What books should you get as you study animation ?
At the Academy of Art University Online we have several books which are required texts for many of the traditional animation classes. Check your individual class book list to see what books are required and which books are optional recommended books.
Books which are frequently on the Required Books list:
Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
Character Animation Crash Course by Eric Goldberg
The Animator's Survival Kit by Richard Williams
Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair
(there is also a free downloadable verrsion of the 1st edition of Blair's book on the ASIFA Animation Archive: Preston Blair's "Animation" , 1st Edition )
Animation From Pencils to Pixels : Classical Techiques for the Digital Animator by Tony White
Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation by Wayne Gilbert
Other worthy books for your attention:
Drawn to Life: 20 Golden Years of Disney Master Classes Vol. 1 and 2 by Walt Stanchfield. (
Timing for Animation by Harold Whitaker
Animation Background & Layout: From Student to Professional
by Mike Fowler
Prepare to Board: Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts by Nancy Beiman
Creating Characters With Personality by Tom Bancroft
Elemental Magic: The Art of Special Effects Animation by Joseph Gilland
