WELCOME TO THE REFERENCE SECTION Here is a list of books that are a must have for anyone considering a career in animation.

The Animator's Survival Kit: By: Richard Williams Published: January 2002 Pages: 352 pages WHY?: This book is a must have for any animator. Richard Williams, Director of Animation for Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" gives a breakdown of methods, principles and formulas for every type of animation from 2D traditional animation to 3D computer animation.

The Illusion of Life: By: Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston Published: October 1995 Pages: 576 pages WHY?: This book, again, is another must have for any animator. Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two of Disney's original animators, describe in detail the ins and outs of how Disney Animation Studios created some of the most memorable characters to grace the silver screen.

Cartoon Animation: By: Preston Blair Published: December 1994 Pages: 224 pages WHY?: This book is great. This book focuses more on 2D animation, but everything in this book can be applied to all forms of animation.

Animating The Looney Tunes Ways: By: Tony Cervone Published: April 2000 Pages: 95 pages WHY?: This book has it all. Character Development, Line of Action, Storyboarding, Cycles, Pose-to-Pose, Straight Ahead Animation, Squash & Stretch, Everything!!! On top of that, this book has some great character breakdowns and illustrations of all the classic Warner Brother characters, including Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Marvin the Martian and my personal favorites Pussyfoot & Marc Antony.

The Animator's Workbook: By: Tony White Published: October 1988 Pages: 160 pages WHY?: Much like the Looney Tunes book, this book has everything. The process of animation, inbetweening, walks, runs, exaggerated action, effects, lip sync and all the fun little things involved in animation.

The Human Figure in Motion: By: Eadweard Muybridge Published: June 1972 Pages: 390 pages WHY?: This book is filled with frame by frame analysis of the human figure, both male and female, young and old, in various types of motion. With this book, you can see the differences that occur in the human body as a person walks, runs, jumps, carries something heavy, climbs stairs and more. Although first hand experience is the most important part of figuring out proper motions for animation, this book is a great visual companion to have.

Animals in Motion: By: Eadweard Muybridge Published: June 1974 Pages: 416 pages WHY?: Much like "The Human Figure in Motion", this book is filled with frame by frame analysis of animals in various motions. Various types of dogs, cats, horses, birds, farm and jungle animals can be seen doing various types of walks, runs, jumps, etc. at various angles in this book.

Action Anatomy: By: Takashi Iijima Published: May 2005 Pages: 176 pages WHY?: A great book to have. This book shows CG characters reaching very dynamic poses and how the body and limbs work together to reach such poses.

The Disney Villian: By: Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas Published: October 1993 Pages: 224 pages WHY?: An amazing look at the villians from Disney Animated Films. Loaded with stories and sketches as to how these great villians came to life, this book is a must have for anyone fascinated with great character design. I was fortunate enough to acquire a copy of this book autographed by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.

Treasure of Disney Animation Art: By: Robert E. Abrams Published: June 1992 Pages: 320 pages WHY?: 320 pages of beautiful Disney drawnings, cels and sketches. It is coffee table book that any animator would be proud to display. Again, it's another book that shines with the brilliance that is Disney Animation.

Tim Burton Corpse Bride: By: Mark Salisbury Published: November 2005 Pages: 160 pages WHY?: This book is a great read. Inside you learn about how the story came to be, the techniques and mechanics involved in creating the world of Corpse Bride as well as the script, character designs and some great concept drawings.

The Art of Cars: By: Michael Wallis Published: June 2006 Pages: 160 pages WHY?: One thing you can always say about Disney "Art of" Books is that they don't skimp on content. The Art of Cars book is loaded to the brim with character design, concept drawings, reference material, storyboards and more, showing how they brought the world of Cars to life.

The Art of Finding Nemo: By: Mark Cotta Vaz Published: March 2003 Pages: 160 pages WHY?: Again. Lots of content here. The Art of Finding Nemo is packed with amazing character design drawings, set design drawings, fully rendered charcoal and pastel sketches and much, much more.

The Art of The Incredibles: By: Mark Cotta Vaz Published: September 2004 Pages: 168 pages WHY?: For any comic book fan who has a desire to see how Pixar managed to bring the world of The Incredibles to life, this is the book to have. Loaded with concept drawings, maquettes, collage treatments and more, you will see just how Pixar made The Incredibles so "incredible".

The Art of Monsters, Inc.: By: Chronicle Books Published: November 2001 Pages: 144 pages WHY?: One of the best movies that Pixar has produced, in The Art of Monsters Inc. you'll get a chance to see how much work went into the unique character designs on this film. Loaded with pages upon pages of drawings and sketches, this book is as visually stunning as the film.

The Art of Robots: By: Amid Amidi Published: November 2001 Pages: 144 pages WHY?: Blue Sky's second film, Robots was an amazing accomplishment and the "Art of" book isn't far behind. Loaded with amazing concept drawings and character designs, this book is one of my favorites. It even shows what real-life item the artists referenced to make each character stand out as an individual.

Shrek: From the Swamp to the Screen: By: John Hopkins Published: March 2004 Pages: 176 pages WHY?: Still one of my favorite animated films, This book is a great companion to the film. Full of original character designs, low-res and high-res character model comparisons and more, this book amazes me still with each viewing. You'll find something new to stare at everytime you open it.

The Art of Wallace & Gromit: By: Andy Lane and Paul Simpson Published: September 2005 Pages: 154 pages WHY?: It always amazes me how much hard work goes into Stop-Motion or Clay Animation and this book shows the reader just that. Loaded with pictures showing character sculpting, set building, animators in the process of animating a shot, The Art of Wallace & Gromit is a great book to have for anyone wanting to know "How'd they do that?".