Talk to seasoned animators about the top animation books instrumental to their career growth, and you’ll be met with a diverse range of answers. This is primarily due to the vast selection of exceptional animation literature available in the market today.
These books span various facets of animation – from 3D and 2D animation to the intricate art of motion graphics. The animation industry is continuously evolving, and there is an extensive body of work providing in-depth knowledge and insights to enthusiasts, learners, and professionals alike.
In the following list, we’ve curated 15 animation books that should be part of every animator’s reading repertoire. These are books that will add value to your craft, whether you are a budding student, a professional in the field, or anyone interested in the art of animation. Here’s what we recommend:
The Essential 15: Books Every Animator Must Read
1. “The Animator’s Survival Kit” by Richard Williams
Unleash the full scope of animation with this comprehensive guide penned by Richard Williams, an Academy Award-winning director who has trained with animation luminaries such as Milt Kahl and other Disney animators. This book covers every aspect of animation, including timing, spacing, anticipation dialogue, character animation, and more. A treasure chest of knowledge that any aspiring animator should delve into.
2. “The Illusion of Life” by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
This book, originally designed as an animation guide, grew into a comprehensive exploration of the animation world. Penned by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two animation legends who helped establish the Disney animation style, this book examines the research and discoveries of the original Disney animators. From the history of animation to vital lessons, this book is a masterclass in animation.
3. “Cartoon Animation” by Preston Blair
A timeless reference for cartoon-style animation, this book has been a go-to guide since its release in 1994. The book offers an insightful discourse on how to design unique cartoon characters, dialogue, and movements, with the principles of character development, delivering dialogue, creating lines of action, and timing. Preston Blair brings to the table his experience with big animation studios like Disney and Hanna Barbera.
4. “Character Animation Crash Course” by Eric Goldberg
Goldberg’s book offers an intensive course on creating characters with strong personalities. It is a treasure trove of insights drawn from Goldberg’s extensive 30-year experience in animation. From classic animation techniques to the process of bringing them to life, whether you’re working in 2D or 3D, this book is packed with observations, tips, and examples to hone your animation skills.
5. “Animation for Beginners” by Morr Meroz
If you’re venturing into the world of animation, this comprehensive guide by Morr Meroz is a must-read. This book simplifies the complexities of animation, offering a detailed insight into varied animation types, principles, and techniques. From shaping a showreel to creating a portfolio and landing an animation job, Meroz, a New York-based animator and filmmaker, offers a trove of practical advice.
6. “Timing for Animation” by Harold Whitaker, John Halas, and Tom Sito
Initially released in 1981 and subsequently revised in 2009, this book presents a detailed analysis of issues related to timing in character animation. The chapters delve into facets such as movement and caricature, timing charts, slow action timing, Newton’s laws of motion, and more, offering an animator everything they need to know about timing.
7. “The Nine Old Men” by Andreas Deja
Deja’s book provides readers with a peek into the works and minds of Disney’s first few animators. This book breaks down their animation techniques, including acting, drawing, story structure, and execution. It offers you the chance to refine your character animation by understanding how these nine pioneers worked.
8.“Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes” by Walt Stanchfield
This two-volume set offers critical lessons about drawing characters with vitality and gestures. Stanchfield’s work at Disney since the 1950s led him to create a training program for new animators at the studio. This experience shines through in his insightful lectures compiled in these books.
9. “Animated Performance” by Nancy Beiman
This book by Beiman, a seasoned animator, is an advanced guide focused on character animation. From step-by-step examinations of animating character to other solid information, it is a master source of wisdom and guidance for those with a foundational understanding of animation.
10. “Animation: From Script to Screen” by Shamus Culhane
Culhane’s book explores the entire process, production, and business of animation. Reading it will give you an overview of various animation techniques and a deeper understanding of the animation production process peppered with anecdotes.
11. “How to Make Animated Films” by Tony White
A thorough guide on the whole animation process, this book takes you through teachings of the golden age animators and beyond. It includes tutorials, samples of animation, demonstrations, and more. White’s teachings guide anyone wanting to become an animator in 2D, 3D, or other types of animation.
12. “Animation Methods: Rigging Made Easy” by David Rodriguez
This book presents the basics of character rigging using Maya software. Rigging is often a challenging topic, especially for beginners, but this book offers a user-friendly approach to understanding it, providing exercises and instructions to guide you along the way.
13. “Directing the Story” by Francis Glebas
Ideal for those interested in directing or storyboarding, this book delves into storytelling techniques such as pacing and cut scenes, themes, and story structure, and character creation. It’s authored by Glebas, an award-winning live-action filmmaker and story artist for famous Disney movies.
14. “Animating Your Career” by Steve Hickner
Hickner’s book is a comprehensive guide on marketing principles and soft skills that can make an animator a valuable asset to a company and eventually a good manager.
15. “The Win Without Pitching Manifesto” by Blair Enns
This manifesto offers twelve steps that animation business owners can take to gain animation clients and outpace the competition. It proposes a strategic approach to how animation services are bought and sold.
Exploring the Technological Realm
Also, in the contemporary animation landscape, a crucial ally in your creative journey is the choice of the right computer. The intricacies of animation demand a machine that can handle the complex calculations and rendering processes with finesse. Investing in the best computer for animation is akin to providing your artistic vision with a powerful canvass.
The fusion of literary wisdom from animation books and the technological prowess of a top-tier computer forms the cornerstone of a truly transformative animation experience.
Conclusion
We have journeyed you through the 15 most transformative animation books that should find a revered place on every animator’s bookshelf. These books, penned by industry-leading animators, serve as an immersive knowledge pool, offering insights into skills, techniques, and the very thought processes that guide top-notch animators.
Through the shared wisdom and experience of these esteemed authors, you will not only master a myriad of skills but also harness the inspirational values that drive successful animators. Each of these books offers a unique perspective, and reading them can transform the way you approach and practice animation.
Reflecting on the insights these books provide will aid you in expanding your understanding, honing your skills, and, ultimately, evolving into a refined animator. Consider these books as your personal mentors, guiding you through your animation journey at every step and helping you navigate the challenges that come your way.
Remember, the more you learn, the better you become. The world of animation is vast and ever-evolving, and these books are your compass, providing direction, illuminating the landscape, and paving the way for excellent animation work.