Tom Bancroft!

Welcome to Piece Of Advice!

Good morning! Today we are diving into the life and career of famed Disney animator, Tom Bancroft!

When it comes to bringing Disney magic to life, few artists have left a mark quite like Tom Bancroft. A passionate animator with a heart for storytelling, Tom joined Disney during what’s now called the “Disney Renaissance”; a golden era of animated filmmaking in the ’90s. His journey with the studio began after training at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), the same place that launched legends like Tim Burton and John Lasseter. From the very beginning, Tom’s love for characters and animation shined brightly.

Tom started at Disney as an intern and quickly worked his way up, animating on classics like “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin”, and “The Lion King”. But it was “Pocahontas” and “Mulan” where he really made waves. In “Mulan”, he brought to life none other than the hilarious and scene-stealing dragon Mushu! With his expressive movements, sharp wit, and larger-than-life personality, Mushu became one of the most beloved sidekicks in Disney history; and Tom’s animation was a huge part of that!

What made Tom stand out at Disney wasn’t just his technical skill, but his ability to infuse every character with heart. He knew how to make an audience laugh one second and feel deeply the next. Whether it was a lion cub learning to roar or a fire-breathing dragon cracking jokes, Tom’s work helped shape the emotional core of some of Disney’s most memorable moments. His attention to detail and understanding of character development earned him the respect of peers and fans alike.

Even after leaving Disney, Tom remained closely tied to the world of animation. He co-founded the animation studio “Pencilish”, wrote two bestselling books on character design, and mentored countless aspiring artists. He’s also hosted the “Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast” with his twin brother Tony (who also worked at Disney), where they interview top animators and discuss the craft. Tom’s love for the art form is infectious, and he continues to inspire a new generation to pick up a pencil and dream big!

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Tom Bancroft: To love my neighbor as I want them to love me.

Thank you for the reading, everyone! Have a great week and we will see you Monday for another great newsletter!

-Giancarlo