Iwerks

Ub Iwerks (March 24, 1901 – July 7, 1971) was an American animator, cartoonist, and inventor, best known for his long collaboration with Walt Disney and for co-creating Mickey Mouse. He helped design and animate early Mickey shorts, contributing to the character’s distinctive look and the rapid, expressive animation that became a hallmark of Disney's early cartoons.

In 1930, Iwerks left Disney to form his own studio, Ub Iwerks Studio, in California. The studio produced a number of animated shorts and provided animation services for other clients. While the venture demonstrated Iwerks’ technical prowess and speed, it faced financial difficulties and eventually closed, after which Iwerks returned to Disney.

Back at Disney, Iwerks took on roles in animation production and technical development, contributing to the studio’s methods and efficiency during a period of rapid growth and change in the animation industry. His work in the late 1920s and beyond helped establish a foundation for modern character animation and a faster production pipeline.

Iwerks’ legacy rests on his early innovations, his partnership with Disney, and his influence on the visual language of American animation. He is widely regarded as a pioneer who helped shape the industry through distinctive character design, efficient drawing practices, and an emphasis on expressive movement.

Ub Iwerks died in Hollywood, California, in 1971. His contributions endure in Mickey Mouse and in the techniques and standards that guided subsequent generations of animators.

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