About Henry Sato
Animator | Illustrator | Art Instructor

I’m Henry Sato—an artist, animator, and illustrator who has proudly called Southern California home my entire life. My journey in the arts began at California State University, Northridge, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art (2D Media – Illustration) and graduated Cum Laude. Eager to sharpen my skills, I continued my studies at the California Art Institute, specializing in figure drawing and quick sketch.

That dedication led to an invitation to the Walt Disney Feature Animation internship program, where I was soon hired and began an exciting chapter working on some of the most iconic animated films of all time. During my nearly 10 years at Disney, I contributed to beloved classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and Dinosaur, transitioning from traditional to computer animation as the industry evolved.

From there, I joined Sony Pictures Imageworks as a Senior Animator, working on projects that blended animation and visual effects, including Stuart Little, Spider-Man 2, Open Season, and Surf’s Up. Over the course of my career, I’ve brought characters to life in everything from full-CG animated features to motion capture and previsualization for live-action films, and even in the world of video games.

Now, after over three decades in the animation industry, I am also focused on illustration, freelance commissions, and animation/art education. I am also creating using AI. As a lifelong fisherman and avid hockey fan (go Kings!), I enjoy weaving my personal passions into my artwork while also collaborating with clients around the world on custom pieces.

Today, I’m just as passionate about mentoring and teaching as I am about creating. I’ve had the privilege of helping aspiring artists develop their skills and pursue their dreams—whether through private instruction, tutoring, or classroom teaching.

Through my art and my students, I continue to grow—as a creator, a mentor, and someone who simply loves what they do.