The Complete Animation Course: The Principles, Practice and Techniques of Successful Animation

This book is great to use mainly as a reference since it touches on all types of animation 2D, 3D, claymation, stop motion and many others discussing the different software technologies that can be used to create animations with sounds and effects. I would not use this book to strictly learn animation since it's such a broad subject and can't be learned with just this book as the title suggests, but I gave it 5 stars since the information will save you alot of time and research, since it covers anything an aspiring animator would think of asking an experienced person in this field.

This was a required text for my Animation 101 course. I knew nothing about animation, but I do now! This book is great for beginners as it starts with the history of animation from cave drawings to the first animated short and moves to cel animation before ending at computer animation. It thoroughly goes through all the different types of animation; cel, stop motion, go motion, cut out, claymation, computer, etc. It's also nice because it shows the benefits of storyboards and having the right equipment for doing certains types of animation.

I am new to animation and this was only the 4th book I bought. At last I have bought a book that is not collecting dust on the bookcase. I have read this book cover to cover and know now why I was interested in the subject. Why would I want to go and do one of those numerous 'courses' that various institutions offer. This was far more enjoyable and may I take this opportunity to thank Chris Patmore, the Author. Because each page was so interesting it did not feel like I was learning. Second time around I read the book in front of PC and tried out each chapter - everything worked like a dream.

A very good book that cover the basics for animation. It surely will make the younger ones want to start right away, and if you're a little bit older it will be a useful guide to start animation as a hobby or take a first look at it as a career. Chapters cover all aspect from essential equipment, how to write a good story, develop interesting characters and how to make all this come to life! (no mater you like cell animation, 3d, or web based) Did I mention there's plenty of images and tips? This book is up to date and if you want to go further in this art the book gives plenty of "Do it yourself" activities and includes a vast bibliografy depending on the subject. Give at try you'll like it.

Chris has created an invaluable resource for anyone interested in creating animation. I have recently created 2 animated shorts and am well into my third. My first effort was created using Toon Boom Studio's 2D software and for the second, I used Macromedia Flash. I then embarked upon an old-fashioned hand drawn animation with plans to scan the art, assemble it and then edit it. How to do it? My How to Draw animation books barely touched upon the tools needed and none of them covered modern technology, especially the all important modern tool, the computer.Lady Luck was smiling the day I discovered Chris Patmore's "The Complete Animation Course". The book is NOT a how to draw animated figures kind of book. However, it is a valuable resource filled with ways to produce an animation. The book is handsomely designed and easy to navigate. If you want to know how to find software to create "Pencil Tests" of your drawings to see how you animated action is unfolding, Chris lists several inexpensive programs (and some very expensive ones, too!) and tells the reader which ones are for Macintosh and which ones are for PC. You want to know about setting up a Rostrum Camera? It's in there. How about simple cutout animation or stop-motion animation (also know as claymation and stop-action)--it's also covered. Chris offers many options for the fledgling animator to choose from. He gives inside animator tips on equipment and procedures. I found myself regularly referring to his book as I moved through the various stages of drawing, shooting pencil tests and scanning the final art. I'm a long time illustrator but I'm new to animation. The Complete Animation Course has helped me immensely. 5 Stars & HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!