David Holbrook
Orlando
Summary
Senior character artist with over 10 years of experience at Disney Consumer Products, specializing in IP-specific character designs and visual storytelling. Led creative teams on high-profile projects with Pixar, Lucasfilm, Tim Burton and other licensing partners, driving brand-aligned styles through extensive trend research. Mentored emerging artists in character drawing and production pipelines, enhancing team capabilities. Proficient in traditional illustration and advanced digital tools, with personal experience integrating generative AI into design workflows for improved creativity and efficiency.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Character Artist
Disney
Orlando
2015 - Current
- Former Disney animator with 10+ years of specialized experience as a Senior Character Artist at Disney Consumer Products (DCP)
- Led creative teams on multi-IP initiatives, ensuring consistent artistic quality and delivery under tight production schedules
- Collaborated with Pixar, Lucasfilm, Tim Burton and many other brand partners, to develop distinctive character designs, visual storytelling, and IP-specific style guides
- Conducted in-depth trend research across dozens of projects to develop original character aesthetics, brand-alignment, and strategic design directions
- Mentored and onboarded interns and junior artists, accelerating proficiency in character drawing, anatomy, appeal, and studio production pipelines
- Maintained expert-level traditional drawing and illustration skills complemented by advanced proficiency in digital tools
- Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and internal company standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Two years of professional experience integrating generative AI tools (OpenAI suite + Midjourney) for personal concept exploration
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Illustration
Ringling School of Art And Design
Sarasota, FL05-1994
Skills
- Character design
- Visual storytelling
- Digital illustration
- Trend research
- Generative AI integration
- Team collaboration
- Project leadership
- Creative problem solving
- Concept development
- Effective communication
Timeline
Senior Character Artist
Disney
2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Illustration
Ringling School of Art And Design