This master's thesis investigates the relationship between the traditional animator and the computer as computer animation systems allow them to apply traditional skills with a high degree of success. The advantages and disadvantages of traditional animation as a medium for expressing motion and character are noted, and it is argued that the complexity of high level interfaces to animation systems will require new ways of thinking about and implementing animated motion. Production of the computer generated film "Tuber's Two Step" by the Computer Graphics Research Group at Ohio State University is related as an example of how conventional planning and timing techniques can be applied to creating animation with a computer. New approaches to animation made possible by the computer are described, and different ways in which animators will approach their work through this new technology are suggested. Supporting materials include 11 figures and 14 references. (MES)