Basics Animation: Digital Animation – Andrew Chong & Andrew McNamara (2011)

It used to be that digital animation was something only the most educated, talented computer designers could accomplish. Over the last few years, however, the need for designers has been met with amazing softwares that – with just the smallest amount of training – can produce eye-opening animations and special effects. Studios such as Pixar and Dreamworks are still the benchmark for high-end animation, but the Basics Animation series are a great introduction to the world of digital animation.

Digital technology has made animation simpler, faster, and easier than ever before. New tools have broadened the palette available to both beginners and experienced animators. Basics Animation: Digital Animation looks at the history of the medium, charting its progress by looking at specific examples that document the growth and development of the form over the past fifty years. With contributions from pioneers of the medium as well as today’s leading animators in movies, games, and television, Digital Animation is an animated look at animation yesterday and today.

• Explores key principles and processes of animation
• Readable and informative
• Interviews and art from artists, animators, filmmakers, and more from around the world

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An example of author Andrew Chong’s animation

Smashing Photoshop CS5 – 100 Professional Techniques (Digibook)

Smashing Photoshop CS5 is the perfect springboard for sparking new ideas and gaining inspiration for all your projects.

Smashing Photoshop CS5 is loaded with 100 creative and innovative techniques to help jump-start your creativity and inspire you to do more with your designs and photographs. This book is aimed at designers, artists and photographers who want to become proficient in Photoshop CS5, getting you quickly up to speed with many of the fantastic new tools and features.

Author Sue Jenkins is a photographer and web and graphic designer, author, software instructor and Adobe Certified Expert. Using her knowledge and years of expertise in the field she provides 100 hints, special effects, and techniques that will enable you to extend your existing skills and to develop and execute new ideas and trends.

Smashing Photoshop CS5 is the ideal guide to help you to get the best out of Photoshop CS5. This book will teach you how to perform specific tasks using a variety of tools, filters, styles, adjustment layers, and more.

A must read for my fellow designers.

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