CompuServe Messages

Martin – I divide my book selection into two areas. The first deals with the technical aspects of dealing with the software packages I use. This would include "Inside 3D Studio" and other New Riders Publishing publications, Michele Bosquet's "3D Studio Tips and Tricks Series", Nancy Fulton's "3D Studio Applied" books, etc. The other area deals with information to make me a better animator. In this area there are two resources I regard as the bibles for computer animators. They are, alas, out of print. The first is "Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. It is the finest resource for animators that has ever been placed in print. (I think I feel strongly about this one, eh?) The second are the course notes "3-D Character Animation by Computer" for course #5 at the 1987 SIGGRAPH. In it John Lassiter translates the principles outlined in the Thomas/Johnston book into ones that can be used by computer animators. Again, essential reading. Now, how to obtain either of these, you got me. Other than books, I recommend taking classes in filmmaking or videography (which is my background), traditional core art classes that deal with form/lighting/color, script/story writing classes, and because computer graphics is what it is, basic math classes. The reason I love computer animation so much is that on any particular project you will use information gleaned from all these disciplines. And though books are good sources of information, I would strongly recommend a hands on/classroom setting to fully grasp the information needed to be a great animator regards, wayne r. tyler