Project Overview:

Comprehensive large-format graphics production for Disney’s D23 Expo Marketplace, spanning exterior signage, interior environmental graphics, and branded retail booth installations across a major convention space.

Client: Disney Retail Creative (via Via Clover)

Project Details

• Timeline: May 2022 – September 2022
• Role: Freelance Print Production Artist / Project Manager
• Scope: 120+ large format graphics
• Total Square Footage: 2049+ sq ft

Deliverables Breakdown

Marketplace Exterior & Entrance Graphics

• 620.5 sq ft of large-format graphics for exterior walls and entrance
• Main entrance signage featuring “D23 EXPO MARKETPLACE” branding
• Perimeter wall graphics creating immersive Disney character environments

• 1,428.6 sq ft of graphics for branded retail booth installations
• Multiple franchise environments including:
  • Disney
  • Princess
  • Marvel
  • Star Wars
  • Pixar (Toy Story, Finding Nemo/Dory, Wreck-It Ralph)
  • National Geographic
  • Avatar
  • Disney Munchlings
  • Disney Parks International
    

Key Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Project Management Vacuum Midway through production, two consecutive project managers left the project, threatening timeline and creating potential for missed approvals and vendor miscommunications.

Solution: Proactively stepped up to fulfill project manager duties without being asked, ensuring continuity and preventing client disruption. Took full ownership of all PM responsibilities while continuing production artist work.

Challenge 2: Complex Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Managing 120+ graphics across multiple Disney franchises required coordinating with Disney Retail Creative team, production vendors, and installation teams—all remotely.

Solution: Implemented comprehensive tracking system documenting every graphic’s status through approval pipeline. Created detailed schedules showing which pieces were:

• In initial production
• Awaiting client review
• In revision / Revision number
• Approved and ready for vendor handoff
• In production at vendor
• Shipped/ready for installation

Challenge 3: Technical File Preparation at Scale Each of 120+ graphics required proper file preparation for large-format printing, including resolution scaling, color management, bleed specifications, and vendor-specific requirements.

Solution: Developed streamlined workflow for processing high-volume graphics efficiently while maintaining quality standards:

• Created templates for recurring booth sizes and formats
• Established naming conventions for easy tracking
• Coordinated with multiple vendors to understand specific press requirements
• Prepared files with proper bleed, trim marks, and production notes

Challenge 4: Character Art Management Project involved numerous Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters requiring careful attention to:

• Brand guideline compliance
• Character approval requirements
• Preventing duplicate characters across different booth graphics
• Maintaining character scale and quality at large format

Solution: Maintained detailed character usage logs and created mockups showing character placement across entire marketplace to ensure variety and prevent visual repetition. Coordinated with creative team on character selections and scaling for maximum visual impact.

Challenge 5: Luminosity & Color Correction Graphics needed to achieve specific luminosity levels and color vibrancy for platinum borders, holographic effects, and branded color systems across multiple Disney properties.

Solution: Performed extensive color corrections and adjustments to ensure graphics met brand standards and would reproduce accurately at large scale. Worked with vendors on proof cycles to verify color output before final production runs.

Challenge 6: Installation Coordination Graphics needed to align precisely with physical booth structures, wall measurements, and architectural features of the convention space.

Solution: Created detailed production specifications matching graphics to corresponding walls, bays, and panels. Provided installation teams with labeled files clearly indicating placement, ensuring graphics matched architectural plans for seamless installation.

Product Specifications

File Preparation:

• Large-format resolution requirements (typically 150 DPI at full size)
• Custom die lines for irregular shaped graphics and dimensional elements
• Bleed specifications for seamless wall wrapping
• Color management for consistent output across multiple print vendors
• Layered files for easy vendor modifications if needed

Print Methods:

• Wide-format digital printing on various substrates
• Vinyl graphics for walls and structural elements
• Rigid substrate mounting for dimensional booth graphics
• Weather-resistant materials for exterior installation

Documentation Provided:

• Complete file packages with production notes
• Installation diagrams showing graphic placement
• Approval documentation from Disney creative team
• Vendor specifications for each graphic element
• Timeline tracking for production and shipping schedules
  

Project Management Approach

Communication Systems:

• Maintained detailed status spreadsheets shared with all stakeholders
• Scheduled regular check-ins with client for proof reviews
• Proactive updates to vendors on file delivery schedules
• Documented all approvals and revisions with timestamps

Quality Control:

• Reviewed all graphics at 100% for technical errors before client submission
• Verified all character artwork against brand guidelines
• Cross-referenced measurements against architectural plans
• Confirmed color accuracy through proof review process

Risk Mitigation:

• Built buffer time into schedule after project manager departures
• Flagged potential issues early in approval process
• Maintained backup communication channels with all vendors
• Created contingency plans for rush production if needed

Technical Skills Demonstrated

• Large-format graphic production and file preparation
• Multi-vendor coordination and specification management
• High-volume file processing and quality control
• Project management and timeline coordination
• Client communication and proof approval workflows
• Brand guideline compliance across multiple IP properties
• Color correction and pre-press technical problem-solving
• Installation specification documentation

Results & Impact

• Successfully delivered all 120+ graphics on schedule despite mid-project management challenges
• Maintained seamless client communication throughout remote coordination
• Zero installation delays due to file preparation or specification errors
• All graphics approved without requiring reprints or corrections
• Vendor relationships maintained through clear communication and proper specifications
• Project completed within original timeline despite management disruptions
  

Professional Value Demonstrated

This project showcased ability to:

• Take initiative and fill leadership gaps without prompting
• Manage complex, high-stakes projects with multiple stakeholders
• Balance production artist responsibilities with project management duties
• Maintain organization and attention to detail across 120+ deliverables
• Work effectively in remote coordination environments
• Handle pressure and solve problems independently
• Deliver professional-quality work for major entertainment brand
  

Portfolio Significance

The D23 Expo Marketplace project represents expertise in:

• Entertainment brand environmental graphics
• Large-scale event production coordination
• Multi-franchise IP management
• High-volume production workflows
• Project rescue and timeline recovery
• Vendor management and technical specification
• Professional problem-solving under pressure

This experience directly applies to senior production roles requiring both technical excellence and leadership capability in managing complex, deadline-driven projects for major entertainment and retail brands.