Influential Women in Art

Celebrating the Women Who Shaped Animation and Video Games

Today is International Women’s Day! Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the animation and video game worlds; breaking barriers and redefining the male-dominated industry. From pioneering new techniques to crafting compelling stories, these trailblazers have left an indelible mark on entertainment. Let's take a moment to honor and celebrate their achievements.

Jade Raymond - Programming Prodigy

Jade Raymond is a powerhouse in the video game industry, known for her work on iconic franchises like Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs, and Far Cry 4. Starting her career at Sony and later moving to Ubisoft Montreal, Raymond's innovative approach to game design and programming has helped redefine the gaming landscape. She continues to push boundaries as the head of her independent studio, Haven Studios, where she is creating a new original IP for the PlayStation.

Lotte Reiniger - The Silhouette Master

Lotte Reiniger was a German animator who pioneered the art of silhouette animation. Over her career, she directed over 40 animated films, including the groundbreaking "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" (1926), one of the earliest surviving animated feature films. Reiniger's intricate paper cutouts and meticulous attention to detail set a new standard for animation and continue to inspire artists today.

Hermína Týrlová - The Czech Animation Trailblazer

Hermína Týrlová was a Czech animator who directed over 60 stop-motion films, showcasing her talent for bringing inanimate objects to life. Despite working through challenging times, including the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, Týrlová's creativity and resilience shone through in films like "Revolt of the Toys" (1946), a powerful anti-Nazi short that showcased her storytelling prowess.

Mary Blair - Disney's Colorful Visionary

Mary Blair was an American artist and animator whose vibrant art style and use of color brought magic to Disney films like "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Peter Pan." Her innovative designs also influenced the iconic ride "It's a Small World" at the 1964 New York World's Fair, showcasing her versatility and impact on both animation and theme park design.

Retta Scott - Disney's Animation Pioneer

Retta Scott was one of the first women animators at Walt Disney Studios and the first to receive a screen credit for her work. She contributed to classics like "Bambi," "Fantasia," and "Dumbo," breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in animation.

Ellen Woodbury - Disney's Supervising Animator

Ellen Woodbury made history as Disney's first female supervising animator, working on beloved films like "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and "Hercules." Her talent and dedication helped shatter stereotypes and open doors for women in animation.

Niki Yang - Animation Renaissance Woman

Niki Yang is a multi-talented animator known for her diverse contributions to the animation industry. She studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she discovered her passion for filmmaking and animation. Yang's career has been marked by her versatility and creativity, having been a storyboard artist, writer, voice artist, and supervising director. Her work can be seen in popular TV series such as "Adventure Time," "Family Guy," "Fish Hooks," "Gravity Falls," and "Fanboy and Chum Chum," showcasing her ability to adapt to different styles and genres.

Domee Shi - Pixar's Visionary Director

Domee Shi made history as the first woman to direct a Pixar short film and a solo feature film at Pixar. Her work on the animated short "Bao" and the feature film "Turning Red" has garnered critical acclaim and won an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Shi's unique storytelling and creative vision have helped redefine animation and inspire a new generation of filmmakers and Asian Americans.

Currently, women only make up about 30% in both of these industries, despite our significant contributions. Our creativity, talent, and determination have helped shape and pave the way for future generations of artists and creators. As a woman in art, we have to keep working hard even when outnumbered. Our art and voices matter. Let's continue to support and uplift women in animation and gaming.

Happy drawing,

ArtBeat