I am a published writer, illustrator, fine artist, and former Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. I bring a strong background in visual storytelling, character expression, composition, and narrative-driven artwork, and I work across traditional and digital media to create warm, engaging illustrations that emphasize family connection and clear emotion. I am based in Burbank, California, and my published works include Prince of the Sea (2016, bilingual) and Roses from the Crimson Rock (2025, illustrated memoir). I create book-related artwork for exhibitions, commissions, and educational settings, and I enjoy guiding students and collaborating with clients to bring stories to life.…

Mina H. Ferrante

I am a published writer, illustrator, fine artist, and former Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. I bring a strong background in visual storytelling, character expression, composition, and narrative-driven artwork, and I work across traditional and digital media to create warm, engaging illustrations that emphasize family connection and clear emotion. I am based in Burbank, California, and my published works include Prince of the Sea (2016, bilingual) and Roses from the Crimson Rock (2025, illustrated memoir). I create book-related artwork for exhibitions, commissions, and educational settings, and I enjoy guiding students and collaborating with clients to bring stories to life.…

Available to hire

I am a published writer, illustrator, fine artist, and former Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. I bring a strong background in visual storytelling, character expression, composition, and narrative-driven artwork, and I work across traditional and digital media to create warm, engaging illustrations that emphasize family connection and clear emotion.

I am based in Burbank, California, and my published works include Prince of the Sea (2016, bilingual) and Roses from the Crimson Rock (2025, illustrated memoir). I create book-related artwork for exhibitions, commissions, and educational settings, and I enjoy guiding students and collaborating with clients to bring stories to life.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025
Created background layouts for animated movies including Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2.
Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025
Created background layouts for animated movies such as Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2.
Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025
Created background layouts for animated feature films, including Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2.
Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025
Created background layouts for animated features including Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2.
Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025
Created background layouts for animated features including Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2.
Independent Artist and Art Instructor at Self-employed / Independent Artist
January 1, 2016 - Present
Create original artwork for exhibitions, commissions, and professional art shows using traditional and digital media. Teach private lessons in drawing and painting to students with varying experience levels, artistic goals, and backgrounds. Lead workshops for art associations and community groups, presenting visual concepts in clear, engaging, and accessible ways. Guide students in developing technical skills, composition, visual literacy, and confidence in their creative practice. Communicate artistic methods, creative decisions, and process clearly through instruction, critique, and demonstration. Maintain an active portfolio reflecting a range of styles, subjects, and media.
Writer and Illustrator at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2010 - Present
Write and illustrate original creative works with strong attention to narrative, aesthetics, and audience engagement. Published Prince of the Sea (2016), a bilingual fiction book. Published Roses from the Crimson Rock (2025), an illustrated memoir.
Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2002
Created background layouts for animated feature and home entertainment productions. Contributed to Atlantis, Treasure Planet, Home on the Range, Lilo & Stitch 2, and Tarzan 2. Applied line, composition, perspective, draftsmanship, and visual storytelling to support narrative, mood, and design continuity. Collaborated with artists and production teams in a professional studio pipeline while meeting creative and technical standards.
Independent Artist and Art Instructor at Self-employed
January 1, 2016 - Present
Create original artwork for exhibitions, commissions, private clients, and professional art shows using traditional and digital media. Develop narrative-based visual work with attention to mood, character, setting, composition, and emotional clarity. Teach private drawing and painting lessons, lead art workshops, explaining visual concepts clearly, and guide students in developing technical skills, visual literacy, storytelling through image-making, and confidence in their creative process.
Writer and Illustrator at Self-employed
January 1, 2010 - Present
Write and illustrate original creative works with strong attention to story, emotion, audience engagement, and visual atmosphere. Published Prince of the Sea in 2016, a bilingual fiction book combining narrative and visual storytelling. Published Roses from the Crimson Rock in 2025, an illustrated memoir. Create book-related artwork that supports character, tone, setting, and emotional progression.

Education

Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts: Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Studio Art and Illustration at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts: Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Studio Art and Illustration at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Art University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Other

Skills

Experience Level