Mark Henn!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

This week we are talking about a legend of Disney Animation, Mark Henn!

When you think of Disney’s most iconic heroines; Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Mulan, and Tiana; you’re seeing the work of Mark Henn, one of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ most prolific and beloved animators.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1958, Henn always dreamed of animating for Disney. He studied at CalArts, training alongside future legends like John Lasseter, Tim Burton, and Brad Bird. Under the mentorship of Disney veteran Eric Larson, one of the studio’s legendary “Nine Old Men,” Henn joined Disney in 1980, working first on “The Fox and the Hound”.

Henn’s big breakthrough came as supervising animator for Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” (1989), a role that helped launch the Disney Renaissance. From there, he went on to animate many of Disney’s leading characters, including Belle, Jasmine, Young Simba, Mulan, and Tiana; earning him the unofficial title of “Animator of Disney Princesses.”

Fun Fact: Mark Henn has animated more Disney Princesses than any other artist in the studio’s history.

In addition to his feature work, Henn directed the animated short “John Henry” and helped guide new artists on films like “Frozen”. He’s also a key figure in preserving hand-drawn animation, recently animating scenes for Disney’s centennial celebration short, “Once Upon a Studio.”

Loved by colleagues for his humility, mentorship, and timeless artistry, Mark Henn’s work has quietly defined generations of Disney magic; and continues to inspire animators around the world!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Mark Henn: “There will always be someone who draws better than you, it’s what you do with your drawings that is important..” -Frank Thomas

Thank you so much for tuning in today and we’ll see you next week! Have the best week ever!

-Giancarlo