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Monday, December 30, 2019

Toy Story: Pixar Backstage Sketchbook Review (D23 Expo 2019 Exclusive—LE 200)

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

One of the main things I was looking forward to at this year's D23 Expo was having the opportunity to shop at the convention's Disney Store and bring home some exclusive Pixar goodies. It was no small task getting in there (which required waiting all night in line), but we did it! I was able to get everything I hoped for and more. Some items, like this amazing Toy Story "Pixar Animation Studios Backstage Sketchbook", I had no idea about going in. As soon as I saw it sitting there in the store, however, it became an instant must-have. It was such a pleasant surprise!

This 8" x 14" hardbound canvas covered sketchbook is beautifully made and filled with concept art, storyboards and color scripts from the first three Toy Story films—as well as many blank pages (some with storyboard templates) for your very own original sketches! Yes, much of the art presented in this book has been previously released in other publications over the years, but never like this. As you'll notice below, some of the art even has "pop-up"/3D and interactive elements to it (like pull tabs and flaps)! It's all fantastic. Plus, this is a limited edition of only 200 units made, which makes it even more desirable for collectors such as myself.

Before taking a peek inside, I have to mention the perfect cover design. I love the "Toy Story blue" color, the iconic Toy Story clouds, the silhouettes of Buzz & Woody and the elastic closure band. It's all so simple and minimal, which is a style I'm really drawn to when it comes to art and products like this.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Upon opening, you'll first notice that the endpapers feature Andy's cloud wallpaper—yet another perfect detail.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Inside, as mentioned, you'll find lots of stunning Toy Story pre-production art (mostly from the first film, but two and three are represented as well) from Pixar artists Bud Luckey, Bob Pauley, Matthew Luhn, Pete Docter, Ralph Eggleston, Steve Johnson, Adrian Molina, Robert Kondo and many more.  Take a look at a selection of pages down below!

My only wish is that the book credited the artists' work, as the "Art of" books do.

d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook
d23 expo 2019 pixar backstage toy story sketchbook

Original retail price for this there at the 2019 D23 Expo's Disney Store was $79.95.

For all you diehard Pixar fans out there, particularly those who are aspiring artists, I can't recommend this sketchbook enough. I'm no sketch artist myself (to be honest, I can't draw to save my life), but I love art, filmmaking and any behind the scenes content I can get my hands on (especially when it comes to Pixar); so this book inspires me and fuels my creativity nonetheless. It represents so much of what I love about Pixar and the history of the studio. And who knows? Maybe my son Aidan will get the "artist gift" and use this book to sketch in one day.

Let me know all your thoughts and any questions you might have down in the comments! If you're interested in snagging this online, your best bet would be eBay. I've included a direct link to current listings below.

eBay—Pixar Backstage Sketchbook (D23 Expo 2019 Exclusive)

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