Disclaimer:

This shadow box from Pinocchio is presented exclusively for ‘Disney Fine Art’ review.

Crafted through sculpting, digital rendering, printing, painting, and assembly. All works are ©Disney; and any commercial use would be subject to approval.

Pinocchio is one of the greatest classics of Disney animation, and “When You Wish Upon a Star” has always captured what Disney magic means to me. It’s the song that still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it, which is why I chose this as the very first shadowbox in my series.

The scene shows a quiet, intimate moment: Geppetto in his workshop, putting the final touches on his masterpiece, while the Blue Fairy already watches over him as he pours his heart into its creation.

Technical Specifications

  • Dimensions: 20 1/8” × 15 1/8” × 4”

  • Medium: Custom 3D sculpted, 3D printed in high-quality resin, hand-painted

  • Frame: Molded and cast in urethane plastic

  • Lighting: Integrated LED system with flickering candle effect

Concept & Sketching

After initial sketching ideas for the scene, extensive research is done to refine the composition. References are pulled directly from the movie—concept art, model sheets, and screen captures—to ensure the sculpt stays faithful to the film.

Movie concept art

Collage made of screen captures

Character model sheets

© Disney

Digital Rendering

During the 3D digital sculpting process, a full-color render is created to help visualize the final look and composition of the shadowbox. These renders could also serve as high-resolution illustrations that can be used for prints, giclées, or canvases.

3D Printing

Each element of the shadowbox is 3D printed in high-quality resin, capturing even the smallest details of the sculpt with precision.

Hand-Painted Details

After the prints are sanded and primed, every element is meticulously hand-painted, matched as closely as possible to the original film colors, giving the final piece depth and life.

Animated Magic

The final finishing touch is the LED lighting, carefully planned to match the render. The candlelight flickers like a real flame, bringing the whole scene to life.

About the Artist

I’m a 3D artist and prop maker based in Vancouver, BC, originally from Mexico. After film school, I worked in commercial photography and illustration, specializing in 3D modeling and rendering, before focusing on props for film and television.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to many productions filmed in Vancouver, including all three seasons of Disney+’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the upcoming Descendants: Wicked Wonderland movie, and the new TRON: Ares movie releasing later this year.

One of my proudest moments was when a prop I worked on for Percy Jackson was displayed in the “One Man’s Dream” exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — a full-circle experience, as I had always been inspired by the incredible work on display there and wished to have something of my own featured someday.

I also had the privilege of collaborating with Disney artist Jason Ratner, creating the 3D sculpted elements for several of his One of a Kind pieces for EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts in 2024 and 2025. My work contributed to the raised 3D elements in pieces including Cruella de Vil, Sorcerer Mickey, Art Deco Mickey and Minnie, and Magic Kingdom. This experience was incredibly fulfilling, and in a way, some of my work has appeared in the parks — but it would be a dream come true to one day exhibit my own work at the festival.