Books that are crucial for anyone learning Animation.
This list is organised by topic: 1. Animation general guides 2. Background designs 3. Movement 4. Life Drawing and Anatomy 5. History and Biographies 6. VFX
Animation Student Public
Created and curated by Nathan John Cooper
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Nathan John Cooper says: Covers the pre-production, production, and post-production processes of layout art and set design.
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The illusion of life by Thomas, Frank
'The Illusion of Life' is a book written by veteran Disney animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. It's a detailed …
Nathan John Cooper says: For the 12 Principles of Animation.
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Framed Ink: Drawing And Composition For Visual Storytellers by Marcos Mateu-Mestre
4 stars
The ultimate guide to visual storytelling! How to make the audience “feel” the story while they are “reading” the story. …
Nathan John Cooper says: Guide on visual communication and storytelling- great for composition.
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Nathan John Cooper says: Compositions, layout art, production design, etc.
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The Animator's Survival Kit--Revised Edition by Richard Williams
5 stars
Richard Williams, notable for his work on "The Thief and the Cobbler", intimately outpours all his animation knowledge to You. …
Nathan John Cooper says: This is the best known book in the Animation world and will tell you everything you need to know about movement.
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Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators by Michael D. Mattesi
Capture the force in your life drawing subjects with this practical guide to dynamic drawing techniques - packed with superb, …
Nathan John Cooper says: Guide on posing, movement, and how to get a character from one position to another.
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Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers Peck
Stephen Rogers Peck's Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist remains unsurpassed as a manual for students. It includes sections …
Nathan John Cooper says: Guides on proportions, facial expressions, and the human form in extreme detail (including bones).
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Miyazakiworld by Susan Jolliffe Napier, Susan Napier
4 stars
"A thirtieth-century toxic jungle, a bathhouse for tired gods, a red-haired fish girl, and a furry woodland spirit--what do these …
Nathan John Cooper says: For a better understanding of Studio Ghibli and Hayo Miyazaki.
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Figure Drawing for All It's Worth by Andrew Loomis
5 stars
Learn to draw the human figure without the use of a live model. Loomis shows how to create a stick …
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Elemental Magic by Joseph Gilland (Elemental Magic, #Volume 1)
Create amazing animated effects such as fiery blazes, rippling water, and magical transformations. Animation guru Joseph Gilland breaks down the …
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Elemental Magic by Joseph Gilland (Elemental Magic, #Volume 2)
Design beautiful, professional-level animated effects with these detailed step-by-step tutorials from former Disney animator and animated effects expert Joseph Gilland. …
