Type Of Business:
Media and Entertainment Company
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Mr. Ito's expertise is in cartoon illustration.
Major Product/SVS:
Media and Entertainment Including Animation of Children's Books
Hobbies/Sports:
Participating in Car Shows, Restoring his 1962 Austin Healey
Education Degrees:
Associate of Arts in General Studies, City College of San Francisco (1954); Coursework, Chouinard Art Institute
Affiliations Awards:
Motion Picture Screen Cartoonists (Now The Animation Guild); Former Member, Comic Art Professional Society
Industry:
Cartoon Illustration & Animation
Work History:
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; Hanna-Barbera; Sanrio CO., LTD.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Mr. Ito's greatest career achievement thus far has been working with the International Creative Group, which allowed him to travel to many of the Disney offices and meet with local artists, whom he mentored and trained.
Expanded Biography:
One highlight of Mr. Ito's career was being able to work on the animation of the infamous "spaghetti scene" on Lady and the Tramp. The most rewarding aspect of Mr. Ito's career was bringing pleasure to both children and adults through animation.
Number Of Years In Profession:
45
Number Of Years In Current Position:
45
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his passion for his profession, fortune and the mentorship he received from another Japanese American individual in animation.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession through his childhood aspirations to become a cartoonist.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Ito has 45 years of experience in animation which includes six years with Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., 14 years with Hanna-Barbera, one year with Sanrio CO., LTD. and one year with Bob Clampett working on Beanie and Cecil. He spent 23 years at Disney in the comic strip and consumer products division and retired in 1999. While working for the The Walt Disney Company he had the opportunity to travel all over the world. His contribution to the Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner cartoons helped them become classics. He and his partner, Shig Yau, are children's book publishers. Their first book, 'Hello Maggie' is doing quite well.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Mentoring Young Disney Artists All Over the World, Drawing, Producing More Merchandise and Collectibles, Ensuring Licensed Products Meet Quality Standards
Awards/Honors:
Lifetime Award for Dedication, Perseverance and Hard Work, National Japanese American Historical Society