Tony White, renowned animator, director, professor, lecturer, and author, has been in the animation industry for over 50 years, and currently teaches 2D animation through his own "live & online" school, "2D ACADEMY". White began his career working with legendary industry professionals like award-winning illustrator Ralph Steadman, animation gurus Ken Harris, Art Babbit (original lead animator on Pinocchio, Fantasia, and others at Disney). He also personally assisted, then directed/animated for Richard Williams (3-time Oscar winner and author of The Animator's Survival Kit). In addition to teaching and supporting traditional and digital 2D animation in any way he can, White founded and hosts the "DRAWTASTIC Animation Festival", through which he seeks to celebrate and honor the amazing young animation talents that are emerging from around the world. White also runs the "2D ANIMAKERS" network, and is currently working on his first-ever graphic novel, "MADA and the Magic Tree", which is based on an animated movie story he hopes one day to make."