Composition for the 21st 1/2 century, Vol 2: Characters in Animation

The book "Composition for the 21st ½ Century: Characters in Animation" focuses on characters and their application in animation, illustration, games, and films. It covers various technical aspects of character design and provides examples of their impact. The book is geared toward students but is also reader-friendly for professionals. It teaches the complexity of composition in the professional character design process, closes the gap between praxis and theory, explains how to produce believable characters that express their narrative in the visuals, and discusses the need for artistic reasoning in character design. The author has worked in the industry as a character animator and visual development artist for companies such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Sprite Animation Studios and has taught at universities across Asia, the USA, and the UK.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Composition for the 21st ½ Century: Characters in Animation is a comprehensive guide that delves into the world of character design and its application in animation, illustration, games, and films. This book focuses on the intricate process of creating characters that not only look visually appealing but also serve a purpose within the narrative.

The author, Thomas Paul Thesen, has a wealth of experience in the field of character design, having worked as a character animator and visual development artist for renowned companies such as Pixar, DreamWorks, and Sprite Animation Studios. With over twenty years of industry expertise, Thesen brings a deep understanding of the complexities of art, animation, and image-making to the table.

The book is divided into several chapters, each covering a different aspect of character design. The first chapter provides an introduction to composition and its importance in character design. It explains how composition can be used to convey emotions, set moods, and create visual interest. The author then discusses the different elements of composition, such as line, shape, color, texture, and space, and how they can be used to create effective character designs.

The second chapter focuses on the technical aspects of character design, such as anatomy, proportion, and perspective. The author explains how to create believable and expressive characters that reflect their narrative and environment. He provides detailed examples of how to use these technical aspects to create characters that are both visually appealing and functional.

The third chapter explores the artistic application of character design. The author discusses how to use composition to express emotions, create narrative tension, and enhance the overall visual experience. He provides examples of how characters in films and animation have been designed to achieve these goals, and how successful character designs have impacted the success of the respective works.

Throughout the book, Thesen emphasizes the need for artistic reasoning. He argues that character design is not just about creating visually appealing characters but also about using composition to convey meaning and emotion. He encourages readers to think critically about the purpose of their character designs and to use their artistic reasoning to create characters that are both visually appealing and meaningful.

To assist readers in understanding the process of character design, the book includes several case studies. These case studies showcase the successful use of character design concepts in films and animation. Each case study is accompanied by analysis and discussion, which helps readers to understand the process behind the creation of these characters.

Composition for the 21st ½ Century: Characters in Animation is a valuable resource for students, professionals, and anyone interested in the field of character design. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the complexities of composition and its application in character design. The book is well-written, accessible, and filled with practical examples and insights that will help readers to develop their own character designs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, this book will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to create characters that are both visually appealing and meaningful.

In conclusion, Composition for the 21st ½ Century: Characters in Animation is a must-read for anyone interested in the field of character design. It provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the complexities of composition and its application in character design. The book is well-written, accessible, and filled with practical examples and insights that will help readers to develop their own character designs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced designer, this book will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to create characters that are both visually appealing and meaningful.

Weight: 830g
ISBN-13: 9781138740945