Latest news with #AndiSklar
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
From Compassion to Action: The Inspiring Journey of Andi Sklar
In a world saturated with talk and short on follow-through, there are few individuals who truly embody the transition from compassion to meaningful action. Andi Sklar is one of those rare people. She doesn't just feel deeply—she acts decisively, making a real difference in people's lives every single day. From comforting grieving families to advocating for medical research and equity in education, Sklar's journey is not just inspiring—it's a blueprint for how one person can create lasting change. Andi Sklar's philanthropic journey didn't start with a million-dollar check or a grand fundraising gala. It began with a story—a child lost to a preventable heart condition called Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The tragedy shook her to the core and lit a fire in her heart. Rather than simply mourning from a distance, she took action. She began funding awareness efforts, supporting genetic testing programs, and helping other families navigate the trauma of sudden cardiac conditions. From that moment on, compassion became her compass, and action became her mission. While many philanthropists give in broad strokes, Andi Sklar's approach is personal, immediate, and intentional. She: Listens directly to those in need Identifies overlooked or urgent situations Responds with empathy and speed Follows through with continued support This isn't performative charity. This is people-first giving. Whether helping a single mom pay rent or ensuring a child receives life-saving care, Sklar shows up—fully and consistently. One of Sklar's most impactful efforts has been her tireless work to raise awareness about Long QT Syndrome, a rare but deadly heart rhythm disorder. Her contributions include: Funding research and early screening programs Helping families afford critical medical testing Organizing educational outreach campaigns Speaking out about the human cost of medical blind spots Because of her action, many families have received timely diagnoses, and lives have been saved. Her story-driven advocacy has put a human face on a condition that's too often misunderstood or ignored. Sklar's vision goes far beyond short-term relief. She believes in empowerment—helping individuals and families move from crisis to confidence. Her work includes: Funding scholarships and school supplies for underserved students Supporting job training and mentorship programs Investing in inclusive education initiatives for children with special needs Offering financial support without stigma, red tape, or delay This level of personal investment allows families not only to survive hardship—but to build better futures. Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Sklar's philanthropy is her presence during grief and loss. She has quietly funded funeral expenses, offered emotional support to grieving parents, and honored the memories of lost loved ones through action and remembrance. Her work has helped ease the burden for those suffering unimaginable loss—ensuring that no one has to walk that dark path alone. Andi Sklar's story reminds us that true philanthropy doesn't need a spotlight. In fact, she often prefers to work behind the scenes, without recognition or fanfare. Her motivation? Love. Justice. Humanity. She's not building a brand—she's building a legacy of compassion. And that authenticity resonates deeply with those around her. Others are inspired to give, to volunteer, to get involved—because her story makes kindness contagious. Andi Sklar doesn't view giving as a one-time act. For her, it's a daily practice. Whether responding to a GoFundMe for a sick child or mentoring a struggling teen, she wakes up each day asking, 'How can I help someone today?' This mindset shift—from passive sympathy to daily action—is something anyone can adopt. It's not about having endless resources—it's about showing up with whatever you can offer: your time, your voice, your compassion. Andi Sklar's journey from compassion to action shows us that anyone—yes, anyone—can make a difference. You don't need to be a billionaire or start a foundation. You just need to care. And then… do something about it. So the next time you hear about someone in need, don't just feel bad—be moved to act. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Comfort. Show up. Because that's what Andi Sklar does. And in doing so, she reminds us that the smallest act of kindness can start a ripple of hope that transforms lives. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Andi Sklar: The Visionary at the Intersection of Art, Identity, and Experience
In a world increasingly divided between digital immediacy and physical disconnection, few creators manage to connect emotion, place, and memory as powerfully as Andi Sklar. A multidisciplinary artist, designer, and cultural storyteller, Sklar is recognized for crafting immersive environments and intimate fine artworks that capture more than just aesthetics — they capture a feeling. From contributing to global theme park experiences to creating tender watercolors that celebrate queer life, Sklar's career defies traditional boundaries. He is not merely a painter, or a designer, or a creative director. He is all of these things — and, more importantly, a visionary who bridges commercial design with personal truth. Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Sklar grew up in a midwestern town known for its tree-lined streets and proximity Andi Sklar to Chicago's vibrant cultural scene. He was a reserved but observant child, drawn more to museum halls and sketchbooks than to soccer fields. Family trips often revolved around cultural landmarks — the Field Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. But one trip changed everything: a visit to Walt Disney World shortly after its opening. Sklar was mesmerized not by the rides, but by how everything — from the pavement to the lampposts — told a story. That realization planted a lifelong obsession: how to build a world that makes people feel something real. Following high school, Sklar enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). There, he explored everything from architectural rendering to theatrical lighting design. What made him stand out wasn't just his technical skill — it was his deep emotional awareness. His portfolio, even then, contained spaces that invited people to feel joy, memory, or introspection. During his time at RISD, Sklar began exploring themes of identity more openly, particularly his experience as a gay man. For his senior thesis, he created a conceptual exhibit titled Invisible Rooms , which combined architecture, lighting, and narrative to explore hidden queer histories. After graduation, Sklar joined Walt Disney Imagineering, entering the dream factory of themed entertainment. At Disney, he contributed to a variety of global projects, most notably Hong Kong Disneyland, where he worked as an Area Art Director. In this role, he didn't just design facades — he crafted emotional architecture. Everything from the curvature of pathways to the color of rooftops was carefully planned to evoke story. His work on Fantasyland was particularly noted for balancing classic Disney themes with Asian aesthetics, a subtle but powerful act of cultural adaptation. Sklar became known for his attention to detail and his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams with empathy and vision. While many would consider a career at Disney the pinnacle of success, Sklar saw it as a stepping stone. His passion for storytelling through space led him to projects with Universal Studios, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., and Sanrio. His work at Bollywood Parks Dubai was a standout. There, he helped develop attractions based on Indian cinema, such as Sholay: The Hunt for Bandits . Unlike other designers unfamiliar with the cultural source material, Sklar dove deep into Bollywood history and aesthetics to ensure authenticity. This commitment to research and representation set him apart. To Sklar, design is not just visual — it's anthropological. Despite success in commercial design, Sklar began to feel a pull toward more personal work. Themed entertainment was collaborative and large-scale — but it didn't always allow for introspection or vulnerability. He returned to painting, a medium he had loved since childhood. In 2018, he debuted a series titled 'Desert Trails', showcasing life in Southern California and the American Southwest through a queer lens. The watercolors were quiet but emotionally potent: a man lounging by a motel pool, two friends walking under desert stars, a couple having breakfast in a sunlit diner. These weren't grand statements — they were human moments made sacred through attention and care. Unlike much queer art, which leans into either political activism or flamboyant aestheticism, Sklar's work sits in a middle ground. His subjects are ordinary people in extraordinary lighting. His colors evoke 1970s postcards: teal blues, dusty pinks, and pale oranges. Sklar's art creates a queer nostalgia — not just longing for the past, but longing for the spaces where queer people have always existed quietly and beautifully. His piece The Sandpiper Inn features a retro beach motel, its sign glowing against a dusky sky. No people are present, but their existence is felt — towels hanging over railings, a drink left on a table. This subtlety is Sklar's signature. Throughout his career, Sklar has been an advocate for inclusivity in design teams. He emphasizes hiring creatives from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that narrative decisions in entertainment design include input from those represented. He believes that empathy is a design skill — one as important as drafting or rendering. Whether mentoring junior designers or consulting on DEI-focused design initiatives, Sklar uses his platform to make sure future creatives feel empowered, not excluded. As he once put it: 'It's not enough to build a world — you have to ask who gets to live in it.' Sklar's technical skills are vast. In themed design, he works with 3D software, architectural drafting tools, and digital painting. But in his fine art, he returns to traditional media — watercolors, pencils, ink washes. His watercolor process is loose and layered. He starts with a light pencil sketch, blocks in colors with translucent washes, and finishes with sharp details like signage, reflections, and textures. The final work often looks sun-bleached, as if it's been living in memory for years. He embraces imperfection, stating that 'a brushstroke out of place can tell the truth better than one that's perfect.' Though Sklar avoids the spotlight, his work has earned him growing recognition. His paintings have been featured in LGBTQ+ art festivals across California and the Southwest. Collectors often cite the emotional familiarity in his scenes, even if they've never been to the exact places he paints. He's also been highlighted in design circles for his contributions to themed entertainment, including guest lectures at design schools and panels on queer visibility in architecture and public art. Still, Sklar remains grounded. He maintains an online archive of his work not to promote himself, but to make his art more accessible to those who connect with it. Today, Sklar splits his time between consulting for design firms and working in his home studio. He lives in Palm Springs, surrounded by the landscapes that so often appear in his art. In the mornings, he paints. In the afternoons, he might review attraction blueprints or host virtual design critiques with students. On weekends, he visits vintage roadside motels and old diners, snapping photos for future inspiration. His life is balanced, intentional, and infused with the same thoughtful narrative that defines his work. Andi Sklar may not dominate headlines or flood social media with self-promotion, but his impact is profound. He has built worlds we've walked through, seen stories we've felt without words, and captured lives that rarely get portrayed with such dignity. His legacy is one of care, craft, and cultural empathy — values often missing in both commercial design and fine art. In an age of noise, Sklar's work is a whisper — but one that lingers, resonates, and redefines what it means to be both seen and felt. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
