Hollywood Illustrator Motivates in Miyazaki with Study Abroad Speech, Sneak Peeks

TV Miyazaki covered Ms. Ito’s talk on the evening news

Ms. Ito advised listeners to aim high and not be dissuaded by fear of failure (U.S. Consulate Fukuoka)

July 16, 2012, Miyazaki –California-based animated film illustrator Yoriko Ito visited the American Shelf in Miyazaki to discuss studying abroad and working in the film industry in the United States.  She also showed some of her beautiful drawings and sketches for hits like Shrek and Madagascar, including a sneak peek at her illustrations for the soon-to-be released Madagascar 3. 

She also talked about her personal history, growing up in Mie Prefecture with a dream to study art overseas, and about how she obtained information from the nearby American Center in Nagoya before applying to art schools in the San Francisco area.  While she was a student, she found internships and odd jobs in illustrating, and eventually went to work for the animation division of film studio Dreamworks as a Visual Development artist.

Her talk emphasized that opportunities abound in America for women of any nationality with courage and perseverance, a message which struck a chord with many listeners: one young woman told a TV reporter “I also want to study art abroad, so this talk gave me real advice on achieving my dream”.