Celebration in Crisis

An incredible development has occurred in the world of intellectual property. The implementation of “AI” across various creative fields has revealed the flaws in the way credit is given and ownership is protected. Maintaining the integrity of source material has become paramount to the survival of the creative enterprise. Media companies are forced to defend their intellectual property against outside influence. But when beloved assets enter the public domain, how long can one expect to control them?

Celebration in Crisis tells the story of a future catastrophe. Drawing inspiration from present-day news stories, this speculative report explores the ways in which intellectual property is managed by large corporations. By using design as a form of storytelling, the downward spiral of a new company initiative is documented through fictitious emails, presentations, photos, handwritten notes, and collected evidence.

The Walt Disney Company has spent the last century manipulating the ways copyright, trademarks, and patents are enforced in the United States. They are the second largest media company in the world thanks to the longevity and mass appeal of the entertainment they provide. However, as of 2023, Mickey Mouse is a part of the public domain. Control of the development and distribution of this iconic character is no longer at the mercy of the company, opening up new opportunities for designers and artists alike.

This project critiques Disney’s visual identity, corporate decision-making, and public influence by turning the power of Mickey Mouse against the company itself. Through the act of imitation I am able to learn from existing designs and systems that are used every day to my advantage. When real images, branding materials and office conventions are manipulated, the audience must evaluate the origins of all information presented to them and reckon with its legitimacy.

Further reading can be found on the bookcase that houses the report. Every reference used in the creation of the project is given credit in vinyl lettering that creeps out of the publication, down the side of a bookshelf, and across the floor. The work is supported by its source material in every way possible.