Non-commercial brand testing examples

Brand concept prints on prototype hoodie. Front print of brand in stylised display font and original creative derivative works inspired by the 1928 Steamboat Willie character entry into the public domain January 2024. Not for sale items. Apparel brand test of disclaimer positioning and origin-indicator layout. Typography and disclaimers not final. Layout and configuration not final. No items for sale before commercial brand launch Autumn 2025.

Respecting the law. Not asking for permission.

The character shown here is a creative reinterpretation of the 1928 Steamboat Willie figure, which entered the public domain in January 2024. The image forms part of early brand development tests. Non-commercial apparel designs exploring layout, origin disclaimer placement and visual language. MICKEY IS FREE! is an independent commercial venture, shaped by the design instincts and culture of skate and surf communities. Not affiliated with the Disney Corporation. Not part of the magic. Part of the moment, without permission, protected by law.

  • SCOTT Bedbury

    External Brand Advisor

    Scott Bedbury is a globally recognized leader in brand building and marketing strategy. With senior leadership roles at Nike and Starbucks, he helped shape two of the most culturally influential and commercially successful brands in the last 50 years. His work in brand positioning, storytelling, and experiential marketing have become case studies for how companies can develop enduring emotional connections with customers and employees.
    Bedbury has advised startups from Silicon Valley to Seattle, London, and Tel Aviv. He has also advised c-suite clients within legacy brands such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Apple, Samsung, NASA, the US Navy, Grupo Modelo, Starwood Hotels, Ferrero, and Volkswagen AG. Since the release of his first book, 'A New Brand World', he has delivered keynote speeches in 35 countries.
    At Mickey Is Free! Scott serves as an external brand advisor. He understands that the brand runs deep - his association reflects our commitment to building something with purpose, independence and integrity.

  • AMELIA

    Skateboarder / Co-Founder

    Amelia is co-founder of Mickey Is Free!® and a key voice in shaping the brand’s creative direction and cultural legitimacy within global skate and streetwear. At 15, she left Norway to attend Malmö’s Bryggeriet College in Sweden - an internationally known epicenter of Scandinavian skateboarding culture and a skipping stones distance to Copenhagen (shout out to Hypno crew) skate and art scene, across The Bridge.

    Nothing moves forward without Amelia’s read on the scene. She brings first hand awareness of what resonates and what doesn’t.

  • NORWAY SQUAD COLLECTIVE

    Like mega corporations, the squad here in the fjord country likes cheese. The Norwegian Thor Bjørklund invented the cheese slicer and patented his  ostehøvel design in 1925, 3 years before the now public domain Steamboat Willie character.

    The collective, a gang of individuals with common interest in digital tech, media, AI, fashion and popular culture. Håkon, Grace, Espen, Eric (with a ‘c’, different ‘Erik’), Christen, another Erik, Amelia and Dag, are into skateboarding, surfing, music, politics, snowboarding, film, finance, energy, environment and brand strategy - mixed in with Henrik Ibsen and our friluftsliv sensibilities to bs.

  • ERIK Dahl

    Derivative Works Creator / Co-Founder

    Erik is the original creative spark behind Mickey Is Free!® The streetwear brand fusing legal nuance, countercultural design and strategic storytelling into a commercially grounded brand. Based near the end of a Norwegian fjord, Erik, an old school breaker, draws inspiration from the legal and cultural legacy of the 1928 Steamboat Willie character, now in the public domain and reimagined. For this brand, Mickey is off the boat® and into skate and surf culture. Erik is also a founding member of Norway Squad. This squad, a loosely connected collective passionate about digital tech, Abraham Wald, AI, skateboarding, hoodies, Maslow, surfing and Richard Feynman.

For those who know how to get hold of me, they know. For others, please use the contact form to get in touch with Erik