I thought it might be fun to share some animation reference books here. I’m currently reading Taschen’s The Walt Disney Film Archives, which goes through the animated output of the Walt Disney company, film by film, until Disney’s death in 1966. I love Taschen books, and this one is full of history and critical analyses of the animated films. I’ve got the cheaper, smaller version of the book, but there’s a larger one— I think the text is the same, just more (and larger) pictures in that. Anyway, it’s a fun read, and it’s encouraging me to go back to the films with new eyes. Any animation books others would like to recommend? Post them here.
Animation : Currently reading… by Mike Boas
Works at Mad Dog Movies ♦ Animator, Editor, Screenwriter
3 years ago
Currently reading…
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Not strictly animation but If It's Purple Somebody's Going to Die is a great book for color theory
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That sounds great! I teach concept and character design, and this could help with my segment on color theory.
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Thanks for sharing, Mike!
I suggest The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design if one wants to learn about layout, backgrounds, and color. Noble was the main art director for Chuck Jones.
I love the work of Maurice Noble and Phil DeGuard. Good pick!
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These are great suggestions, everyone! I read Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull a few years ago and really enjoyed getting an inside look at the early days of Pixar.
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This is a great suggestion! Would also love to read more about how Pixar got started. Thanks for that suggestionAshley!
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GiGi Raines If you want to know the story of how Pixar started, also watch The Pixar Story documentary on Disney +
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I also have the book from the other Pixar creator, A Biography of the Pixel by Alvy Ray Smith. More of a history textbook, but fascinating.
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Ashley Renee Smith "Creativity Inc." is an amazing book on the Pixar's early days.