Reviews (19)

One of the best Actionscript books on the market
This is an excellent book. it takes you step by step with easy to understand language.
Physics Made Easy For Artists
This is the best computer graphics book I've ever read!It gives you just the amount of information you need to start making things move right away.Not too much theory, but enough for it to make sense.It cuts to the chase, gives you the bottom line, and each chapter even has a list of formulas at the end for easy reference.
Actionscript Animation
Great book, with a lot of information, well explained, keeping all simple, but not for newbies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. ActionScript (Computer program language)    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: Web Programming    4. Computer Graphics - Flash    5. Computers    6. Computers - Languages / Programming    7. Design    8. Internet - Web Site Design    9. Programming - General    10. Web sites    11. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (2)

This is the best animation book I have seen!
Over the years I have read and browsed many books on animation. Not only does this book cover the basics it explains them. The figures are easy to follow and convey complex concepts well. A lot of other animation books will cover a basic walk cycle from just the side view. Webster's book covers it from the side and front. I have had this book for a year and it has not made it to my bookshelf yet. I use it constantly for reference.

well presented and accessible
A well presented and accessible review of the basic principles of animation and its organization. By encouraging the readers to ask themselves questions about the various proposed tasks the author helps to move them towards self-reliance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Animation    7. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    8. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (7)

Perfect
This is exactly what i was looking for, i think this is an amazing book if you want to learn....you have to get it.

needs more depth
after using this book for a while I find it needs to go into more detail on how tools work and common errors.For example the birail and curve editing tool are give about 4 sentencs but are used alot.
Horrible book
Too many steps in this book are vague and don't account for the fact that Maya doesn't always give you the results you are aiming for. The author will explain 2 or 3 steps very well then he seems to give you very little info for the next step, as if rushing through it like "well you should know all this." He assumes too much and in the end I found myself frustrated and lost. I mean if you get the end results but didn't understand the process you did to get there, then did you really learn anything? I go tired of spending 15 minutes staring and 2 pictures and trying to figure out what he did, since he didn't have the brains to tell me in print. Feels like yet another pro trying to teach when he can't remember what its like to be on the level of those he is teaching. If this were a class I'd have to raise my hand every minute and ask him to slow down. Oh, and NO I am not totally new to Maya and I've had very good luck with other books, so its not just some total noob venting. I've tried for weeks now to get into this book, there is just no way to do so as I see it.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Other Applications    7. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    8. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (1)

Great Introduction
Iam a college student and my ambhition seems to be leaning towards film editing for the past couple of years I have worked with Final Cut Pro which was a farely simple , yet complex peice of editing software.This year Iam in an advanced class where our teacher has stressed to us to work with some Adobe After Effects 7 in additon with final cut pro I bought this book to help me further understand the software.The first time I opened up After Effects I will admit I was Iniminated I tried fooling around with some of the panels and stuff and couldnt figure anything out ,, So now I have started from chapter 1 with this book I inserted the dvd that it comes with into the computer which has sort of a classroom in a book feel to this book but much better.. Go through the chapters using the source clips provided on the dvd.This has helped me understand what After Effects is about now Iam not finished with this book yet but wanted to write a review on this because it has helped me with its easy reading and keyboard shortcuts for both pc and mac.It explains every small detail in easy to understand language there is no computer/video editor slang.. If you are looking for a good editing book and you have Adobe After Effects 7.0 This is its Bible not the manual , which tends to use more slang assming that the purchaser knows what they are talking about , the manual tends to make things more difficult.This book makes even someone has never worked with film editing able to accomplish what they would like and learn the software.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Internet General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Interactive & Multimedia    7. Internet - General    8. Computer graphics software    9. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    10. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (12)

A Great Book and I'm Not Crying Wolf
I purchased this title as a supplemental text for a Master's course I was taking in Advanced Graphics and Multimedia.It was the most practical resource I had available to me.
A must in every sense
If you're new to flash or you know the basics, this is the right book for you. Covers any possibility and guides you step by step even before you can touch a computer! The first chapters explains how Flash works, just as any other flash book, but also explains all the differences using flash for animation instead of web design, and contains an useful description about how you can optimize and reduce your files size for optimum performance, and more important, the differences between TV and video output and web animation file sizes, frame rates and screen proportions. This part often is not included in most flash books and it's essential for ambitious proyects.
Very good!
This one is good, full of explanations and step by step instructions on how to get the desired results. I am a fan of FOED books and along with their Foundation titles this one really shines! Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Flash    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. Internet - Web Site Design    9. Computers / Computer Graphics / General   

Reviews (9)

frames per second
When a god of anything tells you to do something, you do it. I'm an animator, or rather i hope to be one day, and as such I read everything I can in the hopes of becoming better at animation. So the moment I saw that John Lasseter recommended this book my first job was to get it.
Good book to have, but WAY OVERPRICED...
I'm downgrading this book partly because it's overpriced and frankly I wish the drawing style in it were different.
good old "Timing for Animation"
I think it's a very good book for the beginner, because it explainssome basic concepts very very well. (Best explanation of overlapping I've ever seen.) But there's not much to it beyond explaining these basics. The language is very clear though and it's an easy&fast reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - General    2. Computers - Other Applications    3. General    4. Interactive & Multimedia    5. Performing Arts    6. Performing Arts/Dance    7. Animation    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / General   

Reviews (1)

An excellent overview by an excellent author.
The long-awaited sequel to Tony White's ANIMATOR'S WORKBOOK is worth the wait.
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Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    8. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (17)

Thank God Somone's Listening!!
Tired of the usual "Blah, Blah, Blah" in computer books? FINALLY - somone is listening to the needs of graphics professionals and students wanting to learn tips and tricks for doing these effects and animations! Foster not only shows you HOW to do these techniques, but more importantly, WHY! I have found this book indespensible in my advancement way beyond the basic tools and functional training of other After Effects books. If you want to learn animation or do any kind of special effects on your own, then get this book NOW!

extremely useful
have bought many books on after effect and photoshop.
Not for the complete beginner...
I have to say that you MUST need a solid undertanding or at least the basics of After Effects before getting this book.Also, there are not many figures to ilustrate the projects in an easy way.
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Subjects:  1. CD-DVD Technology    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Desktop Publishing - General    7. Computer graphics software    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design   

Reviews (7)

Worth It Just for Interviews
When I first paged through this book, I was incredibly excited.It seemed to have so much information I had been looking for.
Best book on Flash animation, best book on working in Hollywood
Although this book is written for animators with intermediate Flash skills, anybody in animation and general Flash users would greatly benefit from reading this book. Even if someone just wants to use 3D wireframes to spice up a client's product in Flash on a webpage, they'll save time and frustration by first reading the numerous tips and workarounds that the pros use as detailed in interviews throughout the book.
Excellent Animation Book
Basically only buy the book if you have already been exposed to some flash before. It contains wonderful details about film production and animation techniques unique to flash MX 2004. I highly recommend it!!!
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Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books And Software    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Desktop Publishing - General    7. Flash (Computer file)    8. Computers / Interactive Media    9. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (7)

this book officially kicks ass
First of all, I just wanted you to know - this book officially kicks ass. Informative; Possibly Suffers from a Misnomer
There is some good information in this book. If you have at least a modicum of familiarity with animation though, there's very little new about art or theory or instruction in here. The title and subtitle should be reversed in terms of importance to best buyfor beginning animators
explains all resources all indumentary needed and best of all almost everything has high budget and low budget examples. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animation (Cinematography)    2. Computer Books And Software    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Film & Video - Amateur Production    6. Film & Video - Cinematography    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Animation    9. Cinematography, television camerawork    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    11. Image processing: computer animation    12. Small businesses & self-employed   

Editorial Review

Whether or not you've got a background in traditional character animation, Read more

Reviews (14)

Not In Depth
The Structure of the book is very complicated, it's as ifconstructed from many different articles written for some 3D application. And many of the information is very software specific. There are many examples but not a single complete advanced tutorial. Many chapters copied from Doug's old book LW5.0 character animation. There are many other books on Character Animation much better than this.1 out of 5.

Too many applications attempted; spread too thin
Overall this was a very helpful book. My main "problem" with this book is the author's attempt to cover so many applications so specifically. As a Lightwave user, I am still left in the dark aboutLightwave's bones in character animation; which is one of the main reasonsI purchased the book. Only the very basic setup was covered as a tutorial.How about something more complex such as a "hand" with limitedranges, fall-offs and strengths...?The version 5.0 and 5.6 is jumpedbetween frequently...then Hash...then Softimage.....Max.... For characteranimation theory this is a good book but if you are trying to actually be acharacter animator using only one of the apps (such as Lightwave), then Isuggest doing alot more reading from other books and web tutorials.Forthe price this book is good but no great wonder. I did learn from it; onlynot as much as I thought I would have when I bought it.

It is a good book, perhaps the best of its type but...
It is a good book, perhaps the best of its type, and it could certainly be much better, in ways other readers have pointed out. But it has one fatal flaw for a book that should be computer platform agnostic - the CD-ROM isWindows only. What about all the Mac and UNIX people in the 3D Industry? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    3. Computer Books And Software    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer animation    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Desktop Publishing    9. Desktop Publishing - General    10. Microcomputer Graphics    11. Word Processing - General    12. Computer graphics software    13. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (16)

tienes que tenerlo
Un gran libro , con ilustraciones espectaculares , este libro no tiene tutoriales ni habla sobre algun programa en especifico , une la forma 3d a través de los año , toma pasajes de la historia del mundo 3d hasta lo mejor realizado hace unos años .Es un libro de lectura y aprendizaje de un mundo el cual muchas veces entramos directamente en la utilización de programas como 3dstudio max ,etc y realmente no conocemos los principios y su evolución .Se divide en capitulso de animación texturización, modelaje ,etc y en cada uno de ellos habla de lo esencial de como lograr buenos efectos . Es un libro altamente recomendable , una joya.

A very Thorough book
It is a thorough guide to the art of 3-D but it is also a very entertaining book.

GREAT BOOK!!!!!!!!
This book is fantastic. Kerlow covers everything essential! I found this book very informative. You will look at animations with a new perspective after reading this book. I especially liked his language. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computer animation    4. Computer graphics    5. Computers    6. Computers - Other Applications    7. Graphic Arts - General    8. Microcomputer Graphics    9. Three-dimensional display syst    10. Three-dimensional display systems    11. Art / Graphic Arts    12. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (2)

Modern Day Reference Bible for 2D and 3D Artists
I thought it was going to be Richard Williams's style book but it wasn't and in fact im kind of pleased.To me it's more like a book full of wise wisdom and tricks of the trade and really explains things in a clear cut way.If only I had this book when I first started out in the whole learning 3D thing 6 years ago this would have been my bible for deciphering most of the terms and understand what they really mean.
A must read for the modern animator
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animation (Cinematography)    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Electronic Publishing    7. Animation    8. Computer graphics software    9. Computers / Interactive Media    10. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (7)

Too much information
The book covers tons and tons of topics, which is good for a person with no background in animation writing. But the topics written about, from dialogue to outlining, come with no context, no examples to back up what the author is talking about. Wright writes "Keep your characters consistent. They must be true to their core traits and to what has made them who they are." An example from a current or classic cartoon is direly needed. This happens throughout the book. Under the subheading Conflict Can Reveal Information in the dialogue chapter, she writes "conflict in dialogue...is a good way to get information out and keep it interesting." How? Once again this book screams for examples.
Typical "Mainstream" book.
This book is abit of a bore and turnoff with all it tips and trixs to create scripts that will please the "buyer". It is colored with a tone of a moral panic that is typical for experts that clame to know what people want and don't want. I think it is safe to say that if the creators of "South Park" or "The Simpson" would have read this book and followed it, thoose series would have never been made - maybe not even Bambi with its horrid shooting of bambis mother?
Animation Writing and Development : From Script Development
Jean Ann Wright's "Animation Writing and Development : From Script Development to Pitch", is a comprehensive and well written book, on the subject.
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Subjects:  1. Animated films    2. Animated television programs    3. Art    4. Authorship    5. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Film & Video - Direction & Production    8. Film & Video - Screenwriting    9. Graphic Arts - General    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Animation    12. Comic book & cartoon art    13. Performing Arts / Film / Screenwriting   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Careers - General    4. Computer Animation    5. Computer Books: General    6. Computer Graphics - Flash    7. Computer Graphics - General    8. Computers    9. Computers - Other Applications    10. Graphic Arts - General    11. Internet - Web Site Design    12. Art / Graphic Arts    13. Engineering graphics & technical drawing   

Reviews (19)

Really good!
Well, I must say that this book is very very good. Nice tutorials, some are dificult, but with some practice, you're there! Good information horribly presented
This book is in dire need of an editor, preferably one with Maya experience. While it is obvious that Mr. Choi posesses a vast knowledge of Maya, his skills at communicating this knowledge are severly lacking. Grammatical errors abound, and his prose is often repetitive and confusing, if not downright incomprehensible. Many of the images are utterly superfluous, and sometimes they even contradict the text. Also, on a number of occasions, the information given is just plain wrong. Going through the 800+ pages of this book was an utterly frustrating exercise, and as such, I have already advised several friends to stay away from this book.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT... READ IF YOUR PLANNING ON BUYING
MAYA Character Animation by Jae-jin Choi is a book that covers a huge amount of information and advanced techniques.This book is not a good choice if you're still a beginner but it's not so hard to understand either.It is exellent if your intermediate.It does have some good new tricks for advanced users.
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Subjects:  1. Animation    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    4. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. Film & Video - General    9. Interactive & Multimedia    10. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    11. Performing Arts    12. Computer graphics software    13. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (11)

It's okay.
We're using this book for my advanced rigging class at the Savannah College of Art and Design.That said, I think it is most certainly not a book for someone who has no experience in 3d.
Things are not at first what they seem.....
Being new to Maya and having difficulty getting my characters to act properly, I purchased this book. When it arrived, I thumbed through it and thought that it was a little beyond my comprehension. I would read it from time to time before I went to sleep.
Waste of money
I bought this book because of a recommendation and I wish I hadn't wasted my money.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Other Applications    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Books: Integrated Systems    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Other Applications    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Computer graphics software    9. Computers / Computer Animation    10. Image processing: computer animation   

Reviews (2)

My review
Lovely book, it has very interesting bits of information to guide students in animation.

The Story of Telling a Story Using Animation
First, this is not a book on the mechanics of producing animation. Instead it is a book that comes before that. It's about how to tell a story through animation. It's about the first steps that must be done right if the story is to be told at all.
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Subjects:  1. Animated films    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Film & Video - Amateur Production    10. Technique    11. Art / Graphic Arts    12. Comic book & cartoon art    13. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - General    2. Computer simulation    3. General    4. Quantum Theory    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Elementary mechanics    8. Quantum physics (quantum mechanics)    9. Science / Quantum Theory   

Reviews (8)

Excellent learning source
This was book was extremely helpful and easy to follow.It was used in class to help my students and they found the animation and dynamics information invaluable.I'm always impressed when someone can successfully communicate difficult technical information.

unleash the legend of creative animation
After working with Maya for about 3yrs now I would say this book has opened up another way for me to look at animation. It should be about the creative side to get fantastic results not about computer programming (MEL). C4D helps you get great results in no time and my man Larry has demonstrated that very nicely. Maya is so completed and confusing that you really have to be way experience to get a good enough results. I would highly recommend this book to any beginner who is wants to Learn 3D animation (so those people like me out there get, grab this book and make your first big step into the animation world). Larry Mitchell awesome book, no doubt about it, experience users of Cinema 4D you just have to wait for next book perhaps!!

Cinema 4D 9.5 Excellent! well written, easy to follow.
This book has provided me with a hands on guid that I have search for many years. I am new to animation, and I think Mr. Mitchell did a fantastic job of explaining and making his real world application easy to follow. This book has taught me more about professional animation than any other books in my library. To me the CD is an added bonus. I would highly recommend this book to any beginner who is trying Learn 3D animation production. The only negative thing I have to say is, why it took you so long to publish a book that gave someone like me the confidence in learning 3D animation. I was able to create my first animated characters by using this book, by adding this book to your library, you will be gaining a wealth of knowledge. By the way, when is your next book coming out? Simply, this book is GREAT. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Design    4. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Other Applications    9. Three-dimensional display systems    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    11. Image processing: computer animation