Ready to jump into animation?
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these 5 books are Essential
Pick up those 5 books to:
Learn animation techniques
Develop your sense of observation
Understand the concept of lines of action around you
Understand a skeleton and muscular system
Get the right soft skills for a perfect teamwork
Check bonuses to get inspired with great artbooks
Learn from the best
Do you love books? Me too!
I bet that when you started learning animation, you heard everywhere: Read Richard Williams' book, "The Animator's Survival Kit." !
So when I began my learning process at school, I bought it and placed it on a shelf for later...
Then I remember making my first 2D animation with only a poor understanding of animation's rules. It was hard and painful.
And one day, I finally decided to read it, and it blew my mind!
It was not hard to read at all! Very clear, easy to understand!
So many good tricks, well-explained with a great sense of humor, not a heavy, big, boring book.
Here is my best animation books list:
The Animator's survival kit
Richard Williams
If only I had read it on Day 1!
Start reading Richard Williams; you will save weeks of training!
Yes, weeks! Do you remember "Who framed Roger Rabbit" well he co-directed it with Robert Zemeckis.
If you are from the new generation, have a look at this movie, it will give you a great taste of 80-90's movies vibe !
Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators
Michael D. Mattesi
I love his approach to life drawing. Yes it is 2d drawing and you might think it is not useful for 3d animation. But there is a great concept of how the force is flowing through different lines of actions, and how the body is full of curves working together in a logical way. Two great notions to keep in mind while animating.
The Illusion of Life
Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson
I won't lie; this is not a light and easy-to-read book like the previous ones. Your arms might shake if you intend to read it in bed :)
However, this one is undoubtedly a classic. I enjoy picking bits of it from time to time.
It's where the 12 principles of animation are born! I'm not sure if you can find a new copy on Amazon, but used copies are available.
Creativity inc.
Ed Catmull
Dive into the Pixar organization, learn about leading and managing a company to create beautiful projects! A lot to learn about a great teamwork!
Animal Anatomy for Artists
Eliot Goldfinger
This is soooo important: If you animate a creature, you need to know its anatomy.. At least the basics. Alway good to have a look into this book before jumping on a new creature animation!
Here is my Top 5: Best animation books. But Wait!
There is More books here!
Animation Press
What's better than a little magazine to read on the train, all while listening to the sweet names of small cities stations... Here's a selection of cool magazines. Personally, I have free access to some of them through my city's digital library!
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