Thee Creative Direction of John Lasseter

John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney; Principal
Creative Advisor, Disney Imagineering

A Creative Director (CD) is a position often found within the graphic design, film, fashion, advertising, media or entertainment industries.  The creative director is in charge of overseeing all aspects of the product design.  In addition, the CD also works closely with the Account Executives to make sure the client's needs are being met and the creative goals are on track. CDs are by no means merely liaisons and managers, they develop every aspect of an ad campaign based on the client's marketing plan, conceptualize those ideas for clients, assign projects to staff and verify the client's deadlines are being met.  The CD celebrated when the campaign is victorious, but faces the pressures of negative criticism if it fails.

A Creative Director I admire most is John Lasseter.  Lasseter’s specific title is Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and Principal Creative Advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering.  The California native, Lasseter’s first job was at The Walt Disney Company, where he worked as an animator.  He went on to work for Lucasfilm, where he work with computer-generated imagery (CGI), the first ever for the world to see.  In 1986, Lasseter began working for Pixar and oversaw all film productions as executive producer and directed, Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Cars, and Cars 2.

Lasseter Under Lasseter’s direction, Pixar’s animated features have earned a multitude of prestigious accolades and film industry honors.  Lasseter received a Special Achievement Oscar in 1995 for his inspired leadership of the Toy Story team.  His work on Toy Story also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.  This was the first time an animated feature had been recognized in that category.

With over 20 years animating, producing, and directing animation, John Lasseter still enjoys his profession.  He is still excited to get to work everyday and still finds something new each time.  He often says, "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your lifte..."