People new to AnimationNation.com wonder what the 4.1 stands for in the AN logo. It was originally a not so secret code for April 1st. AN endeavors to make April 1st of every year a day of celebration for artists, animation enthusiasts and creative people in general. On the day of April 1st, artists at studios the world over are encouraged to come together in groups. We first did this in 1999. It was called the Great Alliance. It was held at Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City, California. At the time, the community here in Los Angeles was factioned. There was a lot of finger pointing going around that was detrimental to our commonwealth. It was playing into the hands of an executive management community that was in the first throws of dismantling our industry as we knew it, after many years of creative and commercial successes followed by increasing managerial problems that were paid for at the expense of the creative community here in LA and elsewhere. April 1st is a day in which animation artists are encouraged to unite for just one day in a show of collective brotherhood and sisterhood. To remind the world that without artists, there would be no animation industry. On April 1st, artists, creative technicians and assorted movers and shakers here in Los Angeles come together and share a common unifying experience. They converge to make April 1st Animation Day. We'll be doing it again on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. It's always fun. Every year we do this is unique and memorable. Makes you feel real good about taking the time to enjoy the company of so many talented people. Plan on participating, either here or at some other location where animation artists organize locally. Encourage your employer to observe Animation Day in some special way. If you're a student, talk to your school administrators about Animation Day. The participation of artists everywhere is much appreciated by all those who want to see animation and the creative arts grow and prosper for the world and future generations to enjoy. Animtion Day - April 1, 2008. Keep Creating!