Thinking Animation: Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG [Paperback]

Angie Jones (Author), Jamie Oliff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 16, 2006

Learn how to think before you animate. Thinking Animation is a one-of-a-kind book that emphasizes how artists can use traditional animation techniques and principles with the computer generated animation technology of today. Written by seasoned animators with experience in both 2D and CG, Thinking Animation is an exquisite guide aimed at experienced animators; however, the skills taught within are still accessible and valuable to the novice animator. This full-color book includes numerous interviews with experienced contributing authors from a wide range of backgrounds, including stop-motion, visual effects, traditional animation, and CG. Thinking Animation is non-software specific. It contains a history of the field of animation as well as insight into how CG studios operate. It embraces the future of animating with the computer while still retaining the core values that traditional animators use as formulas and principles.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Angie Jones began her animation career at a San Diego studio of over 150 traditional animators. As a female animator, she was a novelty. Even rarer at this traditional studio was her willingness to create animation with a computer. Although she was trained at a fine art school, she readily embraced the computer and for the past ten years she has worked on several productions, including Stuart Little 2, Disney's 50th Anniversary commercials, Oddworld: Abe's Exodus, Garfield, Dino Crises 3, Scooby Doo Too, XMen 2, and National Treasure. Jamie Oliff was trained in classical animation at Sheridan College of Art and Design and has worked in the animation industry for more than 20 years. An award-winning director and long time feature film animator, his credits include the first season of The Ren and Stimpy Show, and many feature-length animated pictures such as Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Hercules, The Emperor's New Groove, and CGI animation on titles ranging from Kangaroo Jack to Scooby Doo Too and National Treasure.

Product Details

• Paperback: 345 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (June 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1598632604
• ISBN-13: 978-1598632606
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #902,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for the modern animator, July 4, 2006

By 

Joel Fletcher "http://www.joelfletcher.com" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thinking Animation: Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG (Paperback)

Being a professional animator, I was anxious to read this book. I finally got hold of a copy and was really impressed. The stage is set with a well researched history of the dynamically changing world of animation. Then the title theme comes into play in a very authoritative explanation of the art and craft of CG animation, with its roots in the traditional methods. What I liked was that the techniques discussed are not limited to any particular software package. A smart decision by the authors, as this book is not likely to ever go out of date. Adding spice throughout the book are anecdotes by various pros in the business, which are often quite humorous. THINKING ANIMATION is a must read for both practicing and armchair animators.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thinking of (getting into) animation? read this!, April 27, 2009

By 

N. Mcgaughey "crunk master" (hollywood, ca United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Thinking Animation: Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG (Paperback)

while this book definitely hits all the important points about the discipline, craft and yes technical work of animation, its the 'learning the ropes' and theory portions of this book that really set it apart from anything else i have ever read on this subject, or many engineering or creative manuals for that matter. in a way, this book is more than just about 2D and CG, its subsections about theory and carrying yourself in a production environment are worth their weight in gold. i'd wager at least 60% of this book has application in many, many other creative fields such as computer programming, arts and creative fields not related to animation whatsoever. if you are cross disciplinarian, this might just be your rosetta stone. or a good foundation for one. highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really well written and interesting book., May 12, 2007

By 

CORE CC "Fed" (Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thinking Animation: Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG (Paperback)

This book is just fantastic, it was such a pleasure to read that I really hoped it would not end.

I found it different from other books on the subject as it gives you an overview about most processes in animation and helped me solidify some concepts that I was not sure about. It's not a technical book so don't expect step by step tutorials, which I think it's great as it wasn't intended to be. It's a book you can just enjoy on the couch with out trying to follow and press buttons.

I recommend this book to really any one who wants to have an inside look at the animation world, any one who really wants to get to grip with the terms and concepts of animation.

Best chapter was the one on acting as it really supplied some stellar advice and ideas.