Disney Animator Tom Bancroft Shares Insights On Character Design At Sharjah Animation Conference

The 3rd annual Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) commenced at Expo Center Sharjah, featuring a masterclass by renowned Disney animator Tom Bancroft. He led a session on ‘Master Character Design,’ emphasising the importance of understanding a character's personality before sketching. "Every great character begins with a great personality. So, before you even put pencil to paper, you need to understand who your character truly is," Bancroft explained to the attendees.

He highlighted that characters must be visually appealing and emotionally engaging. "Ask yourself: what role do they play in the story — are they the hero, the sidekick, the comic relief? What drives them emotionally? Even plot twists should shape how a character is designed. That’s when your drawing becomes storytelling." Bancroft used a real cricket as an example to demonstrate how shape-based design can elevate animation quality.

Bancroft discussed how simple shapes contribute to strong, readable characters. "Simple shapes create strong, readable characters," he stated. He shared insights from his time as a supervising animator at Disney and now as CEO of Pencilish Animation Studios. Using Aladdin's triangular torso as an example, he illustrated how basic shapes convey energy and motion.

Participants were encouraged to focus on dimensionality by "drawing through the shapes" and ensuring ellipses appear believable. "Use perspective to create depth, and always check your silhouette for clarity – if the pose is readable in black and white, it’s strong," he advised. Bancroft concluded with a live sketch of Dillon, showcasing his animation expertise.

The masterclass was well-received, with attendees appreciating its practical approach and valuable insights. Eva Ivanova, a 22-year-old animation student from Russia, found her perspective on character design transformed. "I usually try to make my characters more realistic, but after today I realise it’s better to stylise. Using more unrealistic shapes actually makes them more expressive and memorable," she shared.

Wynona Barua from India described it as a rare opportunity to witness Bancroft's process firsthand. "I’ve followed Tom Bancroft’s work for years—seeing his process and how he builds characters from basic shapes was incredible. It reinforced how important simplicity is in design, and I also appreciated his candid thoughts on AI and creativity," said Barua.

Nostalgia and Inspiration

Nourane Owais, an Egyptian digital illustrator aged 35, expressed how the session blended nostalgia with inspiration. "There was something magical about watching a Disney veteran deconstruct his art live. It reminded me why I fell in love with illustration in the first place." The event provided attendees with both technical knowledge and creative motivation.

With inputs from WAM