Review: The Animator's Survival Kit – Animated

(originally published in 3D World Magazine, also published here: http://www.theanimatorssurvivalkit.com/reviews_press.html) The training starts by exploring how animators learn, explaining the importance of life drawing, how to think about animation, how to animate – and how not to. Walk cycles, accents, vibrates, anticipation, eases, overlapping action and weight are among the many topics covered. Aimed at both students and professionals, the discs excel in revealing the fundamental principles behind animation, making it suitable for animators working in any field, including classical, digital, games, stop-motion and online animation. During the course of the videos, Williams frequently reaches for a marker pen and illustrates his points with drawings. In addition to between 30 and 50 minutes of video footage, each DVD includes up to 30 minutes of animation – running to hundreds of individual animated examples over the course of the box set. Each can be viewed and analysed frame by frame, making this an invaluable resource. Although the training is not available as separate DVDs, it is comparatively priced when compared with other training products on a per-disc basis. Unless you’re fortunate to have your school or studio purchase it, the box set is not cheap – but it is worth saving up for. If you’re resolute about improving your animations, The Animator’s Survival Kit: Animated is an inspiration. If you have the will power to watch the entire box set without having an uncontrollable desire to test out these techniques, the chances are you’re in the wrong vocation. VERDICT "Everything you need to know about animation: just supply your own talent, discipline and dedication. 10/10."