Talks

Forgotten Island

For over 20 years Ryan Carlson has been contributing his artistic vision and talents to the look of a number of the animation industry's celebrated films and characters.

He most recently worked for writers/directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado on Forgotten Island, from DreamWorks Animation, his first credit as a production designer.

As a graduate of San Jose State University, with a focus on Illustration, Carlson's dedication to his craft started early. Shortly after, he worked on the Disney film Tinkerbell where, in transitioning the film from 2D to 3D CGI, Carlson was responsible for maintaining the classic, hand drawn feel. This led to his first role as Art Director on Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil, followed by Art Director positions on Disneytoons Studios' Planes, and Sony Pictures Animation's The Emoji Movie.

Additionally, Carlson's credits include work on Disney's Duck Tales and Mary Poppins Returns. Following his work at Disney, Carlson moved on to Warner Animation Group where he held the position of Art Director on their 2021 release of DC League of Super-Pets. His first film credit was for Brad Bird, on the celebrated animated film The Iron Giant, where Carlson worked as an effects inbetween artist.