Joe Lanzisero is a well-known creative director, designer, and illustrator. He studied at the California Institute of the Arts, where he graduated from the Character Animation Program with notable figures like John and Tim.
Joe started his career at Disney as an animator in the early 1980s and spent 37 years rising to Creative Senior Vice President of Disney Imagineering. He oversaw major projects, including Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland and Toy Story Land.
His work in themed entertainment has earned him several awards, including the Disneyana Disney Legends Award in 2015 and the THEA Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2000 and 2014.
After leaving Disney, Joe became Executive Vice President and Chief Art Director at Zeitgeist Design & Production, where he focuses on creating immersive environments, including stress-reducing spaces for pediatric care.
Joe is also a popular keynote speaker, sharing insights about Disney and Imagineering at conferences around the world. He hosts a monthly Zoomcast called "The Spirit of the Times," celebrating themed entertainment's history and future.
Active on Instagram, he shares insights on Disney, illustration, and UX design, along with his sketches. Joe's career showcases his creativity and imagination, inspiring memorable experiences for audiences worldwide.