Archive for the 'Resources' Category

Every so often, I’m asked to recommend books and such for Flash Animation. So, I decided to save myself the trouble of writing the same info over and over. This list will be nothing new to more seasoned animators, eliciting a “No Shit” response. I compile it in the hopes that a greeny will find the right knowledge early.

1. The Animator’s Survival Kit
   by Richard Williams
   

   If you do not own this book stop reading and click the link. Seriously, do not even touch your stylus to your Wacom again without reading this text. I say without hesitation, this is the definitive reference for animation. In addition to being the most robust collection of techniques I’ve ever witnessed in one book, it’s beautifully written with inspiring anecdotes.

   One can hardly finish a page or two with rushing over to the computer/light table/etc. to try something new. This sounds like gushing, but I assure you it’s not. This book sells for under 20 dollars and it was more valuable, more enlightening than my entire college education. Reading it is like a religious experience. Get it.

2. The Illusion of Life
   by Ollie Johnston & Frank Thomas
   
   
   If the ASK (above), teaches you how to animate, this book makes you want to animate. This is not to say this book doesn’t contain it’s own wisdom (origin of the 12 Principles, etc), but it’s less focused and applicable than the ASK. Nonetheless, this is the second book to buy.
   
   
3. Acting for Animators
   by Ed Hooks
   
   
   Once you learn to animate, you’ll need to learn to act. This book is vital for any and all interested in character animation. I suggest it for anyone though. Ed Hooks has done wonders for me. I love him in an inappropriate fashion.
   
   
4. Timing for Animation
   by Harold Whitaker & John Halas
   

   A very concise text that’s smaller than its counterparts and with great bits of wisdom. This book has my favorite diagrams (just look at the cover!) that instantly give you “the penny dropped” feeling. The images alone speak volumes.
   
   

5. The Flash Animator or Hollywood 2D Digital Animation
   by Sandro Corsaro
   

   If you just wanna learn some Flash animation techniques, either of these will do the trick. Hollywood 2D Digital Animation essentially takes everything in The Flash Animator and combines it with some business advice and some interviews with various professionals. I personally prefer the The Flash Animator because its size is less awkward and the focus is where I want it. A terrific text for the beginner.
   
   

6. Cartoon Animation
   by Preston Blair
   

   I like this book. I really do. It was the first “How to Animate” book I ever owned. It’s a great beginner text, but at some point, you’ve got to move on to the ASK for the complete story. No disrespect intended.

If you’d like to suggest other books, please do! Comment that business!