The Animator's Survival Kit: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators is a book written by Richard Williams and was first published in 2001. The book is considered a classic in the animation industry and is still used as the primary method of learning for animation students today.
One reason for the book's continued success as a teaching tool is its comprehensive nature. Williams covers a wide range of animation techniques and principles, from traditional hand-drawn animation to computer animation and stop-motion. The book also includes detailed explanations and illustrations, making it easy for readers to understand and apply the concepts presented. Williams stresses the importance of understanding the underlying principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, and weight, and how they apply to different animation techniques. By understanding these principles, animators can create more convincing and expressive animations, regardless of the medium they are using.
There are relatively few books that have achieved the same level of success at teaching animation. However, there are a few notable books that have managed to gain popularity, such as Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair (first published in 1948) and The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas (first published in 1981). These books have achieved popularity among animators and animation students, due to their detailed explanations of animation techniques and principles, as well as their focus on the history and evolution of animation.
Streaming websites like YouTube may have overtaken books as the primary method of learning animation in recent years, but having an understanding of the principles and history of animation can still be very helpful for new animators. These books can help animators to create more convincing and expressive animations, regardless of the medium they are using.
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