180. Imagineer Mark Page on Art for Tokyo DisneySea, Star Wars, and Disney Cruise Line

The Mickey & Friends Greeting Trails provide a cool way to meet characters at Tokyo DisneySea.

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Mark Page never planned to work for Walt Disney Imagineering; he nearly missed his interview and was focused on film projects. That first meeting ultimately led to more than 15 years at WDI. Mark started drawing at five years old and enjoyed creating comic book and cartoon characters. This interest led him to attend the Art Center College of Design and pursue a career as an artist. Mark is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his background and work as a Imagineer.

Mark Page worked as an Art Director and Concept Designer for Walt Disney Imagineering for more than 15 years.

On this episode, Mark describes the path and challenges that ultimately led him to WDI. We talk about projects like the Mickey & Friends’ Greeting Trails at Tokyo DisneySea and AquaLab on the Disney Fantasy. Mark also describes his interest in sci-fi and steampunk that have influenced his art. This affinity led him to create concepts for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Bob Chapek presented Mark’s piece of the Starcruiser on stage while showcasing the new attraction.

The steampunk influences drive some of Mark Page's coolest art like this image.

Mark’s art was frequently shown at the Disney Galleries and spotlighted his interest in fantasy and steampunk. He talks about that experience and what has inspired his artwork. We also discuss his graphic novel Kana’s Island, a story of a boy and his family moving to an unexplored island and meeting its surprising creatures. Mark also gives advice to aspiring designers hoping to work in the entertainment industry. I really enjoyed speaking with Mark and learning more about his story and artwork.