

Don Kim
Don Kim has been a professional animator since 1997 and is currently a series director at Pipeline Studios. He is an accomplished storyboard artist as well as an animator, and started his career at Disney Animation. Over his 24+ year career, Don has been an animation supervisor, series director, and storyboard artist for well-known television productions like Hotel Transylvania: The Series and The Backyardigans. Don currently teaches Body Mechanics, the second Core Character Animation Course at Animation Mentor.
Don’s Credits

Hotel Transylvania: The Series

Mulan II

The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Films
- Saving Bikini Bottom : The Sandy Cheeks
- Movie Animal Farm
- Robots
- Return to Never Land
Disney Video
- Brother Bear 2
- Tarzan II: The Legend Begins
- Mulan II
- Micky, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers
- William Joyce’s Rolie Polie Olie: The Baby Bot Chase
- The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea
- Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
- Pocahontas 2: Journey to a New World
- Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Television
- Dora (Series Director)
- D.N. Ace – Director
- Hotel Transylvania: The Series
- Fresh Beat Band of Spies
- Lucky Duck – Director
- Trucktown
- Sidekick
- The Adventures of Chuck and Friends – Director
- The Backyardigans
- Handy Mandy
- Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids
- Pecola
- The Santa Claus Brothers
- Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You
What Don’s Students are Saying
I appreciate that Don took the time to critique my work in class each week. I felt this was above and beyond my other mentor experiences. From this consistent feedback I was able to progress faster. I also like that his grading was fair, it pushed me to always ask how I can improve. I like the variety of demos. I think it would motivate students to see more professional examples of work. The walk assignment demo was the best I’ve seen anywhere. It was good to hear the mechanics of the walk.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Clarity in Explaining Animation is Exceptional” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don’s clarity in explaining animation is exceptional; he simplifies complex concepts effortlessly. His fantastic mentoring style and insightful Q&A sessions make him the best mentor I’ve had. Thank you, Don, for being such an outstanding mentor!
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Explained Concepts Easily and Thoroughly” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don was structured and to the point in the Q&As. I found his explanations easy to follow and implement in my own work. His critiques were thorough and explained difficult concepts in an easy to understand format. Thanks Don!
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Explanations and Teaching Work Really Well” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Really happy with Don, his explanations and teaching style work really well for me.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Gives You the Feedback You Need” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don Kim is a great instructor and gives you the feedback you need. Not only will he give you great feedback on your assignment, he’ll even work on it in class if you need some extra help or opinions from him and your fellow classmates.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Teaches Concepts and The Thought Processes” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]I like that Don teaches concepts and about the thought processes in his critiques and classes. Those are so much more valuable than doing how-tos or “do this” kinds of classes. Thank you.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”To the Point and Very Clear” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don’s critiques are to the point and very clear. I never leave any of them without understanding what I need to fix and why said fixes are important to the success of the animation.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”So Kind and Positive” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Our Q&A sessions are great! Don answers every question we could possibly have in and around lecture material. Don also tries to be available outside of Q&A to answer simple/quick questions we may face throughout the week. Don is so kind and positive and you can really tell his passion for the industry. His drawing skills are so good.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][/dica_divi_carousel][dica_divi_carousel item_width_tablet=”300px” item_width_phone=”100%” item_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” show_items_tablet=”2″ centermode=”on” loop=”on” arrow_nav=”on” item_spacing=”28px” item_spacing_last_edited=”off|desktop” equal_height=”on” advanced_effect=”coverflow” coverflow_rotate=”42px” arrow_nav_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.76)” arrow_bg_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” image_force_fullwidth=”on” arrow_show_hover=”on” arrow_alignment=”center” innercontent_padding=”15px|0|39px|0|false|false” arrow_position_tablet=”top” arrow_position_phone=”bottom” arrow_position_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Testimonial Divi Carousel XLarge Desktop” module_id=”carousel-xlarge” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ title_font=”||||||||” title_text_color=”#ffffff” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Walk Demo the Best I’ve Seen Anywhere” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]I appreciate that Don took the time to critique my work in class each week. I felt this was above and beyond my other mentor experiences. From this consistent feedback I was able to progress faster. I also like that his grading was fair, it pushed me to always ask how I can improve. I like the variety of demos. I think it would motivate students to see more professional examples of work. The walk assignment demo was the best I’ve seen anywhere. It was good to hear the mechanics of the walk.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Clarity in Explaining Animation is Exceptional” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don’s clarity in explaining animation is exceptional; he simplifies complex concepts effortlessly. His fantastic mentoring style and insightful Q&A sessions make him the best mentor I’ve had. Thank you, Don, for being such an outstanding mentor!
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Explained Concepts Easily and Thoroughly” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don was structured and to the point in the Q&As. I found his explanations easy to follow and implement in my own work. His critiques were thorough and explained difficult concepts in an easy to understand format. Thanks Don!
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Explanations and Teaching Work Really Well” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Really happy with Don, his explanations and teaching style work really well for me.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Gives You the Feedback You Need” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don Kim is a great instructor and gives you the feedback you need. Not only will he give you great feedback on your assignment, he’ll even work on it in class if you need some extra help or opinions from him and your fellow classmates.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”Teaches Concepts and The Thought Processes” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]I like that Don teaches concepts and about the thought processes in his critiques and classes. Those are so much more valuable than doing how-tos or “do this” kinds of classes. Thank you.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”To the Point and Very Clear” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Don’s critiques are to the point and very clear. I never leave any of them without understanding what I need to fix and why said fixes are important to the success of the animation.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][dica_divi_carouselitem title=”So Kind and Positive” button_url_new_window=”1″ content_padding=”25px|25px|50px|25px|false|true” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ header_font=”Proxima Nova Regular|||||on|||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font_size=”16px” header_letter_spacing=”3px” subtitle_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” subtitle_text_color=”#cccccc” body_font=”Proxima Nova Regular||||||||” body_text_color=”#cccccc” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.8)” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”13px” button_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ button_border_width=”0px” button_font=”||||||||” button_use_icon=”on” button_alignment=”right” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#141414″ button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff”]Our Q&A sessions are great! Don answers every question we could possibly have in and around lecture material. Don also tries to be available outside of Q&A to answer simple/quick questions we may face throughout the week. Don is so kind and positive and you can really tell his passion for the industry. His drawing skills are so good.
[/dica_divi_carouselitem][/dica_divi_carousel]Courses Taught By Don
Courses may vary from term to term.