📖 Overview
Preston Blair (1908-1995) was an American character animator and animation instructor known for his work during the Golden Age of American animation. He worked at major studios including Disney, MGM, and Tex Avery's unit, contributing to iconic films like Fantasia and animating characters such as Bambi and Pinocchio.
Blair authored several influential books on animation technique, most notably Animation: Learn How to Draw Animated Cartoons (1947) and Advanced Animation (1949). These books established foundational principles of cartoon animation and character design that became industry standards, introducing concepts like "squash and stretch" to generations of artists.
Blair's teaching materials and animation guides remained in continuous publication for decades, helping to standardize animation methods across the industry. His detailed illustrations and clear technical explanations made complex animation principles accessible to both professionals and beginners.
The Preston Blair animation books continue to be referenced in animation education, with many modern animators citing his work as a crucial influence on their development. His systematic approach to breaking down movement and character construction remains relevant in both traditional and digital animation.
👀 Reviews
Animation students and professionals consistently point to Blair's books as primary learning resources for character animation fundamentals. Readers particularly value his detailed breakdowns of motion, expressions, and character construction.
What readers liked:
- Clear, step-by-step visual instructions
- Practical examples that build foundational skills
- Systematic approach to complex movements
- Timeless principles that apply to digital animation
What readers disliked:
- Dated references and examples
- Some find the exercises too basic
- Print quality issues in newer editions
- Limited coverage of modern animation tools
Amazon ratings average 4.7/5 across his books, with Animation: Learn How to Draw Animated Cartoons receiving over 500 reviews. Goodreads shows similar ratings (4.5/5).
One animator noted: "Blair's books taught me more about movement and timing than four years of art school." Another reviewer wrote: "The principles hold up, but beginners need supplemental materials for current industry practices."
📚 Books by Preston Blair
Animation (1948)
Technical manual explaining animation methods and character construction, including detailed guides for drawing expressions and poses.
Advanced Animation (1949) Comprehensive guide covering advanced animation techniques, timing, spacing, and movement analysis, with focus on professional studio practices.
Cartoon Animation (1994) Combined and updated version of Blair's previous works, featuring instruction on creating animated characters, mechanics of motion, and fundamentals of cartoon drawing.
How to Animate Film Cartoons (1980) Step-by-step instruction book on the principles of animation, including walk cycles, overlapping action, and character development.
How to Draw Cartoon Animation (1980) Practical guide focusing on the fundamentals of cartoon character design and movement, with emphasis on exaggeration and appeal.
Advanced Animation (1949) Comprehensive guide covering advanced animation techniques, timing, spacing, and movement analysis, with focus on professional studio practices.
Cartoon Animation (1994) Combined and updated version of Blair's previous works, featuring instruction on creating animated characters, mechanics of motion, and fundamentals of cartoon drawing.
How to Animate Film Cartoons (1980) Step-by-step instruction book on the principles of animation, including walk cycles, overlapping action, and character development.
How to Draw Cartoon Animation (1980) Practical guide focusing on the fundamentals of cartoon character design and movement, with emphasis on exaggeration and appeal.
👥 Similar authors
Richard Williams created The Animator's Survival Kit which provides fundamental animation principles and techniques. His methodology builds on similar core concepts as Blair's about motion, timing, and character construction.
Walt Stanchfield taught animation at Disney and compiled detailed notes on figure drawing and gesture. His books Drawn to Life Volume 1 & 2 focus on capturing movement and life in drawings.
Eadweard Muybridge produced photographic studies of human and animal locomotion that inform animation principles. His sequential photography work documents motion in a way that parallels Blair's teachings about analyzing movement.
Harold Whitaker co-wrote Timing for Animation which explores the technical aspects of movement and pacing in animation. The book complements Blair's work by diving deep into timing mechanics and planning.
Tony White wrote The Animator's Workbook and Animation from Pencils to Pixels, covering traditional animation methods. His emphasis on foundational skills and step-by-step instruction follows a similar teaching approach to Blair's animation guides.
Walt Stanchfield taught animation at Disney and compiled detailed notes on figure drawing and gesture. His books Drawn to Life Volume 1 & 2 focus on capturing movement and life in drawings.
Eadweard Muybridge produced photographic studies of human and animal locomotion that inform animation principles. His sequential photography work documents motion in a way that parallels Blair's teachings about analyzing movement.
Harold Whitaker co-wrote Timing for Animation which explores the technical aspects of movement and pacing in animation. The book complements Blair's work by diving deep into timing mechanics and planning.
Tony White wrote The Animator's Workbook and Animation from Pencils to Pixels, covering traditional animation methods. His emphasis on foundational skills and step-by-step instruction follows a similar teaching approach to Blair's animation guides.