A Letter of Appreciation

[Trader Sam]

The following is a letter of appreciation that I sent to Disneyland. I think it will be interesting to see what they say.

"I am the proud creator of a font called "Started by a Mouse," based on the Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Hotel lettering. While browsing through the multitude of photographs on the Internet to get a glimpse of the upcoming 50th celebration, I have noticed that some (if not all) of the new photomosaics around Disneyland are accompanied by bronze plaques describing the images, and reporting how many guest photos were used to create them. On these plaques, in bright yellow letters, is my very own font! I know this, because I had to create all of the puctuation, numbers, and most of the letters from my own ideas. Here is an image of what I am talking about: plaque image. For the text on the plaques to match my font EXACTLY could not be mere coincidence.

"I am pleased beyond words that my font was used as part of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration (albeit in a small way)! It fills my heart with joy that I am a tiny part of the park's rich history, and I hope to continue seeing the usage of my font for years to come. Please pass on my sincere gratitude to those responsible for choosing to use "Started by a Mouse," and here's to 50 more magical years.

"Happy 50th, Disneyland!"

[creamcityleo79]

The following is a letter of appreciation that I send to Disneyland. I think it will be interesting to see what they say.

"I am the proud creator of a font called "Started by a Mouse," based on the Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland Hotel lettering. While browsing through the multitude of photographs on the Internet to get a glimpse of the upcoming 50th celebration, I have noticed that some (if not all) of the new photomosaics around Disneyland are accompanied by bronze plaques describing the images, and reporting how many guest photos were used to create them. On these plaques, in bright yellow letters, is my very own font! I know this, because I had to create all of the puctuation, numbers, and most of the letters from my own ideas. Here is an image of what I am talking about: plaque image. For the text on the plaques to match my font EXACTLY could not be mere coincidence.

"I am pleased beyond words that my font was used as part of Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration (albeit in a small way)! It fills my heart with joy that I am a tiny part of the park's rich history, and I hope to continue seeing the usage of my font for years to come. Please pass on my sincere gratitude to those responsible for choosing to use "Started by a Mouse," and here's to 50 more magical years.

"Happy 50th, Disneyland!"

A lesser Disneyphile would have sued! Walt would be proud...this is in true Disney spirit. I love the font and I love the fact that you ask for nothing than to be part of Disney History! Here's to you...just a toast...not my head

[BigPigletFan]

A lesser Disneyphile would have sued! Walt would be proud...this is in true Disney spirit. I love the font and I love the fact that you ask for nothing than to be part of Disney History! Here's to you...just a toast...not my head

I wonder what will happen if your letter reaches whoever made the decision to use your font? If it was me I would be shocked that you noticed and send a reply. Who knows, you might even get a design job with Disney!

[Trader Sam]

And to think that my font could be used in Disney parks around the world as we speak (or in the future)! I'll be sure to post any reply they send me.

[Steve DeGaetano]

I doubt that you will get any response whatsoever. Acknowledging your letter will give you "Exhibit A" If you do ever decide to sue. And Disney knows that.

[Cousin Orville]

Tasting their own Koolaid..

When I was a kid I "cut and pasted" their font (WDW old logo font) on my personal stationery and sent DL some glowing letter, only to get the legal department coming after me, a 12 year old, for his own xeroxed stationery. This crushed me as i was only a fan. I guess I am totally that lesser Disneyphile and would have made them change it just for grins. It is a great compliment. :devil: :devil: :devil:

[pussnboots]

That's so cool! I really love that font (even though I, as a nitpicky graphic designer raised by the typography teacher from Hell, have to adjust the 'o's every time I use it), and I can imagine how nice it must be to see the font return to the place that inspired it.

Put it in your portfolio!

[Max Fischer]

I think it will snow at DLR in July before you get a letter from them saying they chose your font. If anything, they will send you a cease and desist letter telling YOU not to use THEIR font. You really think they are using your font? Like, really? With all their resources, people, artists, etc. they couldn't develop one? They would risk suit to take yours? This hurts my head.

Great job on the font though, like someone said maybe something good will come of it.

[Trader Sam]

If they did decide to create their own font (which obviously hasn't been done in 50 years), don't you think they'd come up with their own letter, punctuation, and number designs instead of making exact duplicates of mine? They didn't even change the flaws (At least what II did the designs.

It doesn't really matter if I get a response or not. In fact, I never asked for one (read the letter). And if they did send a reponse, what purpose would it serve to use their letter (possibly acknowledging their use of my font) as "exhibit A" in a lawsuit when they could just as easily use my letter (thanking them for using it and hoping that they continue to do so) as "exhibit B?"

[Tech_Disney]

i think that if you get anything in response it will be a form letter that basically tells you not to expect any sort of compensation. By the way, how did they get your font? Do you have it available for download on a major website?

[Modern Folly]

i think that if you get anything in response it will be a form letter that basically tells you not to expect any sort of compensation. By the way, how did they get your font? Do you have it available for download on a major website?

http://www.disneyexperience.com that's his site.

[Trader Sam]

I also created the movie version of the Haunted Mansion font. Enjoy!

Whether they send a response or not (man, they do love their form letters, don't they ), I've succeeded in my goal to thank them.

[Modern Folly]

Derail!

I love that Haunted Mansion movie font, and those Haunted Mansion cursors. All of my sisters use them!!