John Canemaker is an award-winning independent animator and animation historian, renowned for his extensive writings on the Disney studio. His work delves into the artistry and techniques of animation, exploring the styles and processes that shaped classic animated features. Canemaker's books offer an insider's look at the creative journey, highlighting the pivotal figures in the field. His own artistic endeavors, including an Oscar-winning short film, explore personal themes through the medium of animation. He also serves as a professor, shaping the next generation of animators.
The book highlights the remarkable contributions of a talented artist who shaped the visual identity of classic Disney films and theme park attractions. Celebrated for her joyful creativity and vibrant color use, she played a pivotal role in iconic works such as Cinderella and the "It's A Small World" ride. Through whimsical art and insightful commentary, the volume explores her prolific career and the deep connection she shared with Walt Disney, emphasizing her unique ability to convey pure pleasure and playfulness in her creations.
This volume is the only existing biography of one of America's greatest and most influential cartoonists. Winsor McCay (1867-1934) is universally acknowledged as the first master of both the comic strip and the animated cartoon. Although invented by others, both genres were developed into enduring popular art of the highest imagination through McCay's innovative genius. Originally published in 1987, it is now back in print in a newly expanded and revised edition on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Little Nemo in Slumberland . Included are new materials found since the previous publication of the book such as new comic strips of Little Nemo in Slumberland , and new sketches of Gertie the DinosaurIn the book the author reviews and fully analyzes McCay's achievements in print and film while examining his work in relation to his life, family, and to American culture and values of the period. This painstakingly thorough biography begins with McCay's childhood in Michigan to his seat as one of the greatest of the early animators.
The first edition of The Animation Book , published in 1979, became the authoritative guide to making animated movies. Now, as we enter the twenty-first century, the explosion in computer technology has created a corresponding boom in animation. Using desktop hardware and software, animators can easily produce high-quality, high-artistry animation and mix the aesthetics of traditional cel animation with dazzling 3-D effects. Kit Laybourne's digital revision to The Animation Book brings you to the cutting edge of animation technology. Richly illustrated with frame-grabs, production stills, and diagrams, this volume shares Kit's infectious enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities of today's hybrid techniques, and it provides beginning animators with all the information they need to jump in and start their own animation projects. More advanced animators will find The Animation Book to be an invaluable resource with detailed descriptions of filmmaking gear, computer hardware and software, art supplies, plus Internet and other resources.Using an innovative case-study approach, Kit deconstructs how a range of digital projects were carried out at some of today's hottest animation studios, including Wildbrain, Blue Sky, Protozoa, Fantome, Broderbund, Nicktoons, and Klasky Csupo. These step-by-step studies show how desktop animators can follow the same creative process in their own films.
