📖 Overview
Animation in Process examines contemporary animation production through detailed case studies and behind-the-scenes documentation. The book presents insights from leading animation studios and independent artists working across different mediums and techniques.
The text follows projects from concept through completion, documenting key stages like storyboarding, character development, and technical execution. Working methods and creative decisions are revealed through production artwork, interviews, and step-by-step breakdowns of both traditional and digital animation processes.
Professional animators share their approaches to storytelling, problem-solving, and achieving specific visual effects in their work. The book features a mix of commercial studio productions and experimental independent projects that demonstrate animation's broad creative possibilities.
This exploration of animation craft bridges artistic and technical considerations while highlighting the medium's evolution in the digital age. The focus on process and methodology makes this a practical resource for understanding how contemporary animation is created.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this book as more of an art collection than a technical animation guide. Several reviews note the book works better as inspiration than instruction.
Readers liked:
- High-quality visual examples from professional animators
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of animation studios' processes
- Coverage of both traditional and digital techniques
Readers disliked:
- Limited practical instruction on animation methods
- Too much focus on concept art vs animation steps
- High price point for relatively few pages
- Text sections are brief and lack depth
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings)
Amazon: 3.5/5 (6 ratings)
One reader noted: "Beautiful images but doesn't teach animation fundamentals. More of a coffee table book." Another said: "Good reference for visual development but needed more technical content."
Several reviewers mentioned buying the book used at a discount price since the full retail cost seemed high for the content provided.
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🤔 Interesting facts
🎬 The book showcases exclusive behind-the-scenes material from major animation studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli.
🎨 Author Andrew Selby is the Programme Director for Illustration at Loughborough University and has collaborated with organizations including BBC, Channel 4, and The Guardian.
📚 The book breaks down complex animation processes using over 400 images, storyboards, and concept art pieces from both traditional and digital animation projects.
🌟 It features interviews with renowned animators Richard Williams (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Joanna Quinn (Famous Fred), providing firsthand industry insights.
🎯 Rather than focusing solely on technical aspects, the book emphasizes the importance of pre-production and planning in animation, dedicating significant coverage to character development and storytelling techniques.