Animation Techniques

Animation can be used to illustrate, simplify and explain complicated subjects, as well as to transform stories into engaging, fantastical narratives. There are many types of animation, all of which can incorporate different artistic techniques such as sculpture, drawing, painting, printing and textiles. In this practical guide, animation tutor Steve Roberts explores the twelve basic principles of animation, demonstrating the different techniques available and offering helpful exercises for readers to practise in their chosen style. From pencils to pixels, flip books to feature films, and plasticine to puppets, this helpful book covers everything you need to know about how to start animating and will be of great interest for anyone looking to learn how to make their own animated films.

Steve Roberts is the Lead Animation Tutor and Senior Lecturer in Character Animation at Central Saint Martins, University of London. He has worked in the British animation industry for over forty years, for luminaries such as Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, the BBC, Channel 4, Bob Godfrey and many others. As an animation director his films have been shown worldwide and won prizes from organizations such as the Royal Television Society, The IVCA and The New York Film and Television Awards. Steve has written the curriculum for several well-respected animation courses and has guided hundreds of students into the animation industry.