Inside Disney Consumer Products: A Creative Career Shaped by Design and Storytelling
For creatives considering a career where design, storytelling and growth go hand in hand, Disney Consumer Products offers a unique opportunity to shape how iconic stories live beyond the screen. From fashion and retail collaborations to global brand partnerships, creative careers at Disney are built on expanding your craft, exploring new creative challenges and working at a global scale.
As a Creative Director for the EMEA design team at Disney Consumer Products, Ethan leads a diverse group of creatives working across everything from general licensing to high‑profile collaborations with global fashion brands. “We get to play across Disney’s full portfolio of franchises and characters, helping to bring them to life in ways that feel fresh and relevant for our audiences. It’s a dream to work with so many iconic characters every day,” said Ethan.
Experiences That Opened Doors at Disney
With Ethan’s background in graphic design, he started out working with music-based licenses, mainly on apparel and fashion products. From there, he quickly moved into character-based design, which is when he got the incredible opportunity to work with Disney’s amazing “toy box” of characters. “I was designing product ranges and campaigns for major retailers, which really opened the door to me being able to apply for a Designer position at Disney,” Ethan recounted.
For as long as he can remember, Ethan has been a Disney fan, from the immersive environments of the Disney parks to watching the latest theatrical releases and now getting to experience the magic first hand. “I have always been inspired by the stories Disney tells and the lasting effect they have on you. I wanted to be a part of that through the platform of consumer products.”
Every day, Ethan and his team shape how Disney’s iconic IP is brought to life through design.
“We get to reinterpret beloved stories and characters and evolve their relevance for new audiences. I’m energized by collaborating with talented people who strive to push boundaries to create products which spark emotion and becomes part of the magic people carry with them.”
Turning Disney Stories Into Products Fans Love
In a fast-moving, highly collaborative environment with many strong initiatives and projects happening simultaneously, being able to truly listen to understand goals, challenges and creative intent has allowed Ethan to add value quickly and thoughtfully.
“Stepping into that role meant more than a title - it represented trust, responsibility, and the chance to advocate for great design and the people behind it. I’m especially proud of building an environment where creatives feel empowered to take risks, collaborate openly and grow their skills,” said Ethan.
As for his current role, Ethan works diligently to challenge the status quo and tell new stories. “No two days are the same. Some days I’m pushing creative boundaries with a brand like Marvel, other days I’m presenting ideas at a global level for a luxury project involving Mickey Mouse,” said Ethan. “I love storytelling and collaborating with so many passionate Disney colleagues across different areas of the business. Some of the projects I’m most proud of include our collaboration with Coperni, where Disneyland Paris became the runway for a jaw-dropping, eclectic fashion show for the first time ever. Another highlight was our Christmas campaign with Selfridges in London, working with both internal and external teams, we transformed their façade and windows with a Disney Castle and characters from our animated classics. Seeing all that creativity come together in a way that amazed visitors was an unforgettable experience.”
Learning, Curiosity, and Growth as a Creative Professional
Disney’s dedication to professional development matters to Ethan because it shows a genuine investment in people, not just filling roles. “The company focus on developing cast members aligns with how I work best: curious, collaborative, and always looking to improve,” said Ethan. “Knowing that Disney encourages learning at every stage makes me confident I could grow my skills, contribute at a higher level over time and do work that is elevating and inspiring.”
As he reflects on his career journey, Ethan is committed to building the future of Disney by investing in the people who bring our stories to life. “What makes Disney such a joy to work at is its people. Ours is a truly global brand, telling many different kinds of stories across cultures, platforms and generations. To meet that responsibility, I’ve built and supported a team of diverse storytellers - designers with different backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences who can authentically connect with a wide range of audiences.”
Looking to pursue a creative career at Disney?
Take Ethan’s advice: “We’re all busy doing amazing work every day, but it’s easy to get completely caught up in our day-to-day responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to occasionally ‘poke your head up’ and see what’s happening in other teams and departments. Staying curious and connecting with colleagues across the company not only broadens your understanding of how things work, but it also expands your network and opens up new opportunities. The old idea of a straight, vertical career ladder is pretty outdated and most of us have squiggly career paths. We often do the most learning, when we step outside our comfort zones.”
