{"id":1053,"date":"2018-01-23T19:39:22","date_gmt":"2018-01-23T19:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/?page_id=1053"},"modified":"2025-04-29T17:47:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T17:47:00","slug":"recommended-books-and-software","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/recommended-books-and-software","title":{"rendered":"Recommended Books and Software"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you take our Animation Workshops, all you need is your imagination and a good attitude! But if you’d like to continue learning at home, here are some links to help out.<\/p>\n

Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cartoon<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cartoon Animation (Collector’s Series)<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Preston Blair explains animation through the use of cycles and examples from his days at MGM and other studios.\u00a0 A great beginner’s book — we still refer to it constantly!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Animator’s Workbook: Step-By-Step Techniques of Drawn Animation<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
A beginner’s book, on par with Preston Blair’s.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"How<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
How to Draw Animation: Learn the Art of Animation from Character Design to Storyboards and Layouts<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
A\u00a0 good overview of the animated cartoon process for beginners.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Animation:<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Animation: The Mechanics of Motion<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Full of easy to understand, yet smart tutorials.\u00a0 Recommended for beginners to intermediates. From Focal Press.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Character<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Character Animation Crash Course!<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
A good intermediate reference from Disney animator Eric Goldberg.\u00a0 Covers many concepts, including creating thoughtful characters, using exposure sheets, and adding sound.\u00a0 Comes with a disc with many video examples.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Animator’s Survival Kit, Expanded Edition: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Iconoclast Richard Williams (Roger Rabbit, Raggedy Ann & Andy) lays down the rules in this latest “bible” for animators.\u00a0 Truly amazing.\u00a0 Recommended for advanced students.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Animation<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Animation from Pencils to Pixels: Classical Techniques for the Digital Animator<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
An overview of all aspects of animated filmmaking, for intermediate to advanced students or just plain cartoon enthusiasts.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Frank & Ollie’s definitive book on Disney animation techniques.\u00a0 A huge book, full of original artwork samples.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Animation Book: A Complete Guide to Animated Filmmaking–From Flip-Books to Sound Cartoons to 3- D Animation<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
For intermediate to advanced students.\u00a0 An overview of the history and technology of all forms of animation.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Animals<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Animals in Motion (Dover Anatomy for Artists)<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Reference photos by Muybridge, these of animals in motion.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"How<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
How to Draw Animals (Perigee)<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Not an animation book, but an excellent reference for animal forms and construction.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Cartooning<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Cartooning the Head and Figure<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Hamm’s book may seem dated at first glance (it was first published in the 1940s) but the information is still valid today.\u00a0 Hamm shows many approaches to drawing in realistic and cartoon styles.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Creating<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Creating 3-D Animation: The Aardman Book of Filmmaking<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
From Aardman Animation, the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run.\u00a0 In-depth info on stop-motion animation, with great photos.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Stop<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Stop Motion: Craft Skills for Model Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation)<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Another great book from Focal Press.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Videos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"It<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
It Came From Animatus<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
This compilation DVD contains work by many students who’ve interned with Animatus Studio.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Chuck<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Chuck Jones: Extremes and In-Betweens – A Life in Animation<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
This documentary originally aired on PBS and contains interviews with top animators, directors, and actors.\u00a0 Find out what made Jones one of the great cartoon directors.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
\"Frank<\/a><\/td>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Frank and Ollie (Special Edition)<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
A fascinating look at two of Disney’s “nine old men” who helped to define the Disney style of animation.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Software – drawing<\/h2>\n

Adobe Photoshop – $10 monthly<\/a>
\nClip Studio Paint \/ Manga Studio \/ $50<\/a>
\nFireAlpaca – used to be better, but now has limited animation<\/a>
\nGIMP – GNU Image Manipulation Program<\/a>
\nInkscape drawing software<\/a>
\nMagma – Browser based collaborative drawing tool – Free!<\/a>
\nPaintTool SAI – $60 – used to be better, now might have saving issues<\/a>
\nProcreate – drawing for iPad $12.99<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – 2D animation<\/h2>\n

Adobe Animate (Flash) – Student subscription $20 per month<\/a>
\nAdobe Character Animator – Student subscription $20 per month<\/a>
\nAnimaker – corporate videos from templates – Free limited – or $12 monthly<\/a>
\nBlender.org – Free – Now has 2D animation support<\/a>
\nCrazytalk animator – Free trial – $69 standard<\/a>
\nDragonbones – Open source free software, similar to Spine and Spriter<\/a>
\nFlipaClip – IOS iphone ipad<\/a>
\nFlipnote Studio for Nintendo DS<\/a>
\nMoho (formerly Anime Studio) Debut – $59.99<\/a>
\nOpenToonz – Free but challenging to use<\/a>
\nPencil2D \u2013 open source – Free<\/a>
\nProcreate Dreams – Animation app for iPad\u00a0 $19.99<\/a>
\nSpine – Animation software for games<\/a>
\nSpriter – Game animation using bones and puppets<\/a>
\nSynfig Studio – open source – Free – looks good! with bones<\/a>
\nToon Boom Harmony Essentials – subscription or $442 perpetual<\/a>
\nToonSquid – Animation app for iPad<\/a>
\nTupiTube – Free app for Android or desktop<\/a>
\nTVPaint – $292 USD student price<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – pixel animation<\/h2>\n

Aseprite – pixel art and animation<\/a>
\nPiskel – Free online sprite editor<\/a>
\nPyxel Edit – Great tiling abilities.<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – gaming<\/h2>\n

RPG Maker MV\u00a0 | Make Your Own Video Games!<\/a>
\nScratch Animation from MIT<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – stop motion and pencil testing<\/h2>\n

Animate It! full<\/a>
\nAnimate It! express, comes with Ogobild<\/a>
\nDragonframe – Pro Stop Motion – $295<\/a>
\nScenalyzerLive – Free – use with DV camera<\/a>
\nStop Motion Studio – for iphone, android, Mac, Windows<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – 3D<\/h2>\n

Blender.org – Free – 3D Creation Software<\/a>
\nDaz 3D – Free, with in-app purchases<\/a>
\nHELIOS by Duo Cartoonist – 3d character plugin for TB Harmony<\/a>
\nMMD (MikuMikuDance) – Free<\/a>
\nNUKE Non-commercial – Free<\/a>
\nSketchUp – draw in 3D – Free<\/a>
\nZBrush Core by Pixologic<\/a>
\nUnity – Free for students<\/a><\/p>\n

Software – editing and sound<\/h2>\n

Adobe Premiere Elements $99<\/a>
\nAudacity\u00ae | Free, multi-track recording and editing.<\/a>
\nDaVinci Resolve | Free, also a paid version at $295<\/a>
\nLightworks Pro $438 – or $25 monthly<\/a>
\nShotcut -Free Editing<\/a><\/p>\n

Youtube<\/h2>\n

The Animation Workshop<\/a>
\nAlan Becker Tutorials<\/a>
\nAnimation Mentor<\/a>
\nDraw With Jazza Animation Playlist<\/a>
\nRubberOnion<\/a>
\nSkwigly Online Animation Magazine<\/a><\/p>\n

Brainstorming<\/h2>\n

(Story) concept idea generator<\/a><\/p>\n

Instruction<\/h2>\n

Kids Guide to Making Movies<\/a><\/p>\n

DIY animation stands<\/h2>\n

DIY copy stand<\/a>
\nAmazon.com : NEWCITY LED Lighting<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you take our Animation Workshops, all you need is your imagination and a good attitude! But if you’d like to continue learning at home, here are some links to help out. Books Cartoon Animation (Collector’s Series) Preston Blair explains animation through the use of cycles and examples from his days at MGM and other … Read moreRecommended Books and Software<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1053","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1053"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3366,"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1053\/revisions\/3366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animatusstudio.com\/workshops\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1053"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}