The world of animation, the creativity and whimsy of the characters, and the early execution of cartoon art all played a role in directing the professional path chosen by David Willardson (American). After graduating from Los Angeles Art Center, Willardson entered the entertainment art industry. He soon became known for images such as the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie logo and the classic American Graffiti car hop.

Willardson’s was commissioned by Disney to paint the major movie posters for Disney Animation over a period of 15 years. His work was used in movies such as Bambi, Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King. While painting the characters in the traditional way, Willardson also developed an energetic, colorful, stylized, dynamic, graphic painting style.