11 Best Animation Books Every Animator Should Read
- Adilla
- Apr 25
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Whether you’re an aspiring animator or a veteran animator wanting to refresh yourself with the basics, this list of popular and must-have animation books for animators to read could help you improve your animation skills. Or maybe as a gift for someone who dreams of being an animator!
From the basics of animations for 2D or 3D to even Japanese animation and stop-motion, these top animation books for beginners/professionals could satisfy your numerous questions on both the technicalities and creative process of animating.
Table of Contents:
Why Animation Books Still Matter in the Digital Age
In a world where tutorials, guides and examples are free to look at, why should you learn animation through books? Other than preventing distractions, books offer a connection in ways that digital screens don’t.
Tutorials online go straight to the point, which is good, but learning the passion, history behind when the book was written, teaches you something that a simple step-by-step webpage can’t.
The inspiration and thought process of the authors have been the main reason why animators still choose to buy these recommended books for animators, beyond just learning the basics and tutorials.
Best Books on Animation Techniques
The Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams
Dubbed the bible for animators and one of the best animation books out there, Richard Williams is known for the classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a film that mixes both live action and animation, deemed ahead of its time in 1988.
To know this well-known veteran of the animation industry, any upcoming animators would be both inspired and amazed by the details that Williams wrote in this book for animators.
Key lessons:
Basics of animation like timing, spacing, movements, and expressions
Advice on directing animators and the animation pipeline
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
Published by Disney’s core animators, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, this animation book shows how these amazing animators turned Disney Studios into the powerhouse we now know it for.
Their notable work includes the classics Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Bambi and Pinocchio. One of the best books for learning animation.
Key lessons:
Teaches the 12 principles of animations and other essential knowledge.
Considered Disney’s magical secret in the history of their animation techniques.
Cartoon Animation by Preston Blair
Despite being published in 1994, this outdated animation book is a useful resource for animators who are starting and one of the best books for learning 2D animation. Preston Blair used to work with Disney and was part of the Golden Age of animation, contributing to Fantasia, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Bambi and Pinocchio.
Despite leaning more towards animal animation, this book for animators would greatly teach how to create fluid expression and natural movements in their work.
Key lessons:
Understanding of how to generate movement that is dynamic and expressive.
A breakdown of creating a character, animation concepts and methods.
Timing for Animation by Harold Whitaker and John Halas
Timing in animation is crucial as it is essential to frame the movements of a character to be fluid yet expressive. This execution can be seen in how Harold Whitaker and John Halas contributed to the adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, considered to be England’s first animated feature film.
One of the methods used in the Timing for Animation is the “stretch and squash”, where movements are exaggerated to show the timing and rhythm. One of the recommended books for animation students.
Key lessons:
Explores the basics of timing in animation, digital storyboarding, interactive games, etc.
Learning that timing isn’t about the fluidity of motions but spacing between movements, and the effect of squash and stretch in between frames.
The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects by Isaac Kerlow
Maybe you are more interested in 3D animation instead? This animation book by Isaac Kerlow gives a practical guide on how to render your animation in 3D.
Meant to work on any computer platform, be it Maya or Blender, this book of 3D animation is made without the confusing technical jargon and is full of examples from well-known animation companies like DreamWorks and Pixar.
Key lessons:
A breakdown of what is required as a 3D animator, including software packages, semi-tutorial material, light source when animating, terminology as a 3D animator and many more.
Illustrated and visually pleasing book that teaches the step-by-step process of a computer-generated animation.
Acting for Animators by Ed Hooks
A guide for animators to better express their characters’ emotions and movement. Ed Hooks is known for his lessons in teaching animators to incorporate acting into animation work.
So much so, he has even created a masterclass for what he is teaching in his book to multiple companies, conferences and schools. Namely, Ubisoft Montreal, Game Developers Convention, and Microsoft Games.
Key lessons:
Understanding how emotions are conveyed through facial expressions and body language.
How to analyse a character’s reactions and what they are trying to convey.
Best Books to Boost Creativity & Artistic Mindset
Directing the Story by Francis Glebas
A Disney storyboard artist, Francis Glebas, created amazing films like Treasure Planet, The Lion King and Pocahontas, to name a few. Francis Glebas is an award-winning live-action filmmaker, and his book gives an inside look at how he structures his story. A book suited for animators who aim to create an impactful story in their animation.
Key lessons:
Learning the importance of an engaging story with a visual narrative.
Emphasises communication and leadership in the animation industry.
The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox by Wes Anderson
Known for his distinctive visual aesthetic, Wes Anderson gives an amazing behind-the-scenes look at what goes on in Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you’re more interested in stop-motion animation, this book would be for you.
Not quite a how-to guide like the rest in this list, but the techniques that Wes Anderson displays could inspire stop-motion animators to try out his techniques.
Key lessons:
An in-depth explanation of the stop-motion techniques behind the making of the film.
Insights into the issues and achievements of the team as they progress through the filmmaking process.
If you want to get into stop-motion but are unsure of what medium, we have some examples for you to investigate and try out.
Frames of Anime: Culture and Image-Building by Tze-Yue Hu
A book dedicated to anime animators on the origins and history of Japan’s animation history, built from WWII onwards. Suited for animators who are more interested in Eastern-style animations.
The animators that Tze-Yue Hu interviewed in this book were in-depth and gave the readers the inner workings of Japan’s culture and relationship with anime.
Key lessons:
Learning about how anime came to be in Japan and why it is the main animation production in the East and South-East Asia.
The book works around both the historical and political effects of the Japanese animation industry.
Starting Point, 1979-1996, by Hayao Miyazaki
A well-known name in the animation industry. The man behind Studio Ghibli and its impactful films, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away. A semi-memoir about Hayao Miyazaki’s journey from his boyhood to his beginnings as a fresh animator and to the renowned figure that we now know, who inspired many animators.
Essentially not a book to teach animators, but a good pick-me-up story that could give aspiring animators the motivation they need.
Key lessons:
An insightful look at Hayao Miyazaki’s passion for storytelling and hand-drawn animation
His love for nature and the human spirit is also reflected in how he shows the environment and themes in his films
Simplified Drawing: For Planning Animation by Wayne Gilbert
A look into the fundamentals of the human shape as you learn how to draft and sketch before animating it. Comes with easy-to-follow examples that both 2D and 3d animators can benefit from.
Wayne Gilbert is known for his contributions to films like Star Wars, Jurassic Park 2, and The Mummy Returns.
Key lessons:
Simple examples to help get you started when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
Teaches drawing and planning skills to build up animators’ confidence in their abilities.
Key Takeaways for Animators & Students
A list that includes the classics of Disney to the impactful Japanese films of Hayao Miyazaki, and the visually stunning aesthetics of Fantastic Mr. Fox.
These books teach you the basics of animation and the process of creating a moving story, depending on which, how and what style you would prefer.
While there are numerous animation books out there that could help you with a more specific technique, this list can get you started if you’re unsure what to read first.
Ready to start your animation journey? We have a nifty guide to get you started on choosing the best digital software for you.
Managing Animation Projects While Bringing Stories to Life
As animators embark on their animation journey, they have one familiar struggle: managing the numerous animation projects that litter their work schedule. Improving your animating skills and storytelling abilities is one thing; keeping track of your progress, performance, and due dates is another thing.
TESSR’s project management software, which is built for creatives, can help with that. TESSR’s ‘My Work’ interface is visually pleasing and user-friendly, giving a quick overview of your projects and deadlines. Their colour-coded system helps animators navigate their priorities on a day-to-day basis.
Get ahead with your projects and join TESSR! (Psst, our software is free.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can animation be self-taught?
Animation is possible to be self-taught, as there are numerous resources available both digitally and in bookshops that can get you started; even this list of animation books can help you begin your animation journey.
Is animation very difficult to learn?
It is a challenging skill to learn, but with time and passion to learn this skill, one can learn this skill even if it has challenging obstacles.
Which animation is best for beginners?
Starting with 2D animation is a great way for beginners to begin their animation journey. The skills you learn in 2D animation can also be used in 3D and stop-motion animation, despite the differences in their mediums.
Author Bio
With a background in Arts English, Adilla has been a casual writer for various hobbies, including parodies of animated shows and plots for board games like Dungeons & Dragons. She loves to read anything and everything from fantasy stories to articles on tips and tricks. Currently, Adilla resides in Malaysia and is a creative writer at TESSR. One day, she is eager to publish her book. To know more about her, check out her LinkedIn.
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