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MEET TERRY NAUGHTON
by Bonnie O'Brian

What did you most like to do when you were a child?

Terry Naughton

When I was a kid I loved to draw and paint. I could spend hours and hours sketching and creating my own characters. Even as a kid I loved studying about and looking at great artists such as Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth. I was also very active in sports. Any sport was great but, football was for me, the ultimate game.

When you were a child did you ever have a moment when you decided that you were going to be an artist?

Yes, when I was eight years old my dad introduced me to Darrel Millsap. Darrel is a San Diego illustrator who just happened to live up the street from me. He is an amazing multi-award winning artist, whose influence and teaching I will be grateful for, for the rest of my life.

When you went to college, were you already pursuing an illustrating career?

I graduated from The Art Center College of Design in 1985, before that I was freelance illustrating, mostly small independent projects. Actually I started my illustrating career in the third grade, drawing pictures of super heroes and such on my classmates’ book covers for as much as a dime a drawing. Things haven’t changed much in 40 years.

What was your first job after college?

Luckily for me, when I was in college, one of my instructors (Jack Leyenwood) noticed my drawing ability and arranged an interview with his friends at Walt Disney Animation. After 4 extensive interviews I was given my chance to become part of the team. I worked for Disney for 17 years and reached the level of Lead Key. I was blessed to be on some of the great new classic films such as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LITTLE MERMAID, and THE LION KING as well as all the others.

What inspires you to do art?

First I have to give credit to God for blessing me with my talent. Without His inspiration I couldn’t draw a “stick figure” in proportion. Secondly, looking at other artists’ work inspires me. So much can be gleaned from studying another artist, his use of light and shadow, brush technique, mood and story telling. Life experience and the need to tell stories in a visual way is another reason to get those paints out and play.

Is there anything about yourself that you’d like to share – hobbies, where you were born, special interests other than art?

Yes, another passion of mine is coaching sports. I have been a football coach, wrestling coach, baseball coach and am currently a strength and fitness coach. I love working with dedicated athletes and helping them achieve their goals. I was a competitive Olympic weightlifter after my college football was over. I know the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed in upper level sports and witnessing those young athletes strive to gain those goals is also a great source of inspiration for me.

What other jobs have you had before illustrating?

I’ve had several jobs before or actually while illustrating. Some that come to mind are, school bus driver, commercial tuna fisherman, animal trainer, actor, and fitness trainer to name a few.

Who were your favorite artists?

Norman Rockwell, Frank Frazetta, Jean Leon Gerome, William Bouguereau, Thomas Blackshere and of course my mentor the incomparable Darrel Millsap.