The countdown to the opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar continues today with a closer look at merchandise artwork created for this new exotic land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Casey Jones, Senior Character Artist with Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group, recently gave me a sneak peek at some of the designs brought to life through collaboration. The results are stunning and will immerse guests in a brand-new world unlike any they have ever experienced before.
"I was responsible for illustrations and toy designs while serving as gatekeeper for all the art used on merchandise," explained Casey. "The most exciting aspect of my role was partnering with talented and creative individuals at Walt Disney Imagineering and Lightstorm Entertainment. Together, we designed products that complement a visually stunning world filled with floating mountains, bioluminescent plants, and all kinds of immersive adventure."
Guests visiting Windtraders, the primary merchandise location on Pandora, will discover several distinct art styles found on merchandise.
Dylan Cole, Co-Production Designer for the upcoming "Avatar" motion picture sequels, captured the bioluminescent world of Pandora at night with two new pieces. One image was inspired by the Na'vi River Journey while the other pictures the beautiful Valley of Mo'ara. In addition to being available as prints, elements from his nighttime artwork were added to apparel, home décor, accessories and other products. More of Dylan's work is found on the Countdown to Pandora pin collection we released this spring.
The cave painting art was based on sketches by Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde for the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. Casey worked with Joe to finish out his sketches, which were then applied to select products.
Casey explored different stylizations of the Shaman of Songs from the Na'vi River Journey attraction.
"[The Shaman of Songs] embodies the Na'vi's connection to nature which is displayed through music and light, so we wanted a graphic that was evocative of those ideas," said Casey.
Artist Daphne Yap, a member of the "Avatar" film production team, created gorgeous digital renderings of Na'vi weavings and Banshee totems for Walt Disney Imagineering. These images have a hand-drawn feel and will appear on select apparel and accessories.
Finally, the art team created patch designs representing different experiences guests will have while visiting Pandora. In addition to other products, guests will find select patch designs in the Intergalactic Passport Kit from Alpha Centauri Expeditions. The kit includes a passport, three sticker pages, a button, and a photo ID badge. This item, along with the Na'vi Translator Device, are perfect for exploring Pandora.
Look for these products and more in Windtraders when Pandora – The World of Avatar opens this May.
Don't forget we have the final, limited edition Countdown to Pandora pin being released on May 4 at Discovery Trading Company in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I hope to see you there.
