Character Animation in 3D, : Use traditional drawing techniques to produce stunning CGI animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) [Paperback]

Steve Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0240516656 | ISBN-13: 978-0240516653

Based on 10 years of animation teaching experience, this comprehensive guide to key techniques will ensure your skills best fit the computer animation workplace. A complete understanding of the vital animation drawing skills will be achieved by learning the pitfalls in a 2D exercise then applying these skills when using 3D animation packages.

Providing a broad coverage this book will be relevant whatever 3D package you use, Softimage XSI, Maya, 3ds max or LightWave. Just knowing and being able to use a specific 3D software package does not make you an animator, but reading this book will!

The Free CD-ROM includes; how to animate exercises in each specific 3d animation program; short movies showing best practice; computer models so you can experiment and learn; a free demo copy and discount code for the best 2D animation software you can buy, DigiCel FlipBook.

www.characteranimationin3d.com, provides further resources about the world of animation, extensive list of links, how to get a job, build a lightbox, make an animated movie and much more!

* Improve your 3D animation by understanding the key 2D skills
* Inspiring coverage for all that is needed to produce original, humorous and exciting animation
* Free CD-ROM with short movies relating to each chapter plus the computer models so you can create as you follow the book's tutorials

Editorial Reviews

Review

Finally! A forthright approach to a complex art form. An inspired text that fuses an essential understanding of fundamental traditional methods and technology.
Rita Osei, Animation & Graphics Producer, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Toonami

It was surely a matter of time before a publication like this emerged. An understanding of basic animation principles is often overlooked in 3D computer animation. This book will do much to put that right; an essential source of knowledge will enable 2D and 3D animators to understand each other's purpose.
Oscar winning animator, Daniel Greaves Director of Tandem Films

A fantastic, comprehensive, but above all practical guide to character animation. The well-pitched progressive exercises at the core make it a must have for all serious animation wannabes.
Andrew Lindsay, Senior Animator, Lionhead Studios

"The comments on the back of Character Animation in 3D by Steve Roberts...are both positive and enthusiastic. They should be and I add my voice to the others...The examples, which are also effectively presented on the accompanying CD, are familiar enough to graphic animators and encourage the CGI animator to think about the stages of the movment as it unfolds." - Imagine magazine

Book Description

Improve your animation by fully understanding the key 2d skills before using a computer!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press (August 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240516656
• ISBN-13: 978-0240516653
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,018,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on animation I've ever read!, November 6, 2004

By 

Pheobie anim8tor - See all my reviews

This review is from: Character Animation in 3D, : Use traditional drawing techniques to produce stunning CGI animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Paperback)

I've bought a lot of books on 3D animation over the years and most of them are either full of information that I don't need (how to build sky scrapers or how to spin my name in letters) or don't have anywhere near enough information on how to animate (usually only one chapter).
This book has everything I need to learn how to animate!
It starts by showing how to do an exercise using 2D traditional skills and then goes on to do the same exercise in 3D (if you want to skip the 2D bit and just do the 3D, that seems to work fine). Most employers today want to see evidence of traditional animation training and this book gives you all that!
It covers everything; weight and balance, timing, walks, birds, fish, snakes, four legged animals, acting and lip-synch.
I'd rate this book with Richard Williams' The Animator's Survival kit. In other words one of those books that every animator should have.

So if you want to learn how to animate or if you want to improve your 3D skills, buy this book!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great animation book, November 6, 2004

By 

newBanim8or (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Character Animation in 3D, : Use traditional drawing techniques to produce stunning CGI animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation) (Paperback)

The book has all the things i need to know for a beginner.I find this book easy to read, very helpful with lot's of illustrations/examples and the computer models are useful to practice the animation after reading it.