Meet Jim
With VDK Animation, I'm dedicated to helping aspiring animators turn their passion into a professional career. Through in-depth courses, personalized consultations and hands-on workshops, I provide the tools and guidance you need to master the craft — whether you're just starting out or refining your skills.
With over 30 years in the animation industry, I've had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic films that shaped the landscape. My journey began in 1989 at Disney as an inbetweener on The Little Mermaid — and from there I honed my craft at Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Sony Imageworks and Blue Sky Studios.
Throughout my career I've contributed to beloved films like The Iron Giant, where I was nominated for a Best Animator Annie Award, working across both traditional 2D and cutting-edge CG. My transition to CG came early during Osmosis Jones at Warner Brothers, and my first full-featured CG project was Stuart Little 2.
Since then I've worked on fan-favorites like Shark Tale, Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens and Puss in Boots — and even ventured into VFX with Disney's Beauty and the Beast and the live-action Pinocchio.
Thirty-five years, frame by frame.
The first frame
Hired as an inbetweener on The Little Mermaid — learning the craft one hand-drawn cel at a time.
A giant — and a nomination
Character animation on The Iron Giant earned an Annie Award nomination for Best Animator, working under Brad Bird.
Pencil to pixel
Osmosis Jones marked the leap from hand-drawn to CG — animating Drix and learning a whole new toolset.
First full CG feature
Stuart Little 2 — a fully computer-generated mouse with real weight and a real heart.
The DreamWorks years
Seven years and a run of features — Shark Tale, Over the Hedge, Flushed Away, Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2, Monsters vs. Aliens and Puss in Boots.
Feathers in flight
Character animation on Rio 2, bringing a whole flock to life across the Amazon.
Into live action
A year on Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast, animating photoreal characters alongside a VFX team.
Passing it on
Teaching privately since 2009 and an iAnimate instructor for 14+ years — now distilling three decades into the Cracking the Code course.
More than a teacher — a guide.
At VDK Animation, we don't just teach animation — we teach you how to master it.
Currently, I'm taking a break from studio work to pass on the knowledge I've gained over the years — hard at work creating the ultimate animation course, designed to take you from an absolute beginner to a confident, skilled professional ready to take on the world of animation.
Since starting as a private instructor in 2009, I've watched my students' self-esteem and skill-set consistently rise — I recognize the potential in each one of them. I'm also a 3D animation instructor at iAnimate.net, where I've been helping animators master computer animation for over 14 years.
The problem most students have is the huge gap between what they envision for a scene and using the technology to get there. My job is to close that gap — so the craft and tech of animating become second nature, and all you have left is to bring your vision to life.
I'm passionate about helping new animators reach their potential. If you're ready to embark on your animation journey, I'm here to guide you every step of the way.
From blocking to final spline.
Ever wonder how a shot actually comes together? Here's a look behind how I worked on Disney's live-action Pinocchio — taking a single shot from rough blocking, through two refinement passes, all the way to the final spline. Watch how each stage layers in timing, weight and intent until the character starts to breathe.