So, I’ve been guilty of using this wonderful book as a reference, but mostly as a picture book. Not wanting to be a fool any longer I’m calling this time in my life “Use You Illusion”. I started reading it a couple weeks ago after I read a few posts by Stephen Gregory in the Spline Doctors archives, but realized I wasn’t retaining any of the info, nor was it good for reference if I didn’t know what to look at. To solve this problem I started at the beginning again, but this time with a highlighter, pen, note pad and dictionary (to write the definition of certain words right in the book… so what?! I’m dumb). I’m going to try to TAKE IN as much as possible. Not just read it. I’m not on a schedule so I’m going for quality, not quantity.
The first chapter is rife with information about history, psychology and theory. It is, for me, a fundamental shift in thinking. I knew that these things existed, but have practiced apart from them. And what good is practice if you’re practicing wrong? I think the biggest thing I’ve taken away from the first chapter is thinking things through. I have, from a process standpoint, added a lot of planning to what I’m animating, but there’s a difference between thumbnailing and surface stuff and real, thoughtful consideration.
I’ll be hitting chapter 2 tonight. Can’t wait to see what Frank and Ollie have in store for me. If you don’t have a copy of The Illusion of Life grab one HERE!
Here are some pics of the first chapter:
WOAH!!! you highlighted yours.. that’s extreme (well for me anywayz.. isn’t it out of print? I dunno I got mine a while ago so maybe it’s back in print.)
I’ve read it three times back to back super slowly and I STILL don’t think it’s seeping in.. I get too distracted by the pretty pictures. And then get sick of the words and then throw it in a corner and pick up ‘to infinity and beyond’ or ‘the animators survival kit’
One day i’ll grow up.. and learn to be an animator and not just a kid.