Exploring Drawing for Animation (Design Concepts) [Paperback]

Stephen Missal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003 | ISBN-10: 1401824196 | ISBN-13: 978-1401824198 | Edition: 1

Exploring Drawing for Animation is an innovative introduction to 2D animation and inspirational skill-sharpener for working professionals. The authors creatively link drawing techniques and life drawing -human and animal anatomy, architecture, and scenery- to 2D animation production and outcomes. The instructional format builds animation skills from the ground up, using a technical foundation in drawing as a basis for exploring animation. Overviews span the topics of sequence drawing, character development, motion, proportional techniques, and animation clean-up. Together, these essential skills combine to help readers develop the drawing skills necessary to be a successful animator.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Designed to show how drawing, and particularly life drawing, provides the foundation for understanding and creating animation...Highly recommended. -- Library Journal, March 15, 2004

From the Publisher

Explore the art and techniques of drawing for 2D animation with this unique book! The popular Design Exploration Series format, along with creative content and amazing illustrations by two talented authors, make this book certain to help develop any artist's animation skills.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401824196
• ISBN-13: 978-1401824198
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #768,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars It's a nice overview for beginners, but not for pros, March 31, 2005

By 

S. Yellin - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Exploring Drawing for Animation (Design Concepts) (Paperback)

I admit I bought this book sight unseen (something I do a lot, kind of a crap shoot, I know), and while the cover and the few images I had seen were well done, overall the authors of the book, while probably excellent educators, wouldn't be qualified to give advice to industry professionals on every section of production that is addressed within. I myself have taught animation and advanced drawing at the college level, as well as worked on TV/Film animation for many years (as key animator and storyboard artist). While I don't want to trash the book, as it is a nice over view, I do regret purchasing it. THe character designs are barely above what I would expect from my students, and while the life drawings too are nice, I would expect an industry pro to be capable of much better, should they choose to write a book dealing with the subject. Again, a nice overview book, and many students or people simply interested in animation will find it helpful, but if you have a solid background in drawing, animation, design, or are already employed within the field (and obviously possess a degree of skill), spend your money on books that focus more acutely on a smaller aspect of film making (whether animation timing/staging, drawing, or even layout/design).

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, fun treatise on animation drawing, June 30, 2005

By 

H. Douglas - See all my reviews

This review is from: Exploring Drawing for Animation (Design Concepts) (Paperback)

I have worked as an animator, teacher and fine artist for over 30 years and this is the first art text I have ever seen that discusses how solid drawing skill relates to creating drawings for character designs and 2D animation. Most animation `how-to' books include some drawing instruction but do not address the important bridge between drawing and animation.

The authors present an entertainingly written book in an easy-to-read conversational tone along with illustrations that show the well-honed professional drawing and painting skills of this book's creators. It is obvious to the reader that the authors are seasoned artists and educators.

While this book is predominantly for learners of beginning to intermediate levels, anyone with an interest in the interdisciplinary issues within animation and drawing would benefit from picking up this gem of a text. Unfortunately, the title of the book suggests that it covers the technique of 2D animation in-depth, but this is a misnomer. Fortunately, 2D animation is commented on in a more important context: the development of effective observational drawing skills that will produce better animation drawings.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for starters, December 10, 2006

By 

Pat A. Marconett (Scotts Valley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Exploring Drawing for Animation (Design Concepts) (Paperback)

I bought tis book a few years ago. It has some good stuff of how drawing relates to animation. It also sheds more light on to the process than a lot of books. However, after a few years of animation art school, I realized how bad the drawings were. If you want to learn about drawing for animation, check out Glen Vilppu's books. (he worked as a drawing instructor/trainer at some of the bigger studios in L.A.)