"At that time, the people that were in the animated film business were mostly guys who were unsuccessful newspaper cartoonists. In other words, their ability to draw living things was practically nil"

The quote by Marc Davis, a distinguished animator and one of Disney's famous Nine Old Men, provides an honest observation on the early days of the animated film industry, highlighting its non-traditional origins and the distinct backgrounds of its leaders. Davis explains that much of the people who at first got in the animated movie service were unsuccessful newspaper cartoonists. This declaration underscores the nascent and exploratory nature of the industry at the time, as well as the lack of conventional pathways or official training for animators.

Davis' assertion that their "capability to draw living things was practically nil" recommends that these early animators were not trained in drawing sensible, lifelike figures, which may have been seen as an important ability for bringing characters to life on screen. Nevertheless, this remark may show the context and requirements of that age, when animation was still becoming a legitimate art type. The cartoonists' absence of skill in drawing realism didn't preclude them from contributing significantly to the advancement of animation as their talents lay in other places, such as in caricature, exaggeration, and creating engaging visual stories.

By mentioning these roots, Davis subtly highlights the industry's development. What started as a sanctuary for those not able to prosper in more "standard" avenues of art changed into an advanced field needing a diverse set of abilities. This historic perspective showcases the animation industry's capability to adapt and grow, recognizing and incorporating various skills and talents. These early professionals may not have been masters of realism, but they possessed storytelling capabilities and imagination that were instrumental in forming animation into the abundant, expressive medium it is today.

Moreover, Davis' remark draws attention to the chances that arise from non-linear career courses. A lot of these artists, in spite of preliminary obstacles, found their specific niche and contributed substantially to a brand-new and imaginative industry, highlighting the idea that innovation typically springs from unlikely sources.