Akemi Gutierrez
Photo provided by illustrator.
Akemi Gutierrez was an assistant animator for Walt Disney Features, where her films included Mulan, Pocahontas, and Tarzan. Now a full-time children’s book illustrator, drawing and painting are her favorite things to do. Akemi lives in Los Angeles, California.
Interview
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Little Fur Family
What’s your favorite line from a book?
“Supper was finished at last, and each animal felt that his skin was as tight as was decently safe.” ~Wind In The Willows.
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?
Ernest Shepard, Mary Blair, Howard Pyle.
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?
I was working as an assistant animator when I became interested in illustrating children’s books. It seemed like a very fun way to make a living, and IT IS!
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?
If you do what you love, work hard & stick with it no matter what other people may say, you can achieve anything you wish for.
