Icons of Animated Artistry
Women & non-binary folks have made significant impact in the animation industry, and it’s important to celebrate their work. Some of these are pioneers who helped pave the way for future artists, while others continue to inspire new generations with their incredible artistry. These creatives have blazed a trail for their communities who continue to make their mark on the world of animation.
Martha Sigall began her career in the early days of animation and worked on some of the most iconic cartoons of all time. She was an animator, painter, and inker, and her work can be seen in films like Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
Ruthie Tompson & Mary Blair both worked with Walt Disney Studios. Tompson, one of the original women animators at Walt Disney Studios, worked on classics like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “Pinocchio.” Blair was a celebrated artist who worked on some of Disney’s most iconic films, including “Cinderella” and “Peter Pan.”
Kathleen Laughlin is an American animator who has worked on projects such as The Simpsons and King of the Hill during her 30 years in the industry. She was one of the first women to work in traditional cel animation.
Marge Dean is the president of women in animation, an organization that works to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. She is also the co-founder of Women in Animation Canada, and she has been working in the industry for over 25 years.
Lauren Faust, known for her work on The Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, was the first woman to serve as executive producer on a Saturday morning cartoon show, and she has made it her mission to create strong female characters that young girls can look up to.
Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson became the first female head of animation at Dreamworks Animation, she is best known for her work on the Kung Fu Panda series.
Some of Our Team’s Favorites
Animator Rebecca Sugar is a favorite of Art Director, Hannah Churn’s. (They are also a creative native of the DMV area, like us!)
“Steven Universe was such a groundbreaking show – beautiful visuals and stories that you just hadn’t really seen with other cartoons”
Animator Conner loves Caroline Leaf (“The Owl Who Married a Goose”), Eve Lambart (“Begone Dull Care” w/ McLaren, “Fine Feathers”), and Torill Kove (“Me and My Moulton”, “My Grandmother Ironed the King’s Shirts”).
Special shout out to Lillian Friedman, who worked at Fleischer Studios as one of the first female animators. You can check out a fun cut of some of her work here!
Short film “When the Day Breaks” by Canadian duo Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis, is a team favorite and even stylistically inspired our Designer, Hannah Saidiner’s, award winning thesis film, “My Parent, Neal”.
As we celebrate the impact of women and non-binary individuals in animation, their creativity and vision shine through in every frame. From pioneers like Martha Sigall to modern innovators like Rebecca Sugar, their contributions have shaped and enriched the industry.
Here’s to their achievements and the exciting evolution of animation.
