Table of Contents

From the Editors
Introduction from Preston Blair
Chapter 1: Getting Started
Tools & Materials
Drawing Basics
Animation Methods
Chapter 2: Cartoon Construction
Parts of a Cartoon Character
The Body
The Head
Facial Expressions
The Hands
Chapter 3: Character Design & Development
Cartoon Examples
The Cute Character
The Screwball Type
The “Pugnacious” Character
More Animal Characters
Fictional People
Children
Chapter 4: Basic Character Movement
Comic to Life
Line of Action
Rhythm & Design
Basic Movement
Chapter 5: Animation Principles
Beyond Simple Movements
Rough Sketches
Balance
Paths of Action
Animation Effects
Chapter 6: Animated Acting
Expressing an Attitude
Three Rules for Actors
Body Language
Dialogue
About Preston Blair
 

About the Author

Preston Blair (1910-1995) was a native Californian who studied art at the Otis Art Institute, as well as illustration under Pruett Carter at Chouinard Art Institute (now California Institute of the Arts). As a member of the California Watercolor Society and the American Watercolor Society in New York, he exhibited work all over the country. Preston was a fine artist during the early days of full-length feature animation. For the Disney production Fantasia, he designed and animated the hippos in "The Dance of the Hours." He also animated Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerers Apprentice, portions of the classic film Pinocchio, and the famous scene in Bambi when the owl talks about love in his "twitterpated" speech. At MGM, Preston directed Barney Bear short films, and he was well known as the designer and animator of one of Tex Avery's epic shorts Red Hot Riding Hood. Preston later moved to Connecticut, where he produced television commercials, educational films, and cartoons, including The Flintstones. Before he passed away, he worked as an inventor of interactive TV programs, such as teaching reading through animation and virtual reality games featuring full-sized animated opponents.

Reviews

“Profusely illustrated throughout and comprehensively covering all of the fundamentals of cartoon animation…ideal and unreservedly recommended.”
*Midwest Book Review*

"This is the holy grail of all art books."
*Sandbox World*

"A treasure trove of samples and guidelines to inspire an artist at any level."
*Comics Grinder*