Artist Ray Aragon, who worked in layout, production design and storyboarding at various studios, died on Sunday, March 15, reports CARTOON BREW. He has 83.
After serving in WWII, Aragon used the GI Bill to attend Chouinard Art Institute where he learned illustration. After working as an illustrator for advertising, he went back to school where he met Disney legend Marc Davis, who recommended he give Disney a shot. Aragon found his first job at the studio in the layout department for SLEEPING BEAUTY. His other layout credits include 101 DALMATIANS, YELLOW SUBMARINE and LITTLE NEMO: ADVENTURES IN SLUMBERLAND.
Over his career he worked a various studios including: UPA, Fred Calvert Productions, Hanna-Barbera, TMS, Sanrio, Tom Carter Productions, Filmation and Warner Bros.
In recent years, he worked as a production designer on HAPPILY EVER AFTER and in visual development on THE IRON GIANT.
In non-animation gigs, he storyboarded Norman Jewison's IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT and designed the Epcot Center ride EL RIO DEL TIEMPO.
In the 1980s, Aragon taught at CalArts.
His wife, Lena; daughters, Victoria and Lorena; and two grandchildren survive him.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
