Review: Character Animation Fundamentals

(Originally published in 3D Artist issue 37)

Character Animation Fundamentals: Developing Skills for 2D and 3D Character Animation

Price. £24.99

Website. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Character-Animation-Fundamentals-Developing-Skills/dp/0240522273

Whether you’re getting back to the drawing board or learning how to animate CGI this book gives a solid foundation in both mediums.

Acknowledging the need for animators to create in traditional 2D with pencil and paper and in 3D using computers, this book tackles both mediums. Staple tasks such as animating a variety of bouncing balls, lifting a heavy object and different walkcycles are first discussed, and then set out as exercises to complete in 2D and 3D. Techniques for Lip-sync, facial expressions, multiple interacting characters and applications for the 12 principles of animation are also shown with enough inspiration improve any flagging showreel. Just enough help is given for beginners to start animating in Maya and 3ds Max and complete the 3D exercises.

However, Character Animation Fundamentals is essentially a repackaged and expanded version of the authors previous book ‘Character Animation 2D skills for better 3D, second edition’. Content and imagery is pulled directly from the previous title, word-for-word and anyone who owns it may find it hard to justify buying this new release. Another misgiving is the lack of an included CD with files referred to in the book. While these are available online via the books accompanying website the videos they are fairly low-res and have no download option. Several bonus chapters are available online too although this is again, largely content pulled from the previous book.

Summary. A worthwhile investment for character animators who have not purchased the authors last book. Discover how to get to grips with 2D and 3D animation workflow, one frame at a time.