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Mindy Johnson has a talent for discovering intriguing stories that cast a light on the human experience. She deftly takes her readers on extraordinary journeys into unexplored realms of our collective past.

— Speaker Series 2017

Mindy Johnson

Creative

Bio

Mindy Johnson

Award-winning author, historian, filmmaker, educator, musician and more, Mindy Johnsons creative accomplishments reflect the diversity of her talents and experience. 

A leading expert on womens roles in animation and film history, Mindy frequently writes and speaks on early cinema, animation, womens history, and creativity. Her ongoing research and groundbreaking discoveries continue to cast light on the invisible narrative of womens presence within the first century of the motion picture industry. 

 

Mindy has produced record-breaking global campaigns, creative content, exhibitions and events for a growing list of clients including: The Walt Disney Company, AMPAS/Oscars.org, WNET/American Masters, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Bing Crosby Enterprises, SiriusXM Radio and Horipro Entertainment. 

 

In addition to her film expertise, literary efforts and consulting, Mindy is also an award-winning playwright, songwriter, composer, and contributing artist on several internationally acclaimed recordings and published compositions. A longtime professor of film and animation, Mindy teaches cinema history, aesthetics and intercultural film, within the Los Angeles area.

Books

A groundbreaking and game-changing book that examines the unsung women artists whose contributions defined the legendary animated classics of our time.

Now

Available

Ink and Paint Book Trailer 30sec
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Book Trailer

Tinker Bell – An Evolution
Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney's Animation
Disney Editions Deluxe

 

Groundbreaking and game-changing,
Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation examines the unsung women artists whose contributions defined the legendary animated classics of our time. Mindy's landmark volume lifts the lid on the never-before-explored world of hand-rendered artistry of Ink & Paint and tracks women's advancement into virtually every discipline of animation, forever changing what we thought we knew about animation and cinematic history.

Mindy’s critically acclaimed volume,
Tinker Bell – An Evolution, explores
nearly 100 years of animation artistry and pop culture chronicling the development of everyone’s favorite fairy. Honored with consecutive Family Choice Awards, this lush fairy tome features never-before-seen artwork and photographs, this chronicle of all things Tinker Bell is a must for everyone who knows that “all it takes is faith, trust and pixie-dust!”

Family Choice Award
Disney Editions Deluxe
The Walt Disney Film Archives – The Animated Movies 1921-1968
Taschen America

This lush volume, featuring essays by eminent Disney experts, traces the complete journey of Walt Disney’s animation from the silent era to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to his 1967 classic, The Jungle Book. Mindy shares her expert insights on two of Walt Disney’s crown jewels: Cinderella and Peter Pan featuring the renowned artistry of Mary Blair. Excerpts of story meeting notes, rare photographs, and behind-the-scenes insights supplement the dizzying array of 1,300 illustrations to vividly tell the production story-behind-the-stories of Walt Disney.

Marc Davis – Walt Disney's Renaissance Man
Disney Book Group

Legendary Animator and Imagineer, Marc Davis, defined some of the most beloved animated characters and designed many of the most iconic attractions, enjoyed by generations.
Walt Disney declared: “He’s my Renaissance man.” This celebration of Davis’ artistry features experts in fine art, animation, Imagineering and filmmaking, honoring the extraordinary work and life of Marc Davis with their contributions. Mindy’s contribution explores the indomitable spirit of Alice Estes Davis, Marc’s beloved wife and Disney Legend.

Walt Disney présente Marc Davis – Anatomie d'une légende
Walt Disney présente Marc Davis: Anatomie d'une légende
Urban Comics

The French release of Marc Davis – Walt Disney's Renaissance Man, featuring a stunning re-envision of this timeless volume, celebrating the glorious artistry of Marc Davis.

Events

D23 Expo – July 12-16, 2017

FRIDAY

7/14/17

4:30pm – 5:30pm

D23 Expo Panel Event
Anaheim Convention Center / Walt Disney Archives Stage

INK & PAINT – THE WOMEN OF WALT DISNEY'S ANIMATION

Women have been at the forefront of animation from the very beginning, yet in the past, their presence and artistic contributions have largely been unrecognized. Mindy Johnson, author of the landmark volume Ink & Paint – The Women of Walt Disney's Animation  (Disney Editions Deluxe) introduces you to some of the extraordinary artists who’ve made remarkable contributions to Walt Disney’s animation.

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Book Signing / Meet & Greet
Anaheim Convention Center / Disney Dream Store

San Diego Convention Center

Comic-Con International: San Diego
  • Cartoon Creatives: Woman Power in Animation / Panel

  • The Genius of Animation: Cartoon Legends and Game Changers Speak / Panel

FRIDAY

7/21/17

Comic-Con® International: San Diego

DreamWorks Animation

FRIDAY

7/28/17

DreamWorks Animation

Private Presentation