Pixar’s films, when complete and seen on the big screen, feature stunning visuals, achieved through the use of 3D computer animation. It is easy to overlook all the effort that goes into actually developing these works of art, long before animation ever occurs. During the pre-production process, artists create many pieces of concept art, with some ideas evolving into what we see in the final product, while other ideas are abandoned yet are still fascinating to view. After the break, take a peek at many examples of Incredibles 2 concept art that were created!
Pixar’s campus in Emeryville, California is designed to inspire those who walk through it. The main building’s design was heavily influenced by former CEO Steve Jobs – his idea in creating a massive atrium in the center of the building was that employees would frequently encounter each other, collaborate, and generate ideas together that may never have come to pass if everyone worked by themselves, isolated in their offices at all times. The studio continues to provide sources of inspiration to its employees to this day. One way this is carried out is through the curation of art galleries throughout Pixar’s hallways, on either side of the aforementioned atrium.
Sometimes, famed artists’ work is brought in, such as classic Chuck Jones Looney Tunes artwork.1 Other times, employees’ artwork is displayed. The most common type of art gallery seen is for the studio’s latest and/or upcoming film. When we were invited to the Incredibles 2 media event in March, Pixar had already created a gallery for the film. Walking through it, we saw artwork, resin sculpts, storyboards, and rough animation. The gallery is open to all employees, whether they are working on the film or not – given that their career is a creative one, seeing their peers’ work could very well be a source of inspiration. Below, take a tour through much of what we saw in the incredible art gallery and you, too, may be inspired.
Incredibles 2 hits theaters on June 15th!
- I’ve had the chance to see some of these art galleries in the past and it is always an incredible experience to see early versions of iconic films. ↩
