Is there anything that John Ramirez can’t do? From being an illustrator to an art director and even a professional animator, his creative skills and versatility are impressive.
With immense experience and talent, John Ramirez is a professional animator, storyboard, and visual development artist, designer, illustrator, and art director! His work can be seen in many feature films, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Hercules, Toy Story II, Tom and Jerry, The Fast and the Furious, and Disney TV Elena of Avalor. But, John’s versatile creativity pursued him to apply his skills in many other fields including designing theme parks around the world, museum exhibitions, parades, mascots, and even award-winning floats in Asia, Australia, and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. His highlights include the designing for Lotte World, Everland, The Taejon Expo, The 2010 Baekje Parade in South Korea, The Yokohama Expo, Kurashiki Tivoli Park, and Park Espana in Ise-Shima Japan. Apart from this, John has also done concept design for Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland.
Q.
How did you end up becoming an animator and illustrator? Who or what inspired you in that direction?
John: I have enjoyed drawing since I can remember and was always supported to keep it up. It came naturally to me so I stayed the course. It’s always a challenge to improve.
Q.
Being a versatile artist, tell us about the other fields of art that you pursue.
John: I’ve designed retail spaces, office spaces, theme park spaces, branding, exhibits, clothing and costumes, parades, characters, children’s books, and even a disposable surgical instrument.
Q.
How was your experience working for feature films like The Lion King and Tom and Jerry? What was your role as a creative member??
John: Working in the big studios was fun, knowing what we were producing was going to entertain and inspire millions forever. Being able to be a part of each film with other artists and continuing the Hollywood tradition of animation is part of history.
Q.
Which mediums do you prefer to create your artwork?
John: I used to enjoy paper and markers or watercolor but today it’s all pixels.
“I’ve designed retail spaces, office spaces, theme park spaces, branding, exhibits, clothing and costumes, parades, characters, children’s books, and even a disposable surgical instrument.”
Q.
Tell us about the design process of the theme parks that you have created around the world.
John: The process of designing any element of a park starts with scribbles and coming up with a story or concept. Imagining a fantasy world that will envelop the guests and take them away from the everyday world. I work with clients from around the world and I enjoy seeing how my work can bring people together and entertain them.
Q.
What was your experience working on the concept design for Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland like?
John: I do enjoy helping to create parades and show concepts for Disney parks when given the opportunity! I rarely get to see my work locally. It’s always in other countries or cities.
Q.
What was your role in designing numerous exhibits, parades, mascots, and award-winning floats?
John: I am the concept guy and the art director. Every project has unique challenges and struggles. I once had to design a Rose Parade float for the Quikrete company which makes concrete. How the hell can I design a float to promote concrete, I thought!? It came to me at 3 am and I used the tale of the Three Little Pigs. Their last house was made from concrete. I won the Pasadena Tournament of Roses “Bob Hope Humor Award” for that design.
Q.
What is your goal as an artist?
John: To use my superpowers for good.
Q.
According to you what are the key features of a perfect client?
John: Someone who respects and understands the creative process, let me lead and help them promote their message. When they want to take risks, we make magic happen.
