YAKOVETIC has illustrated over fifty picture books many for Disney, illustrating and art directing (24) “Little Mermaid Treasure Chest” series, (6) “101 Dalmatians” series, and many more. Along with these books, are many coloring books and puzzles. Because of his background in costume design, Golden Books hired him to redo and create new paper dolls. Among his children’s illustrations are the Zelda Hammersmith and Betsy series for Harcourt Publishers and over a dozen books and toys for Leap Frog and Maranatha! Music.Recently winning more than 6 awards for “Heart of a Leader,” with author Dr. Josh McConkey, the first of a series based on his award winning book, “Be The Weight Behind the Spear.”

 

Yakovetic is an award-winning set and costume designer, also designing props for numerous theatrical events and commercials, “Disney’s Little Mermaid on Ice,” “Disney On Ice,” and “The Disney Fair.” For the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland, he designed the theater, set and graphics that wrapped the theatre for “Say Hello to Honda’s ASIMO,” which ran 10 years.

 

He has produced artwork for NBC, ABC, CBS, KTTV Television, Columbia, Universal, MGM and Warner Bros. Film studios and Radio City Music Hall Productions. Shows include “The Tony Orlando & Dawn Rainbow Hour,” “The Tonight Show,” “Diana Ross Special,” “Sanford & Son,” “Van Dyke & Company,” “This Old House” and various game shows and pilots.

 

On stage, Joe has appeared as Older Patrick in “Mame,” Judas in “Godspell,” Danny Zuko in “Grease.” As a Disney Sketch artist, performing across the county and Canada.

 

For 20 years he contributed his talents as a Pumpkin Sculptor/carver at Disneyland and Disney Resorts.

 

For television, he has appeared on the “Tonight Show – starring Johnny Carson,” “The Muppet Movie Television Premiere” and was a featured artist on “This Old House.” Best known for his performance on “Halloween Wars! Season 5,”and has appeared on “Telemundo,” “Access Hollywood,” “Home & Family,” “Hollywood Live” and several Disney Podcasts.

 

His caricatures of famous celebrities have been used on Television, film, for many charitable events and Radko ornaments!

 

Disney Fine Art lovers worldwide have dubbed Yakovetic the “Painter of Shadows.” His realistic interpretations capture evocative moments from beloved Disney films, including Mary Poppins, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Fans eagerly search for shadows and hidden images in his highly sought after paintings.

 

“Surrender Dorothy,” Yakovetic’s first creation for The Wizard of Oz series, premiered in 2008 as part of Warner Brothers’ The Ruby Slipper Collection and The Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Exhibition, and was designated as part of a USPS limited edition stamp collection, commemorating the 1939 MGM classic film’s 70th Anniversary.

 

The unique beauty of the Yakovetic legacy has extended to other classic films, including Gone with the Wind and It’s A Wonderful Life. Olivia de Haviland gave permission to use her likeness in a special portrait of her as Melanie Wilkes, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of “Gone with the Wind.”

 

“My paintings are like comfort food – transporting the viewer back to a unique moment in time that forever defines the heart of the film for them.” - Yakovetic