Joshua Leonard speaks on the lack of diversity in animation-Newsmaker Interview
Only 4% of animation industry is BIPOC
By Marquis Lupton
Joshua Leonard is a versatile artist—illustrator, concept artist, animator—known for crafting diverse characters and stories. Graduating with top honors from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 2018, he has dedicated his career to inclusivity. His focus on disabilities and neurodiversity has positively impacted global youth. Recognizing the lack of diversity in animation, he founded Leonard Studios to reshape portrayals of differences in media, particularly in an industry with less than 4% animators of color. Joshua’s vision emphasizes starting with children to instill values of diversity, inclusion, and empathy.
His work extends beyond personal projects, contributing to major companies like Netflix, Nickelodeon, Disney, and more. One notable creation is “Team Supreme,” a superhero group with members embodying intellectual or physical disabilities, turning their challenges into superpowers. Joshua’s commitment to showcasing diversity, inclusion, and empathy is evident not only in his art but also in his impactful media features, with his ATTN: feature going viral with over 6.5 million views. By challenging norms and fostering representation, Joshua Leonard stands as a trailblazer, using his talent to redefine animation and inspire a new generation with characters that reflect the richness of human diversity.
https://www.joshualeonardart.com/
https://www.leonardstudios.com/
