online design platform Canva has set an unusual deal with the Walt Disney Co. for a limited-time use of 10 key characters from the Mouse House vault in connection with Disney’s biannual D23 fan convention.
Disney icons including Sorcerer Mickey, Princess Tiana, the Mandalorian, Joy of “Inside Out” and Woody of “Toy Story” are among the well-known properties that will be made available to paid subscribers to Canva’s platform of online design tools. The Disney-branded graphics will be made available starting Aug. 9, coinciding with the Aug. 9-11 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, Calif., through Sept. 30.
Canva sees Disney characters as a natural fit with its audience and with Disney enthusiasts who are known for elaborate cosplay and other creative endeavors that lend themselves to tools on the Canva platform.
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What’s more, Disney CEO Bob Iger is an investor and board member of the privately held Australian firm. Canva has emerged since its launch in 2013 as an Aussie digital media star that was valued at $40 billion in September 2021. At present Canva reports 190 million active users globally, including 17 million paid subscribers for its premium services, as well as 70 million Canva for Education users in schools and about 500,000 nonprofit organizations, who have broad access to the platform’s tools at no charge.
“Canva exists to empower people to bring their ideas to life visually, and Disney is a true pioneer in visual storytelling,” said Kristine Segrist, Canva’s global head of consumer marketing. “Our brands share a commitment to delighting our communities and facilitating self-expression, and we’re honored to partner to inspire more creativity among Disney fans and beyond.”
The limited licensing agreement with Disney is the largest branded-content licensing deal in Canva’s 11-year history. Canva will have a presence at Disney’s D23 event later this month with “Canva Magic Print Shop” design installation, which will allow attendees to test-drive the company’s design tools by creating custom tote bags, thank-you cards, photo collages and other D23 souvenirs.
“Canva’s goal is to put everything you need to design what’s in your minds eye right at your fingertips. This marks an exciting evolution in our content library as we add branded content as a way to spark imagination and delight fans,” said Silvia Oviedo, Canva’s head of content and discovery.
Canva held its own fan event in Los Angeles on May 23 with its Canva Creates gathering at SoFi Stadium. The company known for making design tools accessible to everyday users is in the midst of a big push to recruit larger corporate clients as well as influential players in Hollywood’s creative community.
