In whichever field you are, you definitely need to brush up your skills and stay updated. If you don’t, you’ll lag behind. So, are you planning a career in animation or already a part it? If yes, this post shall entice you. As an animation lover, you need to know interesting things about this wonderful art form. Therefore, we are here to help you in your knowledge quest. Here, you’ll get to explore some popular and Best Animation Books.
What is Animation?
Animation is a process of manipulating images to make them appear as moving. Simply stating, it’s like making a movie from still pictures. This means, you can create an illusion of movement by playing images in a sequence. And, this is done at a fast speed.
Types of Animation
Now, there are 5 different types of Animation which you can explore:
- Traditional Animation
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Motion Graphics
- Stop Motion
Not to forget, one who carries out all this process of animation is called an Animator. If you fall in this category, keep reading for further insights.
And, we are sure this brief intro of animation might have left you craving for more. So, you need not wait any longer. Just go ahead and indulge yourself into these awesome animation books.
Best Animation Books: For Animators
1. The Animator’s Survival Kit (Topmost in best animation books)
By Richard E. Williams
This book presents the fundamental principles of animation. The basics that every animator needs to be familiar with. Are you are an expert, a beginner, a classic animator or a computer genius? This animation book is a must read for you.
The author has used hundreds of drawings to express himself. His book serves as an essential guide to animation for students and teachers. Additionally, this is a great choice for professionals and animation fans. In fact, the new edition provides even more on animal action and creation. Moreover, it emphasises more on practicality with enlightening animation examples.
2. The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation (Disney Edition Deluxe)
By Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
This is an exhaustive book ever written on animation. It is a captivating inside story, unfolded by two long-term Disney animators. So, this book depicts the continuous perfection of a young and distinct American art form. An art which has not been achieved by any other studio.
Moreover, it uncovers the advancement of Disney animation and its unique style. Not only this, the book even features the original drawings and sketches of the creation of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. Hence, it is a great book for an animation lovers and Disney fans.
3. Cartoon Animation
By Preston Blair
This is a comprehensive book on animation. It is full of expert advice along with informative diagrams and drawings. Through his immense practical understanding, the author teaches you the fundamentals and techniques of animation.
By following his instructions, you can bring anything or any character to life via animated movement. Be it the shape of cartoon character, its features, personality or mannerism you can learn to do all.
Besides, the book even gives information on development and co-ordination of movements along with dialogue construction. Therefore, it is a must read for any animation enthusiast.
4. Character Animation Crash Course!
By Eric Goldberg
This book has everything that a budding animator could desire for. The author helps you to perceive characters from the inside out, with his explicit narration and drawings. As a result, this distinctive book and its website companion assist you to bring classic animation techniques to life.
You also see animated movie examples to depict author’s ideas at work, frame by frame and in real life. On top of this, you even get to know the discourse of classic cartoons along with witty and explanatory analysis. All this is based on Goldberg’s knowledge and experiences gained as a professional animator in 30-plus years of his work.
5. Setting The Scene: The Art & Evolution of Animation Layout
By Fraser MacLean
This is a unique, comprehensive and first of its kind book on the art of ‘Animation Layout’. It gives you an insight of this beautiful art form. Ranging from the animations foremost phase to the digitized world of contemporary cinema and video games.
So, you can visualise a never seen before art from the archives of major studios. It also covers the interviews of the big and famous people in animation. Therefore, it has probably everything to inspire you. In fact, the book is distinct, wonderful and thoroughly researched. And, it also contains large number of illustrated examples. Hence, this amazing book truly deserves to be in your collection of best animation books.
Best Animation Books: Add on list
- The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design by Tod Polson
- Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Archive Series: Design by Disney Studio
- MEL Scripting for Maya Animators (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics): by Mark R. Wilkins
- Animation from Pencils to Pixels: Classical Techniques for the Digital Animator by Tony White
- The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney by Michael Barrier
- Sketching for Animation: Developing Ideas, Characters and Layouts in Your Sketchbook by Peter Parr
Although, this small list of best animation books may not be enough for an animator like you. But, this will definitely be a great taster lesson in your long animation journey.
Of course, you can learn a whole lot of known-unknown facts about animation world. In addition to it, some lively examples of animation make these books even more interesting.
And, if you are a designer, you may also browse through our unique assemblage of Best Graphic Design Books.
So, which animation book has inspired you the most and proved helpful? Do share in the comments section. Also, feel free to add any other book on animation, one of your favourites too? We’ll love to add it to our collection and make it the ultimate collection of animation books.
