Rating: 
Summary: The ultimate guide on HOW to animate
Review: Any animator looking for a book to help them improve their craft knows that most books on animation usually fall short in so many ways, it's easy to think it's impossible to write a comprehensive and accurate book on the subject (don't even get me started about the abysmal state of computer character animation books). Williams is the penultimate animator's animator and he tells it like it is. Williams systematically demystifies virtually every aspect of animation from simple walk cycles, to breaking joints to dialogue and acting. Along the way, he corrects or eliminates information that is inaccurate or practices that distract (lose the headphones and the rad tunes when you work and watch your quality and quantity improve). Williams also is a great storyteller and writer. His accounts with Milt Kahl, Art Babbit and Ken Harris are gems, giving real insight into the personalities of these ingenious men. Since so much of the book is gleaned from his tutaluge under the now-gone "greats" of animation, any price for this tome is a steal. His gift to the world is this book. If you want learn to REALLY animate characters with life and believability, get this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Seen Better
Review: Apart from the momentary dream sequences of commentary by various well known industry animators, this book is only a duplicate of Preston Blair's book. In fact it is cheaper to buy Blair's book if you are really interested in learning about animation. This book is more notes on animation rather than a survival kit. If you can afford to have only one book, then Blair would be the better. This comes in as second place. I think Williams would have been better off writing an autobiography than doing this book.
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Summary: Animation? More like inspiration!
Review: As an internet 'designer/developer' i have long been fascinated by motion graphics and the digital arts. However, perhaps much like the majority these days, i was never formally trained: books, the web, my ambition and an aversion to boredom have culminated a competent professional. Much in the same way I have long had an interest in animation, cartoons, comics and the like but without the formal training, a massive workload in recent years and an inner-demon whispering doubts I have never persued this area. Since receiving my copy of ASK, just yesterday, i literally have not put it down. An interesting and fascinating read in the first instance, but a complete tomb of characher motion and discovery as its essence. As a novice-beginner it has opened a massive world of expressive opportunity in user-friendly prose, and exquisite and plentiful drawings. If ever you were looking for a complete reference of charachter movement from beating a rhythm to standing in the wind - you got it here. I'm so excited to carry on with it i've gotta go... As for those negative-demons, well, lets just say they know to keep their mouths shut tight.
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Summary: Vivid "Original" Drawings caught my eye
Review: I can only agree with everyones assessment here on Richard Williams book.I cannot imagine a better illustrated guide(or should I say bible)to live by for animation.I feel like I have my very own original drawings by Richard in my book they are so well reproduced.
I live in Australia and this is the best book by far,I am so glad I discovered it.
Cheers
Rob, Outerzone
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Summary: A PERSONAL SAVIOR
Review: I can't belive I didn't buy this book sooner. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this book sooner. I graduated with a 4 year university degree in classical, traditional animation and this book actually provided more information than my college education. I got it my senior year, just in time for my thesis. His ability to simplify exposure sheets is worth its weight in gold. This book put into practice will give any student a head start. An earlier review said the only reason you shouldn't buy this book is due to bankruptcy. I agree. Wholeheartedly. I can't even believe you are sitting here reading this review instead of buying it. QUICK! BUY IT! You're wasting time that could be used reading it!
Rating:
Summary: simply amazing
Review: I do declare this is the best study of animation I've ever read! Although I'm a Doctor, and much rather cut people up, I would highly prescribe this to all animators. After all I am a doctor. And I do know what I'm talking about.
Dr. Mangor
Rating:
Summary: Must read for animators trying to reach the next level
Review: I have been a computer animator for 4 years, with a focus on character animation for 1 year. I have been searching for information that will get my work closer to ILM/Pixar quality, and this book has advanced my skills a generation ahead, bringing me much closer to my goal. Richard Williams breaks down all sorts of different walks (maybe a hundred?), runs and motions that imply weight, which is essential for a complete animator. He also gives suggested timings for different types of motions, so you have a starting point for a certain action... you don't have to reinvent the wheel. He has a straightforward style of animating that really improved my workflow, as well. As I act out the motions of a character I want to move a certain way, using Williams's techniques I can now breakdown the important parts of the motion with much more accuracy and efficiency. I read this book while working on a project, and the quality of my shots went up exponentially with every page I read. I now have tons of confidence in my abilities, I can animate better and quicker, and I have an added level of life in my characters that was lacking before. For me, this was a must read. I thank Richard Williams profusely for writing this book, and I recommend it to everybody that wants to animate characters.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I have been looking for a book like this for over a decade.
The detail is excellent.
The "fun to read" and "easy to understand style" of this book, is the cherry with whipped cream on top!
You will love this book and reach for it again and again and again.
Richard Willams book is a powerhouse of visual information.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I have been looking for a book like this for over a decade.
The detail is excellent.
The "fun to read" and "easy to understand style" of this book, is the cherry with whipped cream on top!
You will love this book and reach for it again and again and again.
Richard Willams book is a powerhouse of visual information.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely essential
Review: I took Williams' masterclass many years ago, and this book is an excellent distillation of everything he taught in that class, and then some. While I think he almost spends TOO much time on walk cycles and not quite enough on accents and weight, this book covers all the bases quite well. It bridges the gap between Preston Blair's book, which is primarily step-by-step, and _The Illusion of Life_, which is primarily theory.
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