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Steve Ziolkowski

@spajadigit.bsky.social
423 followers 569 following 852 posts

I like to make things. I used to make things professionally, now I make things for fun. Theme parks, traveling abroad and video games really are the best. ko-fi.com/spajadigit

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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 13h
This is such a weird illusion. I painted it and it fooled me. Today I put up all the tombstones in the front yard for Halloween and as I was setting this one up I thought. "I don't remember carving that epitaph..." It really looks like a meatspace bump map. I still have three more to do.
A flat view of a wooden tombstone show painted wordsA top view of a wooden tombstone show words that look very three dimensional
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 15h
I have a friend who uses the LA Metro all the time, and he's been wanting me to use it too. When he said he wanted to check out the TMNT Pizzeria down in Santa Monica, I wondered aloud if we could subway down there. Turns out you can, and we did! The pizza place was tasty, although expensive.
LA Metro MapA statue of Mikey, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles holding a slice of pizzaSome of the Neon signs in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria
Lair Libations
No sword no staff  no service
Taking on Pies and bad guys since 1984
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
That Star Trek Bird of Prey photo was pretty popular so I thought I'd share this one too. Nancy, Keith and Kristina were over at the Paramount lot. This was '98, it could be the Excelsior or the Enterprise B? Anyway, lots of history here.
Nancy Klimley, Keith Hunter and Kristina Reed in front of a studio filming model. I believe it is the Excelsior, but it could be the Enterprise B. It was over at the Paramount lot where this picture was taken in '98
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A day or two before we went to Epic Universe, we started talking to this guy in line about coasters and he went all in about how scary Stardust Racers was, and if we were easily frightened, the yellow line was less intense. When we rode it (green line!) my expectations for terror were high.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I'd forgotten about this R&H photo! Keith Hunter was one of the best men I've ever known. He managed the modeling department (and built the CG Enterpise) Nancy (left) was a talented modeler and Kristina was one of the coolest producers I've worked with. That Bird of Prey was on loan from ILM.
Nancy Klimley, Keith Hunter and Kristina Reed in front of a production miniature of the Klingon Bird of Prey from Star Trek the Next Generation
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I'd forgotten what a great ghost story this was and what a great villain Harrison Ford could be. Some genuinely creepy moments.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
No cheating, post your lock screen!
Haunted Mansion wallpaper lock screen
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
How I wish I could drink these! Costco has them on sale.
A box of Jones Soda Fallout drinks, the Vault Dweller Variety Pack
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Reposted by Steve Ziolkowski
Character Design References @characterdesign.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Art of Vasiliy Kovpak → buff.ly/meQO5Mc #artist #portfolio #illustration #art
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Reposted by Steve Ziolkowski
Character Design References @characterdesign.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Animation by Milt Kahl* | The Rescuers (1977) #penciltest #sakuga #genga #2danimation
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
My son's favorite realm at Epic Universe was Berk, which was pretty on-brand for him. How to Train Your Dragon was the first franchise that spoke to him and even now, at 19, he still loves it. We both thought Hiccup's Wing Gliders was awesome. So many dragons!
Entrance to Berk at Epic Universe Dragon Tooth Mountain in Berk at Epic Universe Sheep in Berk at Epic Universe
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Good bye, Epic Universe. What a fun place.
Epic Portal at nightEpic Portal at night
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Both shows at Epic caught me by surprise. Not only were they both fun, but some of the technical achievements were incredible. The Untameable Dragon was especially neat with all the dragon puppets.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Dark Universe is definitely my favorite realm at Epic. The art direction really appeals to my inner goth. Monsters Unchained is a truly incredible experience and I love the food options. Curse of the Werewolf, however, is awful.
Entrance portal for Dark Universe at Epic
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I find it slightly weird that Universal would build a park that, with the exception of three rides with low capacity, when it rains there's nothing to do.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Yeah. It's pretty epic.
Epic Universe entrance portal
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Thanks for all the fun, Disney, tomorrow will be Epic.
Na'vi River Adventure entrance at Animal Kingdom Moara Valley on Pandora at Animal Kingdom
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
We got to see a bunch of animals on the Kilamanjaro Safari despite the rain!
Three lions on pride rock at Animal Kingdom in Disney World
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Our last night at Epcot. Tomorrow we join the rest of the family at Animal Kingdom, and Monday we finally see Epic Universe!
The Tori gate with Spaceship Earth inside it a little after sunset
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Our ride through of the mansion was pretty fun although I feel like the vehicles stop way more than they used to.
Boarding area for the Haunted Mansion at the Magic KingdomThe Escher Room in the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom I don't remember seeing this wall before. Claire Voince is one of the more creative names I've seen.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A tale of two stretching rooms... We were listening to the awesome sound when my friend said, "I think this stretching room is smaller than the one at home..." I happened to have a picture for a comparison. It totally is. This is the ending position for both rooms.
Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom in OrlandoStretching Room in the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in Anaheim
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
We ate at the Garden Grill at Epcot tonight and the highlight of the meal was that it offers a rare glimpse inside the farmhouse seen from Living With the Land. Also, the food was pretty good!
Farmhouse from the Plains biome in Living With the Land at EpcotFarmhouse from the Plains biome in Living With the Land at Epcot viewed from the Garden Grill restaurantSecond floor window of the farmhouse from the Plains biome in Living With the Land at Epcot viewed from the Garden Grill restaurant
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
It's like Spaceship Earth is giving you a hug.
Entrance for Spaceship Earth at Epcot
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I hadn't seen the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular in twenty years, so I dragged my friend along to watch it again. I didn't know it was a 37 year old show! It hasn't aged well, the conceit is that they're filming a movie made in 1981 and the jokes are stale. Still, it was a lot of fun.
The first set for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios which includes the fertility goddess idol and the boulder run
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
"Hollywood, 1939. Amid the glitz and the glitter of a bustling young movie town at the height of its golden age, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right.
The lobby of the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I really like the Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom, and I love the show, "The Idea of a President." We wanted to see it this time around, but two years there were a lot of loud and aggressive Trump supporters who booed the presidents they didn't like. So, we were feeling a little nervous.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
33 years is a pretty long time. Lots of things have changed since my first visit to the Magic Kingdom way back in '93. Trees grew, walking paths were changed, my hairline receded. A friend of mine pointed out that kid on the fence is now pushing 40. It's still a pretty wonderful place.
In front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in '93In front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom in '26
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A classic.
A tomb for Captain Culpepper Clyne at the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Why, hello, Magic Kingdom!
Magic Kingdom entry portal sign which reads "Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy."Magic Kingdom's Cinderella castle viewed from Main Street
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
And our first day is complete. It was so much fun!
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT at night
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Is that Sam the American Eagle? It is!
Regal Eagle Smokehouse sign neat American Adventure in Epcot
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
And we're in.
Spaceship Earth at EPCOT
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We have arrived.
EPCOT sign at the entrance to the park
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Someone is ready.
A magic band + for Walt Disney World worn before leaving for Orlando
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
As much as I want to get away from Google Maps... Map Quest isn't it. (Yet.)
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Who's going to Disney World (and Epic Universe) tomorrow? This guy! Who's really excited about it? This guy!
Hickey Mouse against a blue background with text that reads "I'm going to Walt Disney World Resort"
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
I am an old dog. And Fusion is a new trick. Some of the parts for Mr. Chickens animatronic kit have broken so I'm trying to learn Fusion to make replacements. I have just figured out how to bring in an image at the right scale. Go me. Woo.
A screenshot with Fusion open on the desktop
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Some DSA kids came by my house today to talk about a pair of candidates for Burbank City Council. We had a pretty fun conversation and it's nice to know they had some great interactions with a few of my neighbors. (And I'll be voting for Mike and Nolan in November...)
Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles logo
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
What’s your sign?
A sign I'm Christchurch that reads "This area is slightly haunted but manageable."
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Reposted by Steve Ziolkowski
Character Design References @characterdesign.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Animation by Fabian Erlinghäuser & Barry Reynolds* | The Secret of Kells (2009) #penciltest #sakuga #genga #2danimation
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Reposted by Steve Ziolkowski
Aled Thompson @aledthompson.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Forest Raven
A black bird with a blue sheen and pale blue eye perched on a branch
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Reposted by Steve Ziolkowski
Character Design References @characterdesign.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Animation by James Baxter* #penciltest #sakuga #genga #2danimation
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I remember seeing this movie back in the day and being pretty impressed. It's a low budget horror/action film from 2002 that takes place in Scotland but was filmed in Luxembourg. Great cast, fun story, excellent werewolves. I watched it again last night and am still impressed.
Dog Soldiers (2002) movie poster featuring the cast
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If you see this post, QTP with a video game character you love💜
static.klipy.com
God of War: Kratos & Atreus Hug
ALT: God of War: Kratos & Atreus Hug
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
If you need to laugh a little, may I suggest seeing the stage play version of Clue? It riffs pretty heavily on the movie, but it also does it's own thing and the comedy and physical humor are on fire. I laughed a lot.
Ahmanson Theater interior, downtown Los Angeles before the stage version of Clue begins
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
What's it like inside your head?
static.klipy.com
Rough Sea Voyage: Coffee on a Shaky Ship
ALT: Rough Sea Voyage: Coffee on a Shaky Ship
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
We're heading back to Disney World next week and I'm kind of sad they replaced a show I worked on with one that it seems no one likes. I got to work with Pixar animators on It's Tough to be a Bug back in '97, which was pretty neat. I handled the acorn weevil and the Termite-ator, among others.
The Acorn Weevil and Chili the Tarantula from It's Tough to be a Bug at Animal Kingdom in Disney World
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
This movie changed my life. I mean, I had always wanted to animate, but this told me I could animate in sci-fi.
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
One of my least favorite parts of prop and model building is bodyshopping. Epcot's World of Motion ride vehicles were made out of fiberglass and were very shiny. So you have to sand out all the flaws on the model. It's worth it, but I really hate doing it. This is the first pass.
3D printed ride vehicle from Epcot's World of Motion attraction after being bodyshopped. Front view3D printed ride vehicle from Epcot's World of Motion attraction after being bodyshopped. Rear view
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Steve Ziolkowski @spajadigit.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
What video game changed your life?
static.klipy.com
Red Dead Redemption Jack Marston
ALT: Red Dead Redemption Jack Marston
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