20 Best Books About Animation (2023 Update)

A new edition of bloop animation's popular animation guidebook packed with the latest recommendations and insights on how to turn your artistic passion into a professional film career! if you are an aspiring animator considering a career in film production or are curious about what it takes to make animated shorts, this is the book for you! animation for beginners is a comprehensive and modern introduction to the art and business of 3d animation from bloop animation founder, filmmaker, graphic novel author, and teacher morr meroz. – with this guide, meroz reveals a behind-the-scenes view of the pre-production, production, and post-production process along with an introduction to the skills you need and the different types of animation across the film industry. along with these basics, you will learn: the 12 principles of animation – the 8 genres of animated shorts – writing an animated feature film – career paths for animatorsand tips on starting a career in animation – as a graduate of the school of visual arts and an animation professional, meroz demystifies the business side of filmmaking with real-world advice for creating a compelling demo reel and portfolio site, hunting for a first job, and considering the pros and cons of freelancing versus working full-time. – this is a perfect gift for illustrators, graphic designers, film students, and film industry professionals interested in how to "make it" as animators.

The most complete book on the subject ever written, this is the fascinating inside story by two long-term disney animators of the gradual perfecting of a relatively young and particularly american art from, which no other move studio has ever been able to equal. the authors, frank thomas and ollie johnston, worked not only with the legendary walt disney himself but also with other leading figures in the half-century of disney films. they personally animated leading characters in most of the famous films, and have decades of close association with the other men and women who helped perfect this extremely difficult and time-consuming art form (each feature requires some two and half million drawings!). not to be mistaken for just a "how-to-do-it," this voluminously illustrated volume (like the classic disney films themselves) is definitely intended for everyone to enjoy.besides relating the painstaking trial-and-error development of disney's charcter animation technology, this book irresistibly charms us with almost an overabundance of the original historic drawings used in creating some of the best-loved characters in american culture: mickey mouse and donald duck, snow white and bambi (among many, many others) as well as early sketches used in developing memorable sequences from classic features such as fantasia and pinocchio. with the full cooperation fo walt disney productions and free access to the studio's priceless archives, the authors took unparalleled advantage of their intimate long-term experience with animated films to choose the precise drawings to illustrate their points from among hundreds of thousands of pieces of artwork carefully stored away.the book answers everybody's question about how the amazingly lifelike effects of disney character animation were achieved, including charming stories of the ways that many favorite animated figures got their unique personalities. from the perspective of two men who had an important role in shaping the art of animation, and within the context of the history of animation and the growth of the disney studio, this is the definitive volume on the work and achievement of one of america's best-known and most widely loved cultural institutions. nostalgia and film buffs, students of popular culture, and that very broad audience who warmly responds to the disney "illusion of life" will find this book compelling reading (and looking!).

The first edition of the animation book, published in 1979, became the authoritative guide to making animated movies. using desktop hardware and software, animators can easily produce high-quality, high-artistry animation and mix the aesthetics of traditional cel animation with dazzling 3-d effects. kit laybourne's digital revision to the animation book brings you to the cutting edge of animation technology. richly illustrated with frame-grabs, production stills, and diagrams, this volume shares kit's infectious enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities of today's hybrid techniques, and it provides beginning animators with all the information they need to jump in and start their own animation projects. more advanced animators will find the animation book to be an invaluable resource with detailed descriptions of filmmaking gear, computer hardware and software, art supplies, plus internet and other resources.using an innovative case-study approach, kit deconstructs how a range of digital projects were carried out at some of today's hottest animation studios, including wildbrain, blue sky, protozoa, fantome, broderbund, nicktoons, and klasky csupo. these step-by-step studies show how desktop animators can follow the same creative process in their own films.

"a book that all animators will marvel at." —computer arts from the creators of the wildly successful wallace and gromit films and chicken run, here is a practical guide to making your own 3-d (or stop-action) animation, a practice whose robust presence in contemporary filmmaking continues strong. at the heart of the book is a guide to the process of 3-d animation today: a practical, fully illustrated, step-by-step description of how to create effective characters, a storyboard and sets, and then an entire film. band of misfits, and a revised chapter on cgi technology that explores and celebrates the very latest, up-to-the-minute developments in the field.

First published in 1998. understanding animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. paul wells' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium: * explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form* outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films* traces the development of animated film around the world, from betty boop to wallace and gromit. part history, part theory, and part celebration, understanding animation includes: * notes towards a theory of animation* an explanation of animation's narrative strategies* an analyis of how comic events are constructed* a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race* primary research on animation and audiences. paul wells' argument is illustrated with case studies, including daffy duck in chuck jones' duck amuck, jan svankmajer's jabberwocky, tex avery's little rural riding hood and king size canary ', and nick park's creature comforts.

First published in 1998. understanding animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. paul wells' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium: * explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form* outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films* traces the development of animated film around the world, from betty boop to wallace and gromit. part history, part theory, and part celebration, understanding animation includes: * notes towards a theory of animation* an explanation of animation's narrative strategies* an analyis of how comic events are constructed* a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race* primary research on animation and audiences. paul wells' argument is illustrated with case studies, including daffy duck in chuck jones' duck amuck, jan svankmajer's jabberwocky, tex avery's little rural riding hood and king size canary ', and nick park's creature comforts.

In recent years, the world of animation has expanded far beyond the saturday morning cartoons that generations of americans grew up watching. recent years have seen a boom in animation–hit prime-time television series, blockbuster cutting-edge digitally animated features, conventional animation. the expanding market is luring writers who have an eye toward the future and an eagerness to work in a medium where the only limit is the depth on one's imagination. with step-by-step instructions and the insights of a seasoned veteran, award-winning animation writer jeffrey scott details the process of developing even the vaguest of ideas into a fully realized animation script. he details every stop on the road from inspiration to presentation, with sections on premises, outlines, treatments, description, and dialogue, and much more.

Learn the basics of cartoon animation from acclaimed animator preston blair with animation 1! join acclaimed cartoon animator preston blair as he explains and demonstrates the magic of cartoon animation. learn to develop a cartoon character's shape, personality, features, and mannerisms; how to create movements, such as walking, running, skipping, and sneaking; and tips on using lines of action and creating realistic motion. from cartooning basics to more advanced animation techniques, animation 1 is a welcome introduction for artists ready to bring their drawings to life. full of step-by-step sketches, tips, and drawing techniques, this is a comprehensive guide that no cartoon animation enthusiast should be without. subjects covered in animation 1 are: tools & materials – construction of the head – the stretch & squash principle – facial expressions – line of action – the skeleton foundation – hand construction – character construction – the "pugnacious" character – the "cute" character – the "screwball" type – the "goofy" character – movement of body massesbirdstaking flight – the "take"movements of the two-legged figure – movements of the four-legged figure – front & rear views of movements – the skip – the sneak – the walk & the run – dialogue designed for beginners, the how to draw & paint series offers an easy-to-follow guide that introduces artists to basic tools and materials and includes simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. animation 1 allows artists to widen the scope of their abilities, demonstrating how to animate a character, from character development to movement and dialogue.

A new history of animation guides readers through the history and context of animation from around the world. the book assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and explains all the key technical concepts, filling a gap in the market for a complete and well-researched animation history textbook that can be used by teachers in trade schools and universities worldwide, as well as by readers interested in the story of this evolving medium.topics covered include: early cinema and the foundations of the animation industry; animation as modern art and the emergence of the major studios; animation during wartime; stop-motion; new audiences for animation, in advertising, television, and games; animation from eastern europe; short films; computer-generated animation; international animation from japan and elsewhere; and animation as an art form.

Timing for animation has been one of the pillars of animation since it was first published in 1981. now this 40th anniversary edition captures the focus of the original and enhances this new edition with fresh images, techniques, and advice from world-renowned animators. not only does the text explore timing in traditional animation, but also timing in digital works. vibrant illustrations and clear directions line the pages to help depict the various methods and procedures to bring your animation to life. examples include timing for digital production, digital storyboarding in 2d, digital storyboarding in 3d, and the use of after effects, as well as interactive games, television, animals, and more. learn how animated scenes should be arranged in relation to each other, how much space should be used, and how long each drawing should be shown for maximum dramatic effect. all you need to breathe life into your animation is at your fingertips with timing for animation. – key features: fully revised and updated with modern examples and techniques explores the fundamentals of timing, physics, and animation perfect for the animation novice and the expert get straight to the good stuff with simple, no-nonsense instruction on the key techniques like stretch and squash, animated cycles, overlapping, and anticipation. – trying to time weight, mood, and power can make or break an animation–get it right the first time with these tried and tested techniques.authorsharold whitaker was a bafta-nominated professional animator and educator for 40 years; many of his students number among today's most outstanding animation artists. – john halas, known as "the father of british animation" and formerly of halas & batchelor animation studio, produced more than 2,000 animation films, including the legendary animal farm (1954) and the award-winning dilemma (1981). he was also the founder and president of the international animated film association (asifa) and former chairman of the british federation of film societies. – tom sito is professor of animation at the university of southern california and has written numerous books and articles on animation. tom's screen credits include shrek (2001) and the disney classics who framed roger rabbit (1988), the little mermaid (1989), beauty and the beast (1991), aladdin (1992), and the lion king (1994). in 1998, tom was named by animation magazine as one of the 100 most important people in animation.

Noted film historian john canemaker brings to life the team whose combined individual genius defined the art of character animation. think of your favorite moments and characters in disney films from the thirties to the seventies and chances are most were animated by one of walt disney's "nine old men." through the span of their careers, these nine highly skilled animators exhibited an unparalleled loyalty to their employer. this book explores their artisitic breakthroughs, failures, and rivalries, and their individual relationships with each other and with walt.

Step by step approach to drawing the human body in a simplified, structural way. designed for animators and extremely beneficial for comic artists, illustrators, classical and interpretive artists. the content is referenced to the works of george bridgeman, kimon nicolaides, burne hogarth and others.following the exercises can help to greatly improve structural and gestural drawing skills.

Discover the lessons that helped bring about a new golden age of disney animation! published for the first time ever, drawn to life is a two volume collection of the legendary lectures from long-time disney animator walt stanchfield. for over twenty years, walt helped breathe life into the new golden age of animation with these teachings at the walt disney animation studios and influenced such talented artists as tim burton, brad bird, glen keane, and john lasseter. these writings represent the quintessential refresher for fine artists and film professionals, and it is a vital tutorial for students who are now poised to be part of another new generation in the art form.written by walt stanchfield (1919–2000), who began work for the walt disney studios in the 1950s. his work can be seen in films like sleeping beauty, the jungle book, 101 dalmatians, and peter pan.edited by academy award-nominated producer don hahn, who has prduced such classic disney films as beauty and the beast and the lion king. * legendary lessons from a master disney animator – collected for the first time ever* packed full of illustrations from some of the top animators in the world including brad bird* two volumes and 750 pages of pure gold – offering in-depth advice and instruction

Over the past 25 years, pixar's team of artists, writers, and directors have shaped the world of contemporary animation with their feature films and shorts. from classics such as toy story and a bug's life to recent masterpieces such as up, toy story 3, and cars 2, this comprehensive collection offers a behind-the-scenes tour of every pixar film to date. featuring a foreword by chief creative officer john lasseter, the complete color scripts for every film published in full for the first time as well as stunning visual development art, the art of pixar is a treasure trove of rare artwork and an essential addition to the library of animation fans and pixar enthusiasts.

From the earliest origins of animated imagery, the colorful link between paper and screen was created by legions of female artists working on the slick surface of celluloid sheets. with calligraphic precision and rembrandtesque mastery, these women painstakingly brought pencil drawings to vibrant, dimensional life. yet perhaps as a reflection of the transparent canvas they created on, the contributions and history of these animation artists have remained virtually invisible and largely undocumented, until now. walt disney's pioneering efforts in animation transformed novelty cartoons into visual masterpieces, establishing many "firsts" for women within the entertainment industry along the way. focusing on talent, disney sought female story specialists and concept artists to expand the scope and sensibility of his storytelling. upon establishing the first animation-training program for women, ink pens were traded for pencils as ladies made their way into the male-laden halls of animation. world war ii further opened roles traditionally held by men, and women quickly progressed into virtually every discipline within animation production. disney's later development of the xerox process and eventual digital evolution once again placed women at the forefront of technological advancements applied to animated storytelling. in her latest landmark book, ink & paint: the women of walt disney's animation, author mindy johnson pulls back the celluloid curtain on the nearly vanished world of ink pens, paintbrushes, pigments, and tea. from the earliest black-and-white alice comedies to the advent of caps and digital animation, meet the pioneering women who brought handrendered animated stories to vibrant, multicolored life at walt disney studios and beyond. extensively researched with the full support of the entire walt disney studios archival resources, plus a multitude of private collections, firsthand accounts, newly discovered materials, and production documentation, as well as never-before-seen photography and artwork, this essential volume redefines the collective history of animation.

How do character designers develop ideas that are unique, memorable, and captivate us as an audience? this book answers these questions and more, taking a comprehensive, visual, and analytical approach to discover just what it is that makes a character appealing. understand key principles like shape language, proportion, and exaggeration, and learn from talented professionals who share industry secrets for getting the most out of anatomy, gesture, expression, and costume. uncover ways to convey relationships and interaction between multiple characters, and how narrative fuels authentic and engaging characterization. with hundreds of lively illustrations to inspire and study, and tricks of the trade from celebrated artists, this thorough and insightful volume is an essential library addition for anyone interested in character design.

By following the lessons in cartoon animation with preston blair, you can make any character—person, animal, or object—come to life through animated movement! while animators must first know how to draw, the animation process involves much more than just good drawing skills. in this new edition, acclaimed cartoon animator preston blair shares his vast practical knowledge to explain and demonstrate the many techniques of cartoon animation. learn the knowledge and skills animators must have, including:how to construct original cartoon characters by developing a character’s shape, personality, features, and mannerisms – how to animate movements such as running, walking, dancing, posing, skipping, and more – how to create realistic-looking mouth movements during dialogue, as well as body movements and facial expressions while the character is speaking – the finer points of animating a character, including drawing key character poses and in-betweens – full of expert advice from animation pioneer preston blair, and packed with helpful drawings and diagrams, the new edition of cartoon animation with preston blair is a book no animation enthusiast should be without. this revised edition includes:chapter 1: getting started tools & materials drawing basics animation methods – chapter 2: cartoon construction parts of a cartoon character the body the head facial expressions the hands – chapter 3: character design & development cartoon examples the cute character the screwball type the “pugnacious” character more animal characters fictional people children – chapter 4: basic character movement comics to life line of action rhythm & design basic movement – chapter 5: animation principles beyond simple movements rough sketches balance paths of action animation effects – chapter 6: animated acting expressing an attitude three rules for actors body language dialogue – the collector’s series offers a broad range of projects across a variety of mediums and genres, such as drawing, oil, acrylic, watercolor, cartooning, calligraphy, and others. this series is suitable for beginning to intermediate artists, and each title features in-depth instruction about how to work with the tools of the trade, master techniques, and use newfound skills in practical application.

Let world-renowned animator preston blair introduce you to the magical world of cartooning and animation! whether youi?? re creating traditional or computer art, you'll find valuable information in this book, which covers the most important aspects of cartooning, such as working out layouts, planning scenes, and synchronizing mouth action. it also provides instruction on drawing a variety of believable animated characters, with tips on using lines of action to create realistic motion. widely considered one of the best cartooning references available, this book is an essential library addition for every aspiring animator.

Thomas celebrates the magic of animation, explaining the basic techniques and giving examples of story sketches, layout animation drawings and background paintings–all the elements that go into the making of an animated film. with the cooperation of walt disney productions, the publication of the book will tie in with the upcoming film beauty and the beast. 200 full-color illustrations.

Thomas celebrates the magic of animation, explaining the basic techniques and giving examples of story sketches, layout animation drawings and background paintings–all the elements that go into the making of an animated film. with the cooperation of walt disney productions, the publication of the book will tie in with the upcoming film beauty and the beast. 200 full-color illustrations.