Featured Artist Series - Scott Hatch - Smile With Me Mickey Mouse

This charming pin is part of the Featured Artist Series at Walt Disney World and features a unique, stylized portrait of Mickey Mouse titled 'Smile With Me' by artist Scott Hatch. Released in June 2004, the pin showcases Mickey with a whimsical, hand-drawn aesthetic that departs from his traditional animation style, emphasizing a warm and friendly expression. Mickey Mouse, the iconic mascot of The Walt Disney Company, made his debut in the 1928 short film Steamboat Willie, and he remains the most recognizable character in animation history. As a Limited Edition 750 release, this pin is a sought-after piece for collectors who focus on artist-driven series that offer a fresh, interpretive take on classic Disney characters. The Featured Artist Series at Walt Disney World was highly popular among collectors for highlighting the specific vision of various Disney artists, making these pieces distinct from standard character pins. The pin is presented on a themed backing card that complements the sketch-like quality of the artwork. Its limited production run and the specific artist attribution contribute to its ongoing appeal within the trading community. Collectors value this item not only for the character popularity but also for its status as a snapshot of early 2000s pin design trends.