Animation is now done in 3-D this book is dated.
The book I have on by Don Bluth were much more elaborate on the animnation process then this book. The drawings are primative and don't offer much of the way of substance you can take them at face value.
If you like stick figures you might like this book.

This a must-purchase for the starting animator. I read The Illusion of Life first, which was a lot of words and theory but fewer walk-throughs (though you should buy that, too!). Get it, you won't be disappointed.

this was the textbook for my principles of animation I class, and it was an immense help. if I was ever confused about how to liven up an animation, or make a movement more believable, I could look in the book for an explanation of a walk, run, jump, or any of a number of movements and get an example of the keyframes at the very least.
while it doesn't sit down and explain the 12 principles of animation in a section, it does end up covering the essentials in an easy to understand way.

my instructor put it this way "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation is the old testament of animation, and this book, is the new testament."

This is an easy to understand book that i am sure will give me an edge starting my animation history classes. It lays everything out in an understandable format. great book

a much needed item for an inspiring animator or anyone interested in the entertainment field

Exactly what I was looking for! The perfect guide for the beginning (and the more experienced)animator.

This is one of the best books on frame-by-frame 2D non-vector animation. The only problem is, Richard Williams overdoes it by a large margin. He is a man possessed with talent, and he demands perfection of himself. That is a hard way to do things, no? In every other respect, this book is excellent. By the way, the culmination of Richard Williams' style of work is the movie The Cobbler and the Thief, available online on [...]. The exact title to search for is this: The Thief and the Cobbler (2007 Recobbled Cut) [v2.0]

Anyone remotely interested in animation should pick up this book. It is amazing. It is truly the perfect reference book for anyone who wants to animate, and do it well.

This is one of those books that has helped me out alot. If you are a beginning animator in need of learning the principles of animation or if you have had difficulty figuring out how to create walk cycles and facial character animation, then this book is for you.

I give this book 5 stars simply because it was written in a style that's easy to read and understand and uses common terminology. The best part about it is the readability and resourcefulness of the content. Everything a student needs to learn the subject matter in a motivating format!

If you like normal animation and if you like 3d animation or if you like stop motion animation...you'll find all information needed and much more inside this unique book!

The Animator's Survival Kit is one of the most useful resources for anyone interested in animation. As a textbook it is easily referenced, and it is also clear and interesting enough to read from cover to cover. I was a computer animator until I picked up this book. It took me from the most basic hand drawn exercises until I was able to hand animate just about anything. I strongly recommend this text.

Besides Frank and Ollie's book, this is another have to own. It is very informative and the pictures are amazing! It really helps us visual people in understanding the process of animation and how to start and continue with it. Richard Williams made another great one! ;)

This is te best animation resource I've ever seen. Specially if you are a beginner in this area. You must see this.

Weight, timing, and anticipation are just a few of the classic 2D animation principles that have stood the test of time over many decades. Stopmotion is not mentioned much in the book, but the same techniques can and sometimes do apply. I'm still getting a lot out of this text as I learn to adapt it to my style of charicature and animation.

This IS a great book, and the information contained herein is invaluable. You really WILL learn the intricacies of how to produce truly wonderful animation.

However - I have to mention the depressing and reproachful tone the author takes towards people just getting started in the 'biz'. Right in the beginning of the book, the author spends a total of FIVE pages complaining about how many ways assistants can screw up and 'ruin your animation'! I don't have assistants, probably never WILL have, but he's definitely made me think twice about BEING an assistant! The point is, the author's tone can be a bit condescending, he's big into 'name dropping', just a trifle vague in his direction (what do you mean by 'thing'? What thing?), and certainly NOT empowering or encouraging.

But, hard nosed as he is, the book IS a requirement for any animators bookshelf. Only read it when you're absolutely confident in your skills and abilities, because the only thing it will inspire is your insecurity!

If you're fascinated with all aspects of animation, if you're looking for The One Book to get you started on your journey as an animator, or even if you just have a box office smash brewing in your head and want to get the jist of how to get it on screen.. there are hundreds of books out there on the subject of animation. I've read many of them, and nothing rivals this book.

Simply put, this is the alpha and omega of animation how-to books.. the only one you'll ever -need-.

Why?

You'll have to find out for yourself :).

Well all I can say is Richard Williams knows his stuff better than anyone. He has learned from the best, hes overly passionate about animation, it is all a lifestyle for him, and he does nothing more gracefully other than teaching it to others. This book is one of the reasons animation has had a leap in quality towards the better.

Definitly a musthave if you are seeking to learn the basics of animation regardless of the medium you are using, wheather classical, stopmotion or 3D animation.

This is an awesome book. Richard Williams truly pulled all the stops with this publication. It presents information for animators in such a straightforward and concise manner that you find yourself constantly going back to this book for reference. Within the explanations of different animation conventions he interjects his experiences in the industry. Definitely a MUST-HAVE for any serious animator.

It is very deep and strong in timing and other techniques. I would recommended only if you are an animator but not for beginners or students of graphics.

This book is really a survival kit, it teaches you everything you need to know for 2D animation. I go to an Art School and my professors for animation highly recommends this book.

I am experienced at drawing but a beginner with animation. This book is just what I needed,with lots of diagrams demonstrating the tricks required to achieve animation that looks and feels real. Tips vary from facial expressions to human and some animal movement in all its forms. Tips on timing of changes and position to achieve the appearance of weight when the figure lands or fluid movement when it jumps.

I would recommend this book to any one just starting out with animation and even to the experienced animator looking for improvements to techniques.

Libro obligatorio para todo el que se dedica a la animacion, ya sea 2d como 3d, siempre es necesario mantener contacto con las raices y los conceptos basicos de la animacion.

If any beginner animator wants to know how to start 2D animation then this book is a must! Richard doesn't use fancy big words to describe what to do in animation, no, he keeps the sentence short, sweet, and simple. There are many pictures with at least a short sentence to guide you through the movement of animation with keys and breakdowns! He also covers the importance of weight, arcs and many more! In his introduction he gives you a story of his personal experience as an animator with people that have taught him the values of animation which shows that you're getting advice from a person who went through many years of learning! Plus he has worked on really smooth animations like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and "Thief and the Cobbler"

Alot of people these days get caught up with computer animation without really understanding the basic concepts of movement and animation. This book goes through and describes how it all used to be done on paper, and includes lots of example diagrams and drawings. A great reference book for people wanting to learn how to animate.

I recomend this book to both types of animators 3d and 2d. I personally am a 3D guy and used this 2D book to create quality animations. Highly recomend for animators of all levels.

This book was recommended by my son's animation teacher at BU's Center for Digital Imaging Arts. He's thrilled to have it.

This boock is a very complete guide of references for all movements and behavors of any kind of characters and is a must have for all animators

An absolutely great, in-depth book for both theory and practice. Insight gathered from old-time greats in addition to superbly detailed diagrammic exercises. Any animator owes it to himself to grab this book.

If you're going to buy just ONE book on animation, let it be this one. If you're an initiate in modern animation tools, you will learn where the animation concepts that your application uses (whether it's Animo, ToonBoom, KToon, Blender3D or Maya) came from -- and take better advantage of them.

The book is a treasure trove of animation experience and wisdom -- comprehensive principles, techniques and formulas all made accessible in a surprisingly entertaining read. This is "animation done right" taught right. Mr. Williams won't make you recite the Twelve Principles -- you'll UNDERSTAND them an think in terms of them by the time you've read through the book and practiced a bit.

Did you know there's more to life than just the simplistic keyframes/in-between dichotomy found in most software packages? That's right: there's measuring timing and spacing, there's contacts/extremes, ease-in/out or 'cushions' and passing positions, there's joint breaking and elongated tweening... well, you'll just have to read and learn, and then you'll know far better what to do with your tools.

I bought this book as it was a required text for my Animation 101 course. While it's interesting because it was written (and drawn) by the creator of Roger Rabbit, it's quit boring if you are not enthusiastic about animation. It focuses on drawing techniques to help cel animation, but does not touch on any computer animation which is why I gave it 2 out of 5 stars.

If you are a serious artist interested in cartoons, live drawings, and animations, this book is a great reference tool. (Especially for creating walking sequences.) For those of you like me who prefer creating things on the computer, you'll be disappointed.

I got it for my fiance for her birthday (she's very interested in animation) and she loves the book.

this is THE book to have for animation, it covers all the basics and is easy to understand and easy to use.

I've been in college for a while and when my first animation teacher assigned this book, I realized it's the only textbook in my entire life that I'll keep forever. And re-read. And re-read again.

It's thorough, easy to read, and has a really good sense of humor.

I'd daresay this book is mandatory for *anyone* who wants to animate in 2d and 3d (I do both) at *any* skill level from novice to master.

I've been in college for a while and when my first animation teacher assigned this book, I realized it's the only textbook in my entire life that I'll keep forever. And re-read. And re-read again.

It's thorough, easy to read, and has a really good sense of humor.

I'd daresay this book is mandatory for *anyone* who wants to animate in 2d and 3d (I do both) at *any* skill level from novice to master.

I bought this for my 19 year old son as he is into drawing/sketching and he also loves video games and anime. This is a great book and really brings out the talent in the "artist". It also teaches internet anime, and he has done some really nice graphics online since getting this book. I highly recommend this.

For people that really want to learn animation with step by step teaching, is my favorite after the Tezuca Ozamu collection. You must have this one if you really want to learn from the best!!!

I'm already up to page 72 and I got the book yesterday! I am loving this book, it's amazing. I have to admit, I don't know much about this field (which I want to become a part of) , but Richard Williams does a great job explaining everything. Some things I had to sit and think about (simple things) to understand, but it's nice having this 'school' at home since I won't be able to go to school for animation for a while. The only thing I don't like is that there are no projects to do, so if you want to practice your skills and want someone to guide you, I recommend Tony White's Animation Workbook. I also have the Illusion of Life and am planning on getting Cartoon Animation. I can't imagine learning without this book.

This book has almost everything you'll EVER need to no to be a good animator. If you want to animate using any medium this will show you the what you need to no. Must have for anyone looking to animate or even draw something well.

Wow, what a great resource to have and one which will be used over and over, truly an Animators Survival Guide. Invaluable examples of artwork covering all aspects of development. I found I didn't need to know much to get enormous benefit from this wonderful Book.

I would give more stars but it only allow 5!!
Really, exelent book for anyone wanting to learn more about animation , I dare to say that if you don`t have this book you are not an animator!
peace

This has to be one of the best books on the art & creation of animation ever. I never knew how much work & character went into each character. Its a staple at major art schools, but seeing as how I don't have the time or money for either, this is the next best thing. Highly recommended.

This is the most amazing book I've ever got ! it starts with the basics and reaches you to the advanced level in Traditional Animation ... well, yes it helps all animation styles, but as a classical animator .. this is the greatest help I've ever received. The book is so planned very well, amazingly. I can keep on and on writing about how I admire this book. It's a resource that you MUST keep with you all the time ! I love it!

I bought this for my 10 year old son, who is heavily into cartooning. I ultimately did not give it to him. After thumbing through it myself, it looks like a great book, but very technical and difficult to read. I would leave this for senior high to adult.

this book as the title says runs over the princibles and methods of animation. in this book YOU DO NOT LEARN HOW TO DRAW!!! you only learn how to animate, but what you learn on the animation will be infintely useful.richard kind of writes a auto biography the first 40 pages which tells about his journey through animation. it's exciting but the meat of the book is after that. how much he goes into detail in the animations is incredible. he talks about important cartoon techniques such as anticipation,action, reaction. also he talks about weight to make your characters look fat pick up heavy objects etc. like i said before you do not learn how to draw ,but you learn how to animate well. if you want to put these animation skills to the test i suggest picking up preston blair's cartoon animation
(the one made in 1994) I suggest reading throught it first then getting a sketch book and drawing these animations. like i said before pick this up with preston blair's book and you'll be a good animator in no time.

This is a very good book for any animators. From this book, I have learned how to animate people walking and build up special characters as the way they walk.

The Animator's Survival Kit is not specific to any one kind of animation, instead it is focused on the art of animation itself. As it says in the title, it's a manual for the methods, priciples, and formulas for animation. These basics of animation apply no matter the media being used.

It is litereally filled with examples and is a very easy read. I'd recommend it to anyone who is at all interested in animation.

To put it simply, every animator no matter the skill level should own a copy of this book. It's that good.

This should have been required reading during my first year of college. The writing is sharp and stays interesting throughout.

It is strictly comprised of hand-drawn animation. Don't be afraid. I've never created a decent drawn animation, yet I've taken entire chapters of the book and applied them to a 3D character. The book will teach you the fundamentals of walk and run cycles, but just as importantly, it'll tell you just how easy and fun it is to break those conventions and do exactly the opposite. Break joints, flip feet, spin a character's head 360 degrees - he does all of those, though always referring back to the basics.

This shouldn't be the only animation book you own, but it should definitely be in your collection, and is probably the best introduction to animation that anyone can read.

This book arrived in Pristine condition and was exactly what I was looking for.
It is informed and also a fun way to learn about animation.
I would definately recommend this book to anyone that is studying animation.

This book fleshes out the process of traditional (pre-computer) animation more than the Preston Blair book which I had purchased earlier. If you found that book useful, this one will be even more helpful in understanding overall workflow.

A prerequisite for this book would be good fundamentals at sketching humanoids and understanding volume, especially with figures. Just a warning -- until you are able to draw shapes consistently, you will be stuck on the first few pages.

Williams' book begins with an overview of moving simple volumes, but quickly dives into the complexity of making figures walk. He spells out similar-but-different nuts-and-bolts approaches to the traditional animation process through the construction of walk cycles, of which there are many examples. I am strictly a beginner, but for the seasoned animator, I expect this book would be a handy reference for walk cycles.

Over the course of the book, Williams touches on virtually all key areas which animators have to deal with including fabric and mouth movements. The author also offers sagely advice from the colleagues he learned from over the years. The text is very readable and makes you feel like you are moving along, learning the business of animation from the inside out.

This edition DOES NOT give detailed explanation of the nuts-and-bolts, tools, or workflow of COMPUTER animation as it is evolving today. HOWEVER, anyone who masters the fundamentals stressed in this book would be prepared for most any style of animation.

This is not a book to give you quick-and-dirty shortcuts. The examples progress in a direction to build you into a total animator. I found the examples to be very clear upon studying and practicing them. The forms begin simple and gain complexity throughout. For someone who is very serious about the CRAFT of animation, I would recommend this book.