Unveiling the Hidden World of Iwao Takamoto: A Journey Through a Thousand Characters

Iwao Takamoto: My Life with a Thousand Characters

Iwao Takamoto: My Life with a Thousand Characters is a visual memoir by legendary Disney animator Iwao Takamoto. The book features over 1,000 of Takamoto's original sketches, drawings, and paintings, and tells the story of his life and career.

Takamoto was born in Los Angeles in 1911, the son of Japanese immigrants. He began his career as an animator at Walt Disney Studios in 1935, and went on to become one of the studio's most prolific and influential animators.

Takamoto's work is characterized by its strong sense of design and his ability to create memorable and iconic characters. He is best known for his work on such classic Disney films as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.

In addition to his work on Disney films, Takamoto also worked on a number of other animated films and television shows, including The Pink Panther, The Flintstones, and The Jetsons.

Takamoto retired from Disney in 1979, but he continued to work as a freelance animator until his death in 2007. He was awarded the Disney Legends Award in 1989, and the Winsor McCay Award in 1995.

Iwao Takamoto: My Life with a Thousand Characters is a fascinating and inspiring look at the life and work of one of the most influential animators of all time. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in animation, Disney history, or the creative process.