Book Review: The Animator’s Survival Kit
2020-05-17
Book Review: The Illusion of Life
2021-01-05“Drawn to Life” by Walt Stanchfield is a must-read book for anyone interested in pursuing a career in animation or any other related art form.
This book offers valuable insight into the creative process of animation and includes exercises to help artists improve their drawing and animation skills.
Walt Stanchfield was a legendary animator and teacher who worked for Disney Studios for over 30 years. He was known for his ability to bring characters to life through his drawings and his dedication to teaching others the art of animation. “Drawn to Life” is a collection of his lecture notes and drawings, which he used to teach young animators at Disney Studios.
The book is divided into two volumes, each of which covers a different aspect of animation. Volume 1 focuses on drawing and includes exercises to help artists improve their drawing skills. Stanchfield believed that good animation starts with good drawing, and he provides detailed guidance on how to draw everything from facial expressions to body language.
Volume 2 focuses on animation and covers topics such as timing, staging, and acting. Stanchfield’s insights into these topics are invaluable for anyone looking to improve their animation skills. He provides detailed explanations of how to create believable characters with realistic movements and expressions, and his exercises are designed to help artists put these concepts into practice.
One of the things that sets “Drawn to Life” apart from other animation books is its focus on the creative process. Stanchfield believed that animation was more than just a technical skill – it was an art form that required creativity and imagination. He encourages artists to explore their own creativity and to find their own unique style.
Another great thing about “Drawn to Life” is that it is written in a clear and conversational style. Stanchfield’s lecture notes are easy to follow and understand, and his writing is filled with anecdotes and personal experiences that make the book engaging and entertaining to read. Overall, “Drawn to Life” is an essential book for anyone interested in pursuing a career in animation or any other related art form. Its exercises and insights will help artists to improve their drawing and animation skills, while its focus on the creative process will inspire them to explore their own creativity.
In conclusion, if you are interested in animation or any other allied art form, “Drawn to Life” is a book that you should definitely add to your book collection. Its practical exercises and insights into the creative process will help you to improve your skills and take your work to the next level.
