This book was referenced in an Animation writing book I was reading. I checked it out of my local library and within a few days I knew I was going to need to purchase a copy of my own.

I know each person learns differently but I prefer books that presents and steps through new material, prompts exercises for the learner to complete, then reviews the salient points of the material just presented. This book does exactly that.

The material, too, is valuable. The author walks the reader through the thought processes of how to frame the viewer’s perception of the character being designed i.e., when to use characters whose basic shapes are square and what kind of characters should be constructed from more oval-shaped foundations.

There are also interviews with industry professionals (who are also completing the exercises in the book). Some are insightful, some are entertaining, but the real value is the actual material in this book.

I find myself referring to the book whenever I start a new project. If nothing else, it reinforces the principles of character design and (hopefully) makes my work better each time.
Rating: 5 / 5