Animation in Process

Animation in Process

  Author:
  Andrew Selby

  Publisher:
  Laurence King Publishing LTD
  ISBN 978 1 85669 587 9

  ‘Animation in Progress’ is an exploration of the working methods and processes that go behind the designs of an international line up of best practice designers. Published in 2009 this book is a catalogue of design inspirations and shows cross-sections of some cultural and historical (art historical) influence within the artist’s visual presentations.

The editorials start with a description of artist describing their own design styles followed by an interview which is further followed by a descriptive on how they came up with and put together the idea for their final animated film. Each artist is given four pages.

The manual goes through four design areas loosely. Cel and drawn, computer generated, stop motion 3D and unorthodox – experimental animation. The artists are represented under these headings showing different dynamic expression of style.

The book also incorporates working examples of working drawings, sketches, story board and work in progress that document the animator’s craft. The individual areas that are covered are mobile phone, games to character, and advertising products on television, from pseudo live action to virtual environment.

There is an accompanying DVD providing two hours of material from animatics to final films by the featured artists and is designed to be used in tandem with the book.

Overall this a colourful and artful production that would help animator buffs to be inspired.

Caroline Svenger