An animator is an artist who creates the illusion of movement by making drawings, computer graphics, or objects appear to come alive on screen. When you watch a cartoon character run, jump, or change expression, an animator made that happen by creating many slightly different images in sequence. When played quickly one after another, these images trick your brain into seeing smooth motion.

Traditional animators drew each frame by hand. A single second of animation might require 24 different drawings! Modern animators often work on computers, using software to help characters move realistically. They study how people and animals actually move: how a cat's tail swishes, how someone's face changes when they smile, how a superhero's cape flows when they fly.

Animators work on movies, television shows, video games, and websites. Some specialize in making characters show emotion through facial expressions. Others focus on action sequences or special effects. The best animators understand both art and movement, bringing personality and life to everything from talking toys to fire-breathing dragons.