James Baker
About James Baker
James Baker is a seasoned story artist with extensive experience in animation, currently working at Pixar Animation Studios since 2017. He has previously held positions at major studios including Sony Pictures Animation, LAIKA, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, contributing to both animated feature films and television shows.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
James Baker has been employed at Pixar Animation Studios as a Story Artist since 2017. His tenure at Pixar follows a previous period where he worked as a Storyboard Artist from 2001 to 2011 and again from 2010 to 2012. In total, he has spent over 12 years at Pixar, contributing to various animated feature films and projects. His role involves developing storylines and visual narratives that align with Pixar's creative vision.
Previous Experience in Animation
Before joining Pixar, James Baker held various positions in the animation industry. He worked as a Storyboard Artist at Sony Pictures Animation for 11 months in 2006 and at DreamWorks Animation for one year from 2000 to 2001. He also spent four years at LAIKA as a Storyboard Artist from 2008 to 2012. His experience spans multiple studios, including Walt Disney Animation Studios, where he worked as an Animation Layout Artist for one year in 1989.
Freelance Work and Teaching
James Baker has experience as a freelance writer and story artist from 2012 to 2016, during which he operated independently in San Francisco. In addition to his freelance work, he served as a 2D animation teacher at the Academy of Art University for two months in 2016. This combination of freelance and teaching roles reflects his versatility and commitment to sharing knowledge in the field of animation.
Background in Visual Development
James Baker has extensive experience in visual development and story art across various international animation studios. His career includes roles as a Director/Designer at Colossal Pictures from 1991 to 1996 and as a Comics artist/writer at Emanata, Inc. for 11 months in 2012. His diverse background contributes to his ability to improvise and problem-solve around core themes in animation projects.
Education and Expertise
James Baker studied at the School of Hardnox, which reflects a non-traditional educational path. His expertise encompasses storyboarding, visual storytelling, and character design, developed through years of experience across multiple renowned animation studios. This foundation supports his creative contributions to animated films and television shows.