Key Takeaways
- Donald Brooks, a Philadelphia‑native animator, joined Pixar as an intern in 2021 after earning a BFA in Animation from SCAD.
- He now works as an animator on Toy Story 5, contributing to characters like Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the new toy Lilypad.
- Brooks emphasizes that a “heart of learning” distinguishes aspiring artists from professionals.
- He advises creatives to keep studying outside the classroom—through YouTube, reels, and frame‑by‑frame analysis—to stay adaptable.
- Authenticity and personal voice are crucial; Brooks infuses his own interests (e.g., water‑park slides) into his work to make it genuine.
- As a Black animator, Brooks stresses the importance of representation, noting that seeing people who look like you in the field makes goals feel attainable.
- He believes technology should serve as a tool, not replace human ingenuity; emotional resonance comes from lived human experiences.
- Toy Story 5 explores technology as a nuanced part of modern life, avoiding black‑and‑white judgments and aiming to make audiences feel seen and empowered.
Background and Journey to Pixar
Donald Brooks grew up in Philadelphia and New Castle, Delaware, nurturing a love for animation early on. He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he built a solid foundation in both traditional and digital techniques. After graduating, Brooks secured an internship at Pixar in 2021, a milestone that marked his transition from student to emerging professional. His internship experience provided hands‑on exposure to the studio’s collaborative pipeline, allowing him to contribute to real projects while learning from industry veterans. This early opportunity laid the groundwork for his current role as an animator on the highly anticipated Toy Story 5, slated for release on June 19.
Role on Toy Story 5
On Toy Story 5, Brooks serves as an animator responsible for breathing life into beloved characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the newer toy Lilypad. He describes his work as shaping performances and determining how each character expresses emotion on screen. By adjusting subtle nuances—like the tilt of a head, the flex of a fingertip, or the timing of a smile—Brooks helps convey the story’s emotional beats. His contributions are woven into the film’s larger tapestry, ensuring that the characters’ movements feel both familiar to longtime fans and fresh enough to support the movie’s contemporary themes about technology.
Mindset of Continuous Learning
Brooks attributes much of his success to a mindset centered on perpetual growth rather than a singular breakthrough moment. He told AFROTECH™ Culture that having a “heart of learning” is the key difference between someone who is merely aspiring and someone who has become a professional. Even when he feels he has mastered a technique, he remains open to discovering new approaches. This philosophy helped him navigate challenges during college, such as scheduling conflicts that prevented him from enrolling in certain classes. Instead of pausing his development, Brooks turned to online resources—watching YouTube tutorials, downloading animation reels, and studying frame‑by‑frame breakdowns—to keep his skills sharp.
Practical Advice for Aspiring Creatives
Drawing from his own experience, Brooks offers a simple yet powerful message to emerging artists: never stop investing in your craft. He emphasizes that hunger and drive are essential, especially when obstacles arise. By seeking knowledge outside formal education—whether through online courses, community workshops, or self‑directed projects—creatives can maintain momentum and adapt to evolving industry standards. Brooks believes that this proactive attitude not only sustains personal growth but also makes individuals more resilient in the face of setbacks, turning roadblocks into opportunities for deeper learning.
Studying the Masters and Finding a Voice
While at SCAD, Brooks immersed himself in animation by working on four or five student films over two years, which gave him ample practice and exposure to collaborative workflows. One of his most valuable exercises involved analyzing professional animation frame by frame. He would pause videos, examine how seasoned animators achieved organic movement or conveyed specific emotions, and then apply those insights to his own work. However, Brooks stresses that technical proficiency alone does not guarantee standout artistry. He encourages current students to infuse their projects with personal storytelling and a touch of their own personality, noting that authenticity often separates great artists from the crowd. An example he cites is animating a character sliding down a water slide—a concept born from his love of water parks—that remains a source of pride for him today.
The Importance of Representation
As a Black animator at one of the world’s most influential studios, Brooks understands the profound impact of visibility. He recalls searching for role models who looked like him during high school and college, finding reassurance in seeing others succeed in the field. That visibility signaled to him that a career in animation was attainable, not an impossible dream. Brooks hopes his own journey will inspire the next generation of artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by demonstrating that success can start anywhere—even from a small state like Delaware. He believes that when aspiring creatives see people who share their identity thriving in the industry, it fuels confidence and broadens the perception of what is possible.
Technology as a Tool, Not a Replacement
In an era where artificial intelligence and advanced digital tools are reshaping entertainment, Brooks maintains that technology should be viewed as an enhancer of human creativity rather than a substitute. He argues that while technology provides new tools and efficiencies, the core of groundbreaking work always stems from human ingenuity and lived experience. Brooks points to universally relatable moments—such as the comforting feeling of snuggling under a blanket when cold—as examples of emotions that only humans can authentically capture and convey. Animators, he notes, continually tweak poses, facial expressions, and minute movements frame by frame to achieve that authentic connection, a process that no algorithm can fully replicate.
Toy Story 5’s Balanced Take on Technology
Brooks’ perspective aligns with the film’s own thematic approach. Co‑director Kenna Harris explained that the creative team chose to portray technology as a nuanced facet of modern life rather than labeling it wholly good or bad. Drawing from their own experiences as parents navigating screen‑time boundaries, the team aimed to reflect the complex, everyday reality many families face. Instead of vilifying tech or presenting it as a savior, Toy Story 5 seeks to tell an optimistic story that makes audiences feel seen and empowered. Harris emphasized that the goal is to explore how technology can be engaged with in healthy, meaningful ways, acknowledging its deep embedding in contemporary lifestyles while highlighting the enduring importance of human connection and creativity.