It’s a lazy weekend afternoon. I run up the stairs behind my brother, to our room, to the creaky desk with the old macbook on top. We open the laptop, settle ourselves on the floor with our blankets and pillows and innumerable stuffed animals, and the cartoons start playing. Every time I am asked why I value art so much, I am taken back to my childhood and the memories it holds. Of movie nights with my family, watching Disney and Dreamworks with bowls of popcorn, to cartoon afternoons with my brother. I cannot imagine a world without the media that shaped my formative years and cultivated my love for silly little creatures on a silly little screen that tells silly little stories. And it is from these cartoons that I learned many important lessons a child should know. From Little Bear, I learned how to care for others and show compassion. From Little Einsteins, I learned to explore and accept new ideas and unfamiliar places. From the many superhero and action shows I learned bravery and teamwork. All of these cartoons teach their important lessons, which cannot be ignored as superficial entertainment. After all, they are what inspired me to pursue a career in the arts. What’s sad is that lots of people think all animated cartoons and shows are shallow and childish. That’s what I used to think. But as I’ve grown, I’ve grown more deeply intrigued by animation and the art behind it, as well as the intricate stories that artists weave for their viewers. Sure, the ones geared towards children might not have as complicated or profound a story, but that does not dismiss animation as a viable storytelling medium. Not only do animators tell a story with multitudes of images, they give underlying meanings and metaphors to express a message or emotion. I love studying the compositions of movies or TV shows and how they indicate emotion, circumstances, power, or what conflict will arise. I love looking for little “easter eggs” that artists hide in the background of their works. I love searching for hidden meanings that artists put in the way they draw a character’s expression. Art is full of metaphors and symbols, hidden and scattered throughout the background. And it always carries a hidden meaning or lesson the artist wants the viewer to know. Animation is no exception. It tells its lessons, not just through visuals but auditory storytelling as well. Because of this, I believe that art, specifically animation, is an integral part of our lives and must be fostered. One day, I want to create animations full of hidden meanings, subtle nuances, and overarching lessons for my viewers. I hope that one day, there will be another child who will spend their lazy weekend afternoon learning and enjoying cartoons. They will also learn important lessons from the characters and they will also be inspired by the artists who put all their efforts into creating what they see on the screen. And one day, maybe they will take that inspiration and pour it into their own art as well.