For the Love of Pixar: 'Inside Out' Fan Art Show - Event Recap

We knew from the moment we heard that Pixar film director Pete Docter was working on a film about emotions, that it was going to find a special place in our hearts. In fact, just days before we had even seen the movie, our team had already decided our next For the Love of Pixar fan art show needed the theme of 'Inside Out'. And so the eight month planning journey began...

For the Love of Pixar Show Entrance.

This year's show featured 200+ entries from 150 artists - including the work of 90+ children from Page Private School in Costa Mesa, CA, and Newbreak Playschool in San Diego. We also saw many international entries from artists in England, Spain, Mexico, the Philippines, and all over the US.

Below are several photos from our show - including some from photographers Lisa Diaz (her Instagram profile here) and Jaron Apalategui. Our sincere thanks to them for helping us document the details of the day.  

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For the Love of Pixar: Sweet! Emotions. Selfie Booth. Photo taken by Jaron Apalategui.

With the help of 725 or so guests who stopped by between February 26-27, our volunteers, our partners (Newbreak Church, Tap Lighting, Print Post), the bands (Nations, Mason James McDonough, the Witty Banters), and artists, we were able to raise nearly $1,800 for the following three organizations: Krochet Kids, intl., Give Clean Water and Ocean Beach Elementary School.

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Give Clean Water info and merch booth. Photo taken by Jaron Apalategui.

'Inside Out' Headquarters. Photo taken by Lisa Diaz.

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Bing Bong's Rocket. Photo taken by Lisa Diaz.

Imaginary Friends Wall. Photo taken by Roberto Comparan

Art by Daniel Davis, Benson Shum, and Crystal Dawn Godat (clockwise).

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Art by students at Newbreak Playschool. Photo taken by Lisa Diaz.

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Thank you to everyone who supported us and continues to get behind this crazy project! We really could not have done it with out you. 

Artists showcased in 2016 are listed here in no particular order: Morghan Gill, Roberto Comparan, Ryan Manda, Marilyn Ortega, Anthony Helmer, Crystal Kepke, Zard Apuya, Crystal Dawn Godat, Christina Jose, Daniel Arnold, Danamarie Hosler, Whitney Weber, Nate Kelly, Daniel Davis, John Attis, Elena Soto, Brittany Wolfe, Gica Tam, Joshua Otero, Rod Johnson, Lizette Guzman, Jesse Harbour, Brook Hampton, Jordan Latham, JJ Barrows, Verónica Casas, Benson Shum, Michelle Moricca, Dots, Nicole Gary, Barbara Kalustian, Jen Fine, Russell Richards, Caitlin Boring, Jennette Slade, Nathalie Moore, Yann Lee, Kaitlin Fleming, Jeremy Wilson, Josseline Tanus, Brady Gutierrez, Elizabeth Wheeler, Jenna Moore, Christian Calle, Luz Lopez, Ricky Le-Nguyen, Rosie Wertz, Mary Cox, Audrey Hooper, Tyler Fine, Evan Fine, Everen Maxwell, Christian Graves, Boston Clark, Newbreak Playschool, and Page Private School.

The Gallery Is Now Open: February 26-27

After prepping the venue on Monday, we finally started putting artwork up on Tuesday for our Pixar 'Inside Out' inspired show this Friday, February 26 (opening reception) and Saturday, February 27th.

Seen here are just some of the 200+ entries from over 150 artists being featured (including work from at least 90 children as well as work from artists in Spain, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, England and all over the US).

A BIG THANKS to everyone who worked so hard to make our second show possible!! ‪Come see it for yourself. The gallery IS NOW OPEN! Get all the event details by clicking here!

Official Event Poster: For the Love of Pixar Presents an 'Inside Out' Inspired Art Show

Here's the official event poster for our 'Inside Out' inspired fan art show arriving Feb. 26-27, 2016. If you wish to contribute artwork for charity or would like to join an event team, make sure to get the details on the artwork entry form here or volunteer form here. It's not too late. 

Don't forget to tell your friends! Event will benefit Krochet Kids intl., Give Clean Water, and Ocean Beach Elementary.

New "Inside Out" Themed Show Coming February 27, 2016

For the Love of Pixar returns on Saturday, February 27, 2016 (opening reception will be held on Friday, February 26).

Artists eager to participate in this "Inside Out" themed exhibition may now complete the online entry form here. Please inquire early to reserve your spot. Your work will benefit several charities. Feel free to pass this along to anyone you think would love to participate!

8 Beautiful Pieces of Inside Out Fan Art

One of the things we appreciate about fan art is seeing how people take a popular idea, character or universe and completely reimagine it. Inside Out hasn't made its official debut in theaters, but fans all over are already paying homage to the new characters. Here are just 8 Pixar-inspired pieces of fan art worth talking about.

Sadness by Deviant Artist PikkolaPungu.

Artist Unknown.

Inside Out by Deviant Artist Hinoki_Pastry.

Inside Out (officially licensed fan art) by Fernando Reza.

Artist Unknown.

Artist Unknown.

Artist Unknown.

Inside Out by Deviant Artist Frozenspots.

5 Things You Can Learn from Pixar's Inside Out Marketing Strategy

Pixar's Inside Out hits theaters this Friday, June 19th. Based on what we've already seen, this animated feature is sure to light up the box office on opening weekend. But all of those teasers and trailers were just a small part of what got us excited about this movie. The real buzz began when Pixar deployed a marketing strategy that invited fans to do the marketing alongside them. While many strategies tend to broadcast and only distribute content, Pixar's strategy revolved around making genuine connections with people.

Here are 5 things you can learn from Pixar's Inside Out Marketing Strategy:

1. Invite Followers or Fans to Create Your Content

We've seen brands do this before, but very few times have we ever really seen them reward or follow through on their ask. For Inside Out, Pixar collaborated with artist networks like the Poster Posse, and featured fan art contest entries on social media channels like Tumblr, and Instagram. They also invited writers like Jon Negroni, blogging moms like Vera Sweeney, YouTube sensations like The Eh Bee Family, several podcasters, and other online personalities to get a behind-the-scenes look at their work ahead of the film's debut. Insiders wrote posts about their experiences, hinted at what they saw, and praised them for a job well done.

Marketing doesn't have to be one-sided. If you're getting ready to launch a product, brand, or event, identify your most devout followers and see how you can leverage their help or influence.

Pixar's Inside Out collaboration with artists, Salvador Anguiano, Matt Needle, and Adam Rabalais of the Poster Posse (left to right).

Pixar enthusiast, Jon Negroni at the #InsideOutPixarHQ Event.

Lettering and images by Sean Tulgetske, inspired by Pixar's Inside Out.

2. Invite Followers or Fans to Distribute Your Content

Pixar's Inside Out social media channels and assets.

With everyone essentially on every social media network these days, Pixar made sure to coordinate content across all platforms. But they did more than just share links and announcements with followers. In fact, they brilliantly contextualized assets as well. On their Inside Out website and social media channels, Pixar resourced their fans with downloadable mobile and desktop wallpapers, stickers, headers and profile images. They took things even further and populated the web with shareable #BirthdayEmotions, #WeddingEmotions, coloring book pages, doorhangers, and Pinterest recipes.

Communicators looking to build awareness need to make sure they build creative assets people can share and distribute for them. If you want to increase engagement, make sure graphics aren't overloaded. And if your culture allows it, use humor.

3. Invite People to Ask Questions about what You are Offering or Doing

Don't be afraid to open the floor for discussion. If you keep all the information to yourself, you'll have trouble getting people behind you. At special screenings, festivals, and events, Pixar invited people to ask questions about the cast, production, studio, etc. For those unable to attend those engagements, Twitter became the go-to space designed for questions to be taken.

4. Give Your Followers or Fans a Place to Celebrate What You are Doing

People with shared interests like to huddle with other members of the tribe to develop relationships, network, and speak the same language. For Inside Out, Pixar initiated a series of "emotional" events for industry peers, students, artists, and fans. Do a hashtag search of #InsideOutYouTubeSpace, #InsideOutPixarHQ, #InsideOutAllAccess, #BeEmotionalInsideOut, and #SpreadJoy and you'll see where people gathered offline and online. The lesson here: if you build it, they will come.

5. Remind People You Live on the Same Planet

Throughout the year, Pixar took advantage of expressing their "emotions" by commemorating several seasons, cultural events and holidays. Rather than ignoring them altogether, they fashioned character memes accordingly and joined the online conversation. And in an exclusive movie tie-in, 15 new bitmojis were released for fans wanting to fully immerse themselves with these emotions while texting.

Inside Out Movie Posters From Around the World

In honor of Inside Out hitting theaters THIS Friday, June 19th, we're dedicating each blog post this week to Pixar's new animated feature.

Today, we want you to check out these wonderfully designed Inside Out movie posters in their drastically contextualized forms. The posters used in Japan are my personal favorite set. #InsideOutWeek

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

Inside Out, 2015. ©Disney/Pixar. 

We're Celebrating Pixar's Inside Out All Week

It's Inside Out Week on the blog! Check in each day for fan art, party theme ideas, reviews, and special announcements. Pixar's highly anticipated new animated feature hits theaters THIS Friday, June 19th.