“I never called my work an ‘art’. It’s part of show business, the business of building entertainment.”
- December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966
- Born in the United States
- Animator, film director, entrepreneur, producer
- Best known as the creator of Mickey Mouse, he established the animation film industry. As the founder of Disneyland, he is globally recognized as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
Quote
“I never called my work an ‘art’. It’s part of show business, the business of building entertainment.”
Explanation
In this quote, Walt Disney reflects his practical, business-minded approach to his creative endeavors. While many saw Disney’s work as groundbreaking and artistic, he himself did not view it as “art” in the traditional sense. Instead, Disney saw his work as part of the entertainment industry, where the goal was to create experiences that people could enjoy and engage with. By emphasizing the business side of his work, Disney highlighted the importance of organization, commercial viability, and audience appeal in his creative projects. His work in animation and theme parks was driven not just by artistic expression but by a commitment to providing entertainment that could reach large audiences and create lasting cultural impact.
Historically, Disney’s approach to combining creativity with business was pivotal in the development of his empire. While animation and film had been regarded as forms of art, Disney revolutionized the industry by turning animation into a commercial enterprise that could appeal to both families and broader audiences. By blending art with business, Disney was able to establish Disneyland, film studios, and theme parks as central to the entertainment landscape. He understood that entertainment needed to be sustainable and marketable to have a lasting impact, and this mentality allowed him to turn his creative projects into successful ventures.
In the modern context, Disney’s perspective on the business of entertainment is especially relevant in today’s media and technology-driven industries. While much of the entertainment world is still driven by artistic expression, there is an undeniable focus on the business side—from licensing to branding and commercial success. Disney’s approach to blending creativity with business continues to be a model for those in film, television, theme parks, and other entertainment sectors, proving that success often comes from balancing artistic vision with the practical realities of audience demand and marketability.
