From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Alan Smart (born October 10, 1963) is a retired animator and animation director best known for his work as the supervising director on SpongeBob SquarePants, which he has been involved with since the pilot, and as assistant director and layout artist on the Simpsons (he has also received credit as a director in the season three episode, "Flaming Moe's"). He has done animation for the Nicktoons CatDog, Hey Arnold, Rocko's Modern Life, Ren and Stimpy, and ...