– “The Animators Survival Kit” is a sacred text for all aspiring animators, full of step-by-step guides for those racing against time and motivation for learners seeking to grasp the deep psychology behind the craft.
– Written by animation maestros, this manuscript offers a treasure trove of wisdom about the glitzy and grueling world of 3D animation.
– Skwigly Animation Magazine recently published a rave review of this spell-binding guide, full of appreciative nods and just a couple of quibbling nitpicks.
“From Zero to Hero: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Animation”
The Fine Print: A Journey through ‘The Animators Survival Kit’
The reviewers at Skwigly Animation Magazine declare the book as both an animator’s bible and a procrastinator’s life-raft. This printed Picasso amalgamates critical techniques with a sprinkling of encouraging advice. The pickles in this favorable review sandwich are, however, the concerns around the dearth of sources for more comprehensive engagement.
Skwigly’s Nod And Wink: A Praise & Pinch of Critique
Skwigly finds the “Animators Survival Kit” as the ultimate roadmap for those braving the raging waters of the animation world, while mildly registering their wish for the inclusion of further resources to broaden the learning experiences for all those animation enthusiasts out there. Still, it easily achieves the status of a ‘must-have’ for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals in the field of 3D animation.
And now, for my hot take:
“Whether you’re a seasoned animator battling deadlines or a greenhorn still deciphering the difference between keyframes and tweening, ‘The Animator’s Survival Kit’ appears to be the Dumbledore’s pensieve every wizard-in-waiting needs. It’s a treasure chest filled with magic spells to morph you into an animation wizard, dashing and savvy, even with eyes half-closed after an all-nighter’s toil on frames. However, the lingering thorn in this otherwise blossoming rose is the lack of annotations that could lead seekers into a myriad world of deeper exploration. Regardless, it seems like the animation world’s Asia circuit – worth navigating despite few lost trails.”
If you’re an earnest animation enthusiast, then you wouldn’t miss out on a trusty copy of “The Animation Bible”, offering you a treasure trove of animation insights including valuable techniques for those racing against the clock and a nourishment of rich inspiration to help grasp the psychological aspects of the art form.
This notable book by the animation maestro Richard Williams is indeed a comprehensive guide not just tailored for students, but a sympathetic mentor to professionals and hobbyists as well. While A.I professes to democratize whatever art form it involves itself in, Williams was pioneering animation’s democratization during the era of pen and paper. This timeless book fact-checks the overrated claims that art doesn’t need committed practice, putting its digitally rendered competitors to rest.
Although the handbook abounds with captivating imagery, it’s evident when you delve deeper into “The Animation Bible” that the imparted wisdom springs from a fountain of passion and rich experience. Both the book, and the illustrious career and films of Williams have immortalized his legend, inciting vigorous discussions and research. Despite passing away in 2019, Williams left an uncompleted sequel to “The Animation Bible – Adventures in Animation”, brought to completion from his notes by his spouse, producer, and partner in creation, Imogen Sutton.
In his 2016 film “Prologue”, it seemed Williams was signing off in style, despite it being created decades after his retirement. Yet, “Adventures in Animation” expands William’s artistic spectrum beyond his physical existence, validating that his gift couldn’t be contained by a single lifetime.
Seen more as an animation-centered autobiography than a how-to guide, this book is packed with insightful stories. It unfolds in a conventional narrative, starting with the family background then zooming in to focus on external influences on Williams encompassing his mother, grandfather, his teachers, and iconic animation figures he invited to his studio.
If you’re expecting a soap opera narrative filled with tales of matrimony, offspring, breakups, and personal drama, this isn’t it. While it does delve into his early college life, anecdotes of hitch-hiking, near-miss encounters with wild bears and troublesome tales of abuse – it soon transitions to marking his milestones through the lens of his animated works, each tale spun in vividly engaging detail.
As Williams navigates through his illustrious career, he subtly shifts the focus from himself to others around him and the insights he gained from them. Get ready to feel like you’re reading about the likes of Milt Kahl, Emery Hawkins, Art Babbit, or Grim Natwick. However, these personalized mini-biographies lend a remarkable view into these animation stalwarts’ working lives, making them feel relatable.
Midway through the book, fate forced Williams to put down his pen with Sutton stepping in to complete the remaining narrative, turning the final part of the book into a collaborative effort. This transition occurs at a pivotal point in their lives when their project “The Thief and the Cobbler” was seized from them. This change in narrative doesn’t hamper the book’s flow; in fact, Sutton realigns the narrative, guiding it towards a traditional biography rather than a collective biography that Williams had gotten somewhat diverted into.
Co-authors Richard Williams and Imogen Sutton
Filled with artwork from Thief and other productions, this book gifts you a guided journey through Richard Williams’s life, walking you through his art and familiarizing you with the figures who were integral to his professional growth. The book concludes with nuggets of wisdom from his own twitter account, proving that the mastermind behind “The Animation Bible”, was dispensing survival skills until his last days.
Holding this book is an experience in itself; it is beautifully designed with a wealth of photos and artifacts from the director’s long-standing career. It makes a stunning addition next to “The Animation Bible”. Its accessible writing style and the charming tone of Williams and Sutton make it an enjoyable read that you’d love to revisit repeatedly.
Adventures in Animation: My Journey of Learning and Evolution is out now.
Co-author Imogen Sutton will be presenting at the Manchester Animation Festival 2024 (10-14 November) where she will be autographing copies of the book and also unveiling a rare screening of The Thief and the Cobbler: A Fleeting Masterpiece.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/adventures-in-animation-book-review/