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Richard Williams
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The Animator's Survival Kit Paperback – January 7, 2002

by Richard Williams (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 7,068 ratings
The definitive book on animation, from the Academy Award-winning animator behind Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Animation is one of the hottest areas of filmmaking today--and the master animator who bridges the old generation and the new is Richard Williams. During his more than forty years in the business, Williams has been one of the true innovators, winning three Academy Awards and serving as the link between Disney's golden age of animation by hand and the new computer animation exemplified by Toy Story.

Perhaps even more important, though, has been his dedication in passing along his knowledge to a new generation of animators so that they in turn could push the medium in new directions. In this book, based on his sold-out master classes in the United States and across Europe, Williams provides the underlying principles of animation that every animator--from beginner to expert, classic animator to computer animation whiz --needs. Urging his readers to "invent but be believable," he illustrates his points with hundreds of drawings, distilling the secrets of the masters into a working system in order to create a book that will become the standard work on all forms of animation for professionals, students, and fans.
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  1. Print length
    342 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Faber & Faber
  4. Publication date
    January 7, 2002
  5. Dimensions
    9.53 x 0.95 x 11.02 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0571202284
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0571202287
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Williams is miles ahead of anyone in the world of animation."--The New York Times

About the Author

Richard Williams has won more than 250 international awards for his animation. He currently lives in Wales.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Faber & Faber
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 7, 2002
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0571202284
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571202287
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.53 x 0.95 x 11.02 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,210,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 7,068 ratings

About the author

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Richard Williams

Richard Williams

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Richard Williams is best known as the Director of Animation and designer of the new characters for Who Framed Roger Rabbit, for which he won two Academy Awards including a Special Achievement Award.Canadian-born Williams has won three US Academy Awards, three British Academy Awards, and an Emmy among 246 international awards-- starting with his first film The Little Island in 1958.Williams has also animated title sequences for Return of the Pink Panther, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, What's New Pussycat, Casino Royale and linking sequences for The Charge of the Light Brigade, as well as countless prize-winning commercials.In 1990 he was voted by his peers as "The Animator's Animator," and in 1995 he started giving the Richard Williams Animation Masterclasses for professionals and students worldwide in London, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver, Sydney, Hong Kong, France and Denmark.He lives with his family in Wales and works as an independent film-maker.

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
7,068 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this animation book essential for mastering basic principles and step-by-step drawing techniques, with detailed illustrations and comprehensive information on all necessary topics. The book is praised for being easy to understand, with one customer noting how principles can be translated into 3D CG. Customers appreciate its value and consider it a must-have for artists at any level, with one review highlighting its rich references and diagrams.

Select to learn more

Animation bookUseInformation contentBook for animatorsValue for moneyInsightEase of understandingIllustrations
168 customers mention "Animation book"165 positive3 negative

Customers praise this animation book for mastering basic principles and providing a wonderful outline of step-by-step drawing techniques, making it useful in everyday work.

"...Definately a must have for animators...." Read more

"...So much detail put into this book its unbelievable. Best animation book I've ever owned." Read more

"This is a must for animators or anyone interested in learning how to do animation. Very helpful tips and guides." Read more

"This is probably the best book on animation I have come across...." Read more

130 customers mention "Use"128 positive2 negative

Customers find the book very helpful, particularly for getting the basics down and providing examples to learn from.

"This is a great resource for anyone who does any kind of animation, whether it's computer animation or a flip-book!..." Read more

"...The book offers many definitions, examples and things to know for all things animation...." Read more

"...of the area, this book has several tricks and data that are very helpful." Read more

"Really good book, Useful." Read more

114 customers mention "Information content"112 positive2 negative

Customers find the book provides comprehensive coverage of all necessary topics, explaining everything in great detail, making it a definite guide.

"...It has a lot of useful information and references...." Read more

"...i agree with the people that say that this is the animators bible, very informative...." Read more

"Very detailed. Lots of visual examples. So excited to have it my collection." Read more

"...] This book is so incredibly in-depth and thorough, I've been carefully reading through each page and have already learned SO much wisdom and..." Read more

69 customers mention "Book for animators"69 positive0 negative

Customers find this book essential for animators, particularly praising its content on drawing and character animation, making it a valuable resource for students and artists at any level.

"The essential book for animators and for those who want a study of motion and techniques to expand you art." Read more

"Fantastic resource for artists, even those not studying animation...." Read more

"A must have on every animators table. Great tool and inspiration!" Read more

"Great book for beginners!..." Read more

43 customers mention "Value for money"41 positive2 negative

Customers find the book worth every penny, with one mentioning that the walk cycle reference is particularly valuable.

"...Nevertheless, it's worth the read in spite of the editorial comments, and sometimes because of them...." Read more

"helped me in my classes & was a great price in the older version of amazon..still use this even now" Read more

"Fast delivery, good quality and excellent prices earn this item an A+!" Read more

"...Glossy and thick pages. For nearly $35 and 380 pages, this is just a great deal...." Read more

28 customers mention "Insight"27 positive1 negative

Customers find the book insightful, with one describing it as a treasure trove of knowledge.

"This book is jam-packed with information and inspiration...." Read more

"Cool and insightful" Read more

"...It is filled with anecdotal views of what and how one learns to do it all better and more believably...." Read more

"...The author also offers sagely advice from the colleagues he learned from over the years...." Read more

26 customers mention "Ease of understanding"25 positive1 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand, with simple instructions that make it accessible. One customer notes that the principles translate well to 3D CG.

"...It is fun, easy to understand and shows how much work and practice is needed to become really good at animation...." Read more

"I bought this for a class, however I really love the simple instructions and easy to follow guides." Read more

"...appreciate how this is not just a technical book, but it's really easy to read...." Read more

"...The text is very readable and makes you feel like you are moving along, learning the business of animation from the inside out...." Read more

26 customers mention "Illustrations"24 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's many detailed illustrations and consider it a brilliant guide to drawing.

"...The Animator's Survival Kit contains the basics of animation, illustrated and explained." Read more

"needed for a class, lots of illustrations and examples to follow" Read more

"...The concepts are easy. Lots of illustrations and thought exercises...." Read more

"...I love that it has actual drawn examples on how to maintain continuity in drawings and even has some guides to 3D animation. Awesome book!" Read more

Surprised that it's really thick
5 out of 5 stars
Surprised that it's really thick
Wow! Got this as a gift for a friend. First off I was surprised by how thick and heavy this book was. It's definitely a must have for those interested in animation and really any art student that's working on dynamic movement. We're both artist, but he's much more into animation than I am. After flipping through the pages, I see that this is also just another good art book for anyone interested in dynamic movement and poses. It also has a couple of pages with a small focus on perspective. Secondly this whole book is just great quality. Glossy and thick pages. For nearly $35 and 380 pages, this is just a great deal. I may look into this for myself if the price were to drop though. I really appreciate how this is not just a technical book, but it's really easy to read. From what I'm looking at, there's no crazy jargon and or pretentious writing.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • christian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised that it's really thick
    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Wow! Got this as a gift for a friend.

    First off I was surprised by how thick and heavy this book was. It's definitely a must have for those interested in animation and really any art student that's working on dynamic movement.

    We're both artist, but he's much more into animation than I am. After flipping through the pages, I see that this is also just another good art book for anyone interested in dynamic movement and poses. It also has a couple of pages with a small focus on perspective.

    Secondly this whole book is just great quality. Glossy and thick pages. For nearly $35 and 380 pages, this is just a great deal. I may look into this for myself if the price were to drop though.

    I really appreciate how this is not just a technical book, but it's really easy to read. From what I'm looking at, there's no crazy jargon and or pretentious writing.
    Customer image
    christian
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Surprised that it's really thick

    Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025
    Wow! Got this as a gift for a friend.

    First off I was surprised by how thick and heavy this book was. It's definitely a must have for those interested in animation and really any art student that's working on dynamic movement.

    We're both artist, but he's much more into animation than I am. After flipping through the pages, I see that this is also just another good art book for anyone interested in dynamic movement and poses. It also has a couple of pages with a small focus on perspective.

    Secondly this whole book is just great quality. Glossy and thick pages. For nearly $35 and 380 pages, this is just a great deal. I may look into this for myself if the price were to drop though.

    I really appreciate how this is not just a technical book, but it's really easy to read. From what I'm looking at, there's no crazy jargon and or pretentious writing.
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Anon
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It wasn't too bad and had some really useful advice and imagery.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Iris Coral Starlight
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all animators
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I am mostly a self-taught 2D traditional animator. This book has a fountain of information. Most of the big animation studios have the first and second edition, in their information/reference library. You can learn how to animate, by using this book with the foundations and beyond to begin making your own animation.
    I just bought it not too long ago and started reading on day one; and being a 2D Animator for over fifteen years - there is so much more I have yet learned from this book. A definite must have for all old and new animators.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • TechWizardTime
    5.0 out of 5 stars Professional animation is just a read away
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Bought this book for a college class. 10 years later I am still using this book when it comes to squash and stretch animation. The concepts are easy. Lots of illustrations and thought exercises. I have a few friends that animated for Disney and they keep this book at their desks.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Nicolas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top Tier
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Blessed to have this wonderful book.
    Extremely well done, precision.

    A must for anyone looking to Animate.
    Helpful
     Report
  • J.M. Jaco
    4.0 out of 5 stars If you're a teacher or student of animation - this is a MUST HAVE!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    The best part of this book is its recognition of the PROCESS of learning something as marvelously complex as cartoon animation. It is filled with anecdotal views of what and how one learns to do it all better and more believably. It also captures the skills and determination of many of the great artists from the golden age of animation.

    It is also unapologetic about being entirely about cartoon (drawn) animation, even though the author does recognize that most of the principles he discusses have validity to all forms of animation.

    As a teacher (and student) of animation, I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. The first 20 pages are a useful summary of the main historical moments in the development of animation, and the next 15 are all about Life Drawing skills, and the next four talk about basic animation timing. The first real anecdote of many breaks in at this point, and then the author returns to direct information exposition thereafter, but these anecdotes can often make it somewhat distracting to find the useful bits amongst the reminiscences.

    Nevertheless, it's worth the read in spite of the editorial comments, and sometimes because of them. The included DVD (I have the expanded edition) is fun to watch, and brings to "life" some of the examples discussed in print.
    17 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Carter Benton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I needed a copy of this book for my computer animation class in college and didn’t think I would enjoy reading a required reading textbook but I sure did! The book offers many definitions, examples and things to know for all things animation. I love that it has actual drawn examples on how to maintain continuity in drawings and even has some guides to 3D animation. Awesome book!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Book is worth it if you are starting out. A little cemetery here and there. But you have to follow along with it. The hard back is worth it. Not the paper back.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Utente A
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tutte le basi che servono!
    Reviewed in Italy on April 26, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Molto esaustivo. Costruisce un percorso all'interno del quale si passa dalla storia dell'animazione, ai documenti di preproduzione, allo studio dei principali movimenti. Solo per la camminata vengono dedicate 114 pagine, un quarto del libro; questo per rendere l'idea di come gli argomenti vengono spiegati minuziosamente se ve ne è una necessità.
    Ottimo sia per una lettura d'interesse o per chi studia animazione nei campi e con le tecniche più disparate (videogiochi, stop motion, computer animation, ecc.)
    Consigliato anche a chi non mastica perfettamente l'inglese.
    Report
  • user-M3ZK6K
    5.0 out of 5 stars The basics of the animation
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on May 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book arrived without damage, it is heavy book and so useful for artists who want to begin to learn animation from zero, I saw a video about the book before buy it, I'm so excited to begin learn animation for add new skill on my art career.
    Report
  • Czapens
    5.0 out of 5 stars All-Time Great Resource for All Animators
    Reviewed in Poland on August 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The go-to book for learning animation and for animation reference, great print quality, lots of information, and beautiful drawings. Get the Extended Edition, as that one has even more information (about 382 pages), which is fantastic! Highly recommended!
    Report
  • Gael
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buena y gran calidad
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Se promete lo que es e implica este libro y se cumple en su totalidad, una gran guía para comenzar a realizar Animaciónes tanto en formato 2D como 3D
    Customer image
    Gael
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Buena y gran calidad

    Reviewed in Mexico on December 13, 2024
    Se promete lo que es e implica este libro y se cumple en su totalidad, una gran guía para comenzar a realizar Animaciónes tanto en formato 2D como 3D
    Images in this review
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    Report
  • Chris Lincoln
    5.0 out of 5 stars As described
    Reviewed in Australia on August 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    As discribed
    Report