Walt Disney: An Animator or A Business Innovator?

When it comes to discussing Walt Disney and his contributions to the animation industry, it is essential to distinguish between his skills as an animator and his broader roles as a visionary businessman and shrewd manager. Contrary to popular belief, Disney's direct involvement in animation was limited, and his true genius lay in recognizing and cultivating talent, as well as implementing novel business strategies.

Walt Disney the Animator: A Beginner's Journey

Walt Disney would not hire Walt Disney the animator. From a professional standpoint, Disney was not a master of the craft. Early in his career, he was a hobbyist who stumbled upon success at the right time. While he was a prolific creator, producing numerous works, his direct involvement in animation was minimal. According to archival data, Disney only animated on less than 20 projects, far fewer than what he produced or directed. The animators who worked with him, such as Dick Lundy, Johnny Cannon, Les Clark, and Ub Iwerks (whom Disney once described as the "greatest animator in the world") were the true virtuosos of the craft.

Ub Iwerks: The King of Animation

Ub Iwerks was not just any animator; he was a pioneer who played a significant role in the evolution of animation. For instance, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, the first animated character with a defined personality, was largely the work of Iwerks and Disney. However, when Mickey Mouse was created, Disney had largely stepped away from direct animation duties. In the early Mickey shorts, while he was involved in character design, writing scripts, and voice work, it was Ub Iwerks who took charge of the animation, streamlining Mickey's design for easier production.

Iwerks and Disney had a collaborative relationship dating back to the early days of their venture. Iwerks was one of the few animators who accompanied Disney when he left Universal to form his own company. This decision paved the way for the creation of the Disney brand as we know it today.

The Nine Old Men: Defining Animation Principles

One of Walt Disney's greatest strengths was his ability to identify and nurture talent. He hired the group known as the "Nine Old Men," who became instrumental in the development of animation. These include Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, Frank Thomas, Eric Larson, Ollie Johnston, Woolie Reitherman, Les Clark, Ward Kimball, and John Lounsbery. Together, they established the 12 basic principles of animation that are still studied and used in the industry today. The principles they defined include Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose, Follow Through and Overlapping Action, Slow In and Slow Out, Arches, Secondary Action, Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, and Appeal. Of the last surviving members, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston even made a cameo appearance in the film The Incredibles, with Frank dying in 2004 and Ollie passing away in 2008.

Managerial and Business Innovator

Walt Disney's success was not solely due to his skills as an animator. Rather, his true genius lay in his ability to manage and innovate. He knew when to hire and invest in talent and new technologies to propel the company forward. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Disney's strategic vision and business acumen were key to the success of the animation industry as we know it today.

Conclusion

While Walt Disney may not have been the animator many think he was, his contributions to the animation industry were profound. His ability to recognize talent, nurture it, and implement groundbreaking business strategies made him one of the most influential figures in the history of animation.

Keywords: Walt Disney, Animator, Animation Industry