Alt Disney

about Tom Ward

As many artists and creative minds of recent times, at some point Tom Ward asked himself questions like “What would Simba or Tigger be doing in today’s world?” or “Would people really let a strange boy fly into their bedroom?”. His answers helped him work up ideas for each character. Even magic carpets need a good vacuum now and again. And Pinocchio’s nose extending had to be the cultural phenomenon that is the selfie stick.

“I always appreciate visuals that feel familiar but say something new. Disney characters are so iconic that I thought transporting them to our modern world could help us see it through new eyes, giving me an opportunity to communicate some issues I feel strongly about. e.g. circus animals, pollution and the ivory trade, using friendly and familiar visuals with a darker tone“.

His favourites from his Alt Disney series are Gaston and LeFou, from Beauty and the Beast, at gay pride, Robin Hood fighting back against the fox hunters and the simplicity of Arthur from The Sword in the Stone and the message that he’s too engrossed in his phone to realise his true potential in life.

Tom is a graphic designer and illustrator based near London.