Digital Character Animation 2, Volume 2: Advanced Techniques

I think that this book was worth the money. It gave a good look on how to become the character, act the character and more. It didn't really tell you how to make the characters but that is in the first book. I would definetly buy these two books at the same time.

With Digital Character Animation 2, volume 2: advanced techniques, the maestro of animation, George Maestri picks up where he left off in volume 1 and delivers an amazing amount of knowledge in 218 easy to read, well illustrated, full color pages. Every page is short, sweet, to the point, and packed with tips that any aspiring digital animator needs to know. It is full of essential information that will help the reader turn out effective, believable animation. Digital Character Animation 2, volume 2: advanced techniques is written from a software-neutral perspective and focuses on fundamental concepts that can be applied in any program. It begins with chapters on real world production and story development from an animator's point of view. The heart of the book contains chapters on rigging characters, tips and tricks, human and animal motion, acting, and anthropomorphic animation (animating the inanimate). It ends with a chapter on animation for games.George Maestri's credentials are impressive. He has worked on projects for Nickelodeon (Rocko's Modern Life), CBS (The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat) and was the original animation producer of South Park.Whether you are a student of animation, a hobbyist or a professional, this book should be in your library right next to Digital Character Animation 2, volume 1: essential techniques. I consider both volumes required reading for any person interested in character animation. My copies are already dog-eared from constant use.The only negative comments I will make are the lack of an accompanying CD to augment the text and the relatively high price tag for the book. At $50 (US), I would expect a CD, especially with a book on animation. Volume 1 of this series did come with a CD and I found it very helpful in understanding the concepts presented in the text.MacMice Rating: 4 out of 5------------------------------------------------------------------------Tad Scheeler

I am with out words! I own volume I and was a "Extreme Beginner" in the 3d Animation environment, but with Maestri's books I have escalated to new heights and this book can move you further to your demands.One thing I would definitely point out, that the book is DEFINITELY NOT SOFTWARE SPECIFIC, rather he does keep many small legends as to what the translation to the commands are.By the time you go through these books (Vol. I & II) you would have a very good knowledge on modelling for yourself. I rather give it 10 STARS, because that's were it will lead you to success!

A must for anyone working with CGI. This book is fantastic. I also recommend volume I. Both are excellent books. The great thing about these books is that they are not specific to any software program. It explains how to use the features of all programs. Great!