D’ART Shtajio, a 2-D animation studio in Tokyo, is the first in Japan created by Black animators. For today’s Plug In South LA Beat, our regular curation of must-read innovation and tech news, we’re getting to know these pioneering creatives.
As AfroTech’s Njera Perkins explains, Black background artists Arthell and Darnell Isom founded D’ART Shtajio with animator Henry Thurlow.
“The three animators created their studio infusing American culture with Japanese anime, and in the process have worked on some huge anime projects,” Perkins wrote.
Keep reading to find out how D’ART Shtajio is creating more visibility for animators of color in the industry — and why comic book insiders say the studio is attracting fans’ attention:
D’ART Shtajio is Japan’s First Major Anime Studio Owned by Black Animators