:11] Speaker D: Yeah, yeah, yeah. [00:50:13] Speaker B: That's awesome. Seriously. No, I'm sure you'll come up with something that's a lot of fun. So anyways, my original question. How. How did you get approached to do something like this? There's all these artists, but you get chosen for this special task. [00:50:27] Speaker D: So I. Well, now a great friend of mine, his name is Sebastian, he works and does all their social media at La Cava. He went to Four Seasons, I think, and saw that I had artwork there that had a filter on Instagram. And so I was able to make my artwork interactive. And then he wanted to do something like that for a drink there. And that's sort of how that conversation started. But since then, he's become like a extremely close friend of mine and ours, and he's like family now. So it's like, it makes all this so much more fun. But unfortunately, the interactive filter, whole platform got dismantled by Meta this year in January, so that is like a thing of the past. So we couldn't do it again for this festival. And like, it was the craziest thing. Like, they. They announced that they are basically just like turning off the platform because the way that platform worked was you were able as like a creator to make different filters and like design your own filter. Like, and some of them were like super extensive and so they had like 3D aspects and you could do all this stuff. And then I think that the platform was more trouble than it was worth. Is basically the. The consensus of. Of it, because it. It broke down a lot and it was really not easy to like, upload things and get them. You know, Facebook and Instagram had to like, approve everything. So. So, yeah, so then even more pressure for this year's drink to be really cute because there was no filter that could go along with it. That made it even more fun. So. Yeah. [00:52:05] Speaker B: Well, I have ideas for next year and we can talk about that. [00:52:08] Speaker D: Good, good. [00:52:09] Speaker B: Off the record. [00:52:10] Speaker D: Yes. [00:52:11] Speaker B: I've got something that you might be interested in also. So sad about that whole thing with the filter, because these two pieces, which I love and adore, had those two filters and gosh, I kind of almost wish I didn't know. [00:52:26] Speaker D: Yeah, sorry. [00:52:28] Speaker B: No, no, it's totally fine. But that's actually really cool though that you have that connection. Are able to, you know, take it a step further with the Festival of the Arts. Because I mean, let's be real, that artgarito was on every social media, every blogger vlogger, you name it, it was popular. So you definitely were successful with that one, which I think again, just super, super cool. You mentioned the four seasons. Let's dive a little bit about that. What is it that you have there? [00:53:01] Speaker C: Well folks, that just about does it for part one of this week's episode of the Mouse Ears Podcast, we will continue part two of our wonderful conversation with Dom Corona later on this week. Don't forget to join our Mouse Series Sears Podcast Facebook Group and follow us on TikTok, Facebook X& Instagram to stay up to date for all things travel, but mostly Disney. And if you're interested in having a Fairy Tale Journeys agent book your next trip, visit fairytalejourneys.com and let them know that the podcast sent you. Lastly, if you enjoy our weekly episodes of the Mouse Ears Podcast, we would love for you to leave us a review where ever you listen to us. Until next time, thanks everyone. [00:53:47] Speaker D: Bye.