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Physics for Animators
Achieving believable motion in animation requires an understanding of physics that most of us missed out on in art school. Although animators often break the laws of physics for comedic or dramatic effect, you need to know which laws you’re breaking in order to make it work. And while large studios might be able to spend a lot of time and money testing different approaches or hiring a physics consultant, smaller studios and independent animators have no such luxury. This book takes the mystery out of physics tasks like character motion, light and shadow placement, explosions, ocean movement, and outer space scenes, making it easy to apply realistic physics to your work. Uniting theory and practice, author Michele Bousquet teaches animators how to swiftly and efficiently create scientifically accurate scenes and fix problem spots, and how and when to break the laws of physics. Ideal for everything from classical 2D animation to advanced CG special effects, this book provides animators with solutions that are simple, quick, and powerful.
356 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 30, 2020
I’m a Junior Creature & Effects Artist working in film and my mentor suggested this book to me during my undergrad study in 3D animation. It’s one I regularly return to and that I recommend to people who are wanting to brush up on their knowledge of physics and level up with their work.
Michele takes complex concepts and explains them using clear, conversational language and practical examples. It’s easy to understand and an enjoyable read that’s much more engaging and digestible than your average textbook.
It kicks off with classical physics and light/color before moving into character and then more environment related content (e.g. natural phenomena, fire, liquids, destruction). I found reading it to be full of “I hadn’t thought of that” and “oh my gosh, that makes so much sense now” moments (I’m particularly grateful for the Gamma Correction explanation).
You can check out the table of contents and read a sample from the book on Amazon via the “Look Inside” function to get a feel for the style and see just how comprehensive it is.
Overall, I consider this an absolute gem of a reference book for students and artists. It would even be suitable for people who just have an interest in how stuff works and were wanting to explore physics.
Five stars for sure.
Michele takes complex concepts and explains them using clear, conversational language and practical examples. It’s easy to understand and an enjoyable read that’s much more engaging and digestible than your average textbook.
It kicks off with classical physics and light/color before moving into character and then more environment related content (e.g. natural phenomena, fire, liquids, destruction). I found reading it to be full of “I hadn’t thought of that” and “oh my gosh, that makes so much sense now” moments (I’m particularly grateful for the Gamma Correction explanation).
You can check out the table of contents and read a sample from the book on Amazon via the “Look Inside” function to get a feel for the style and see just how comprehensive it is.
Overall, I consider this an absolute gem of a reference book for students and artists. It would even be suitable for people who just have an interest in how stuff works and were wanting to explore physics.
Five stars for sure.
January 30, 2020
I’m a Junior Creature & Effects Artist working in film and my mentor suggested this book to me during my undergrad study in 3D animation. It’s one I regularly return to and that I recommend to people who are wanting to brush up on their knowledge of physics and level up with their work.
Michele takes complex concepts and explains them using clear, conversational language and practical examples. It’s easy to understand and an enjoyable read that’s much more engaging and digestible than your average textbook.
It kicks off with classical physics and light/color before moving into character and then more environment related content (e.g. natural phenomena, fire, liquids, destruction). I found reading it to be full of “I hadn’t thought of that” and “oh my gosh, that makes so much sense now” moments (I’m particularly grateful for the Gamma Correction explanation).
You can check out the table of contents and read a sample from the book on Amazon via the “Look Inside” function to get a feel for the style and see just how comprehensive it is.
Overall, I consider this an absolute gem of a reference book for students and artists. It would even be suitable for people who just have an interest in how stuff works and were wanting to explore physics.
Five stars for sure.
Michele takes complex concepts and explains them using clear, conversational language and practical examples. It’s easy to understand and an enjoyable read that’s much more engaging and digestible than your average textbook.
It kicks off with classical physics and light/color before moving into character and then more environment related content (e.g. natural phenomena, fire, liquids, destruction). I found reading it to be full of “I hadn’t thought of that” and “oh my gosh, that makes so much sense now” moments (I’m particularly grateful for the Gamma Correction explanation).
You can check out the table of contents and read a sample from the book on Amazon via the “Look Inside” function to get a feel for the style and see just how comprehensive it is.
Overall, I consider this an absolute gem of a reference book for students and artists. It would even be suitable for people who just have an interest in how stuff works and were wanting to explore physics.
Five stars for sure.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews