Ink And Wand

Introducing Amanda Leppke

From the moment I could hold a pencil, I was drawing. Art has been the foundation of my world since childhood, a passion that only deepened as I grew. My journey into the animation industry has been fueled by a lifelong love for storytelling. The industry also captivates me with the magic that brings characters to life on screen.

I studied through courses at the California Institute of the Arts. There, I honed my craft. I also expanded my understanding of animation. This path eventually led me to work with several well-known studios. I have had the incredible opportunity to edit animation art there. It has been a dream come true to contribute to projects that reach audiences worldwide. These projects spark imagination just as Disney once did for me.

Disney has always been a guiding force in my creative life. Growing up, I was surrounded by characters like Simba, Ariel, and the lovable monsters of Monsters, Inc. Their stories taught me lessons of courage, resilience, and heart. As I built my own family, sharing these beloved tales with my children became a new source of joy. I watched their eyes light up as they experienced the same wonder I did as a child. This reaffirmed the power of storytelling in shaping dreams and values.

Our family’s adventures have taken us to Disney World many times. The kindness of cast members and the immersive magic of the parks created moments of pure enchantment. That special Disney touch has inspired me. I like to call it the ‘fairy dusting’. This has motivated me to bring that same warmth and creativity into my own work and community.

Disney has also allowed me to contribute to my own community by becoming the theater director for our middle school. I have been using the creativity from animation in new ways over the last two years. It has been applied to a play. It has also been used in a Broadway review. Seeing the students embrace their chance to be creative and goofy has been an absolute joy. Through theater, they have learned the power of storytelling, collaboration, and self-expression. Watching them grow in confidence and passion has been as rewarding as any work I have done in animation.

I am continuing my journey in animation and art. I am excited to share my experiences, insights, and creations with fellow fans and artists. I hope to keep inspiring others through storytelling, visual art, or celebrating the magic of animation. I want them to follow their dreams, just as I have followed mine.

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