Customer Reviews

Flash Character Animation Applied Studio Techniques (Applying Studio Techniques)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this book when starting to get somewhat serious about Flash animation hoping it would teach me to do some serious animation. I was somewhat dissapointed that it didn't teach me anything I didn't already know from another book or from tutorial reading on the internet.

The book is good if you're starting out in Flash, infact, it's very good for that. It walks you through tweening, frame-by-frame animation, and the works. However, just by playing around and using common sense, I already knew all this.

The examples this author uses are very...creative and unique. That's not a bad thing, except you can't really apply them to everday animation.

All in all, this book is a good book if you're starting out. It will get you through the basics and a little more. If you're an intermediate or pro user, don't spend the money for it. I think the only way to get to know what you want to know is message boards or just practicing...

(contributor) Working with flash native files that were created by professional animators and reading how they were done is a great way to learn tips and tricks. The books layout and design is the best I've seen on the market.

An excellent reference book. I found this publication easy to read and comprehend. Utilized the information and step by step illustrations to create animation as described. I found it to be an excellent learning tool for beginners and intermediate users. I have advanced personnel on staff who found the applications described most accurate and complete with additional and background materials that serve them on a daily basis. The addition of interview materials was also most informative and resourceful. It added depth and value to the publication. Recommend it highly to those seeking to begin or expand their graphic skills and talents. Thumbs up!

This book has been incredibly helpful and easy to use. The real-world samples helped solidify the techniques I was having trouble with and have given me enough comfort with the process that I can concentrate on what inspired me most about Flash in the first place - breathing life into my characters!

In my opinion the only chapters worth reading are chapters 12, 13, 14 and 15. My biggest complaint about this book is that most of the chapters were boring. Chapter 2 shows an ostrich walk cycle, chapter 6 shows fighting skunks and chapter 8 shows a talking grave. I prefer "Flash 5 Cartooning" and "Flash Cartoon Animation: Learn From The Pros" over this book.

Up front I will admit I have a bias (my company Pileated Pictures is featured on the book), but having been a professional involved with Animation and interactivity for years, and knowing the other people involved with this book, I can honestly say it is very useful and pragmatic, getting into fundamental concepts behind character animation in Flash, and a good luck at several techniques. My two cents.

The only worthwhile part of this book, is when Purcell intrerviews people who Flash for as a job, and questions them on techniques, tips, and tricks. These pages are very helpful (especially sound). You can tell Purcell himself is no an artist. If you check out the tutorials he wrote, they're just so stupid, and not useful (fighting skunks, a walking ostrich, etc.). However, the CD is great, and hearing pros talk about Flash is something new, it's a worth a buy, but don't bother with the tutorials, they're a waste of time.