Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Love Bug! 

For my amazing nephew Jeremy who is celebrating his birthday today, here are three Herbie paintings that I did for the 30th Anniversary of "The Love Bug" about nine years ago.  (Jeremy is a serious Herbie fan -since about the age of four - and he can tell the difference between a good Herbie movie and a bad Herbie movie. He's seen 'em all.)

Though not intended to be final art, these "exploratory" Photoshop images nevertheless ended up on an assortment of merchandise from travel mugs to mousepads for the Walt Disney Gallery stores. I confess I borrowed heavily from "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom" and the commercial animation of Halas and Batchelor for the look of these.

In 2005, I was surprised to see elements from all three images show up in the product development style guide for "Herbie, Fully Loaded".

A tip of the sunroof and a "beep beep" on the horn to Jeremy today! Hope he's having a great one!
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10 comments:

  1. Brittney9:46 AM

    Oh my!! I just found your blog today doing a google search to learn more about the Frito Kid at Disneyland, myself being a ridiculous Disneyland Nut. I feel like I found heaven. My new favorite blog. Straight into my google reader you go!! THANKS for this little treasure today.

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  2. Tony4:15 AM

    Very cool Kevin.

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  3. Eric Scales9:59 AM

    Wow! Yet another item that I was inextricably drawn to and bought, only to find out years later that you designed it. I got the mousepad and a small trinket box in this same style. Did you sculpt that too?

    Speaking of Trinket boxes, I'd love to see photos and art for the Attraction Trinket boxes you did for the Walt Disney Gallery in the late 90's.

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  4. Matt8:35 PM

    Incredible work, Kevin!

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  5. Kevin Kidney3:42 AM

    Thanks a lot!

    Eric, I did sculpt that Herbie trinket box! I'm amazed someone remembers that item! I'll post some images of the Attraction boxes soon. Thanks for asking!
    -K

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  6. Eric Scales10:27 AM

    Remember it? I have it on my desk!

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  7. SteveLambe6:20 PM

    Those are amazing, Kevin. So simple yet communuicate so effectively.

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  8. Jenny Lerew12:03 PM

    Beautiful work!

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  9. K.B.10:48 AM

    Just spectacular. I would love to see a Herbie short in this style.

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  10. JimmyD8:36 PM

    Hmmm... let's Google 'Herbie Trinket Box' and see what comes up! I bought two. One is still in the box! I also have 4 of the coffee mugs (I HAD 6). I love your work!!

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