# What Drives Sklar’s Focus on Identity and Voice

For artist and designer Andi Sklar, the answer lies in his deep-rooted belief that art should reflect the people it serves. From the earliest days of his career, Sklar used his work to celebrate diverse identities. His art and design speak to inclusivity, emotion, and human experience. Whether he’s crafting theme parks or painting personal stories, representation stays central. His journey shows how one voice can influence many others. Through every brushstroke and design, Sklar lifts voices often left unseen.


**Rooted in Childhood Memories**

Growing up in Highland Park, Illinois, Sklar's imagination bloomed early. Frequent trips to the Field Museum inspired him with its rich dioramas and vivid stories. Watching The Wizard of Oz yearly became a personal tradition, sparking his love for fantasy and belonging. These early influences created a foundation for storytelling with emotional depth. Sklar’s world widened further during trips to Florida, where he explored the Ringling Museum and its grand spectacles. These moments helped shape his vision to include wonder, identity, and self-expression.

**Magic of Disney and Beyond**

A childhood trip to Walt Disney World changed everything for Sklar. He saw firsthand how fantasy spaces could make people feel seen and heard. Later, at Walt Disney Imagineering, he brought that magic to life across global parks. His work at Hong Kong Disneyland allowed him to shape Fantasyland with fresh, inclusive narratives. Sklar's design wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about emotional connection. He understood that everyone deserves to see themselves in stories.

**Using Art to Tell Truths**

Beyond design, Sklar turns to fine art to speak his personal truths. His “Desert Trails” watercolor series captures queer life with dignity and grace. Paintings like Friends & Neighbors and The Sundowners reflect joyful and tender moments. He uses familiar settings to showcase identity in quiet, powerful ways. His art shows that beauty lives in everyday moments and shared humanity. Sklar’s work becomes a form of gentle activism through its honest portrayal of lived experience.

**Collaborations That Amplify Voices**

Sklar’s projects span major brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and DreamWorks, all with purpose. From the Sesame Street Body Exhibit to the Hello Kitty Park in Shanghai, his designs reach global audiences. He ensures those spaces reflect more than entertainment—they reflect belonging. Each collaboration gave him a chance to elevate underrepresented perspectives. He shaped immersive experiences that made every guest feel included. His creative reach shows how design can be both playful and meaningful.

**Building Worlds for Everyone**

Every space **[Andi Sklar](https://theinscribermag.com/andi-sklar-a-journey-through-art-design-and-identity/)** touches becomes more than scenery—it becomes a mirror for its audience. Whether it's the Jurassic World Raptor Encounter or hotel murals, inclusivity remains his guiding light. Representation is never an afterthought in his work; it's part of the foundation. Sklar crafts worlds where diversity isn’t hidden—it’s celebrated. His art invites people into spaces where they feel safe and seen. Through every project, he continues rewriting what inclusion looks like in design.

**Conclusion**

Andi Sklar’s career tells a story larger than just creative success. It’s about how representation can reshape art, design, and human connection. His work bridges the gap between spectacle and soul. By centering diverse identities, he changes how people experience the world around them. Sklar’s legacy reminds us that storytelling is more powerful when everyone has a place in it.