The Visual Development Department uses design, color, shape, composition, and visual storytelling to explore ideas and help bring a world to life. It’s where artists collaborate to answer questions like: Who are these characters? What kind of world do they live in? How should the audience feel when they see it?

The purpose of Visual Development is to help define the visual language of a film. We create artwork that inspires the production, supports the story, and gives the entire filmmaking team a shared vision to build toward. It’s a place where imagination and problem-solving come together, allowing us to explore possibilities, discover unexpected ideas, and ultimately help shape the emotional experience of the audience.

I love the passion people have here for Disney and animation. We're always trying to push ourselves further with each film we work on. The creative energy here is infectious.

Most of all I love being a part of the history and working for a studio that his given generations of people content to cherish and escape into that is so memorable that as soon as you hear the beat of a memorable song or character moment you're instantly taken to a place of nostalgia and good vibes.

The most memorable project that I have worked on at Disney Animation has to be Moana 2, working with my mentor Ian Gooding. That's another great thing about working here: the talent is top notch and you get to learn alongside some of the best in the industry.

My biggest piece of advice is to never stop growing. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone, stay curious, and don’t give up when things get difficult. Seek out honest feedback and learn to accept it as a gift. The most valuable critiques aren’t meant to discourage you—they’re opportunities to improve and become a stronger artist.

I’d also encourage artists to embrace change rather than resist it. Our industry is constantly evolving, and adaptability is one of the most important skills you can develop. The more willing you are to learn new tools, explore different disciplines, and challenge yourself in unfamiliar areas, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself. Don’t define yourself by only one skill or one job. Be versatile, stay open-minded, and continue evolving throughout your career.

The strongest designs are the ones that immediately make me curious about who the character is, what they’re thinking, and what their story might be. If a character can communicate personality and emotion before saying a single word, that’s a great sign.

Strong draftsmanship and a solid understanding of fundamentals are also incredibly important. I look for clarity of thought, clear design choices, and work that is well organized and easy to understand.

I also appreciate artists who show a range of skills. While it’s important to have strengths and a unique voice, versatility can make an artist more adaptable and castable across different projects. Ultimately, I look for portfolios that combine strong fundamentals with personality, storytelling, and a genuine passion for the craft.

The values I try to live by are simple: stay positive, stay humble, stay confident, and stay motivated. Life will always present challenges, but I believe our mindset plays a huge role in how we navigate them. Positivity creates opportunity, humility keeps us growing, confidence helps us move forward, and motivation keeps us going. If we can practice those values consistently, we’re doing our part to build a better life for ourselves and those around us.