Katie Aguilar’s Journey Across Industry Giants and Fandoms

Katie Aguilar, a talented Latina designer at Disney Plus, has had a dynamic career trajectory, beginning at Netflix and weaving through Legendary Entertainment before reaching her current role as a Designer at Disney+. Her journey is a tale of personal achievement and reflects broader industry transformations, particularly in how fandoms are integrated into and influence mainstream media.

Katie’s first full-time job on her path was at Netflix when the streaming giant was still in the early stages of developing its vast array of original content. Her initial work involved crafting engaging tile art for licensed movies to attract clicks and views. As Netflix’s strategy shifted towards original productions, Katie was at the forefront of a changing landscape. She recalls working on projects like Stranger Things and Bojack Horseman, where she first felt the thrill of influencing popular culture directly. These experiences at Netflix honed her skills and deepened her appreciation for being part of the story’s viewers’ fanaticise.

Transitioning to Legendary Entertainment, Katie’s role expanded significantly. She was part of significant film projects like Godzilla: King of the Monsters, where she got to blend her fandom with her profession. This role offered her a first-hand view of the film industry, including early access to scripts and concept art, which allowed her to play a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling elements of these blockbuster films. At Legendary, she experienced the shift toward a more integrated approach to production and marketing, highlighting the importance of visual design in the overall success of a film.

Katie has observed significant changes in the industry throughout her career, especially in the recognition and representation of diverse voices and stories. The entertainment landscape is slowly becoming more inclusive, reflecting various experiences and narratives. Katie notes the gradual increase in projects that feature Latinx and female characters and treats these identities as facets of the characters rather than defining traits.

I contacted Sofia Alvarez, a Diversity and Inclusion Officer who has worked in the film industry since the pandemic to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to studios and their projects. I asked if she saw the same thing that Katie had with the changing landscape. Sofia said that Katie was right, that change is slowly happening, and that we need to hold the studios accountable because if we don’t, they will return to their old ways. 

Katie sees a vibrant transformation in fandom. Fans are no longer passive consumers but active participants in the cultural conversations sparked by their favorite shows and movies. This shift is particularly evident at conventions and in online communities, where fans wield significant influence over the direction of franchises. We can see fans’ influence on films like 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog and calls for studios not to work with people in legal troubles. 

Katie Aguilar’s journey through the entertainment industry illustrates the evolving relationship between creators and consumers. As she continues to navigate her role at Disney Plus, her work remains at the intersection of fandom and innovation, influencing how stories are told and experienced in the digital age.