Available to hire
I am a published writer, illustrator, and fine artist, and I previously worked as a Background Layout Artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios. I bring a strong background in visual storytelling, character expression, composition, and narrative-driven artwork.
I create warm, engaging illustrations across traditional and digital media, focusing on clear emotion, family connections, expressive characters, and detailed environments. I develop books, exhibitions, commissions, and educational materials, maintain visual continuity, and tell stories through gesture, color, setting, and character interaction. I enjoy both indoor and outdoor family-centered scenes.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Independent Artist and Art Instructor at Self-employed
January 1, 2016 - PresentCreate 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.
Independent Artist and Art Instructor at Self-employed / Independent Artist
January 1, 2016 - PresentCreate 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
January 1, 2010 - PresentWrite 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.
Writer and Illustrator at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2010 - PresentWrite 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 Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025Created 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, 2025Created 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 Studios
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025Created 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, 2025Created 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 Studio
January 1, 2002 - October 2, 2025Created 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 Studios
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2002Created 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.
Education
Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts: Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts: Studio Art and Illustration at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts: Liberal Studies with a concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts: Studio Art and Illustration at The Academy of Arts University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts at Fort Hays State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts at The Academy of Art University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Master of Fine Arts in Liberal Studies, concentration in Art History at Fort Hays State University, Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2024Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art and Illustration at Academy of Art University, San Francisco
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Other
Hire Mina H. Ferrante today
To get started post up your job and then invite Mina H. Ferrante to your job.