#3D_Animation

Not sure where to start with learning 3D animation? Worried about spending money only to end up with the wrong knowledge or techniques?

These 10 books on 3D animation are ones I’ve personally read and found especially helpful for anyone wanting to self-learn 3D animation. Back when I was in grad school in the U.S., my professors recommended many of these to me, and they made a huge difference in how I approached both learning and creating animation.

Even today, I still go back to some of these books for inspiration and insights. That’s why I highly recommend them to you.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#1：《The Animator's Survival Kit》

If I could only recommend one book, this would be it.

Often referred to as the "Bible" of animation, this book is owned—or at least read—by nearly every 3D animator in the industry.

Its author, Richard Williams, is a legendary figure in the animation world and a three-time Academy Award winner. The animation principles and techniques he shares in this book are still widely used by professionals today. Many animation schools and institutions even use this book as a foundational teaching resource.

The book covers all aspects of animation production—from the basic principles every beginner must learn, to more advanced and complex character animation techniques. Whether you're just starting out or already working in the industry, you'll find valuable knowledge and practical tips inside.

With its rich combination of illustrations and written explanations, the book clearly breaks down how to apply these techniques in your own work. Many of the examples come directly from Williams' professional experience, making this an incredibly insightful and reliable reference.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#2：《Cartoon Animation with Preston Blair》

If you're interested in cartoon animation, this is a must-read!

The author of this book was once a Disney animator, and he shares practical techniques on how to bring cartoon characters to life.

In cartoon animation, movements and expressions are often exaggerated to create more energetic and engaging performances. However, if that exaggeration isn’t handled properly, it can easily fall flat or feel off. This book teaches you how to strike the right balance, showing you exactly how to create expressive, appealing cartoon animation the right way.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#3：《The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation》

You’ve probably heard of and watched Disney animation, right?

This book pulls back the curtain on the secrets behind early Disney animation and introduces the legendary 12 Principles of Animation.

The authors break down each principle in detail and explain how Disney animators applied them to their work. Beyond the principles, the book also covers nearly every other aspect of the animation process—from drawing and timing to music and sound.

You'll also find in-depth discussions on Disney’s storytelling techniques and how their iconic characters were conceived and brought to life.

In short, this book is like an encyclopedia of the classic Disney animation process—and a must-have for anyone serious about learning from the masters.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#4：《Timing for Animation, 40th Anniversary Edition》

In animation, timing is everything.

The way you control timing can determine whether a movement feels natural and full of life—or stiff and off-balance. Great animation always has great timing.

This book explains the core principles behind timing in animation, making it essential reading for any animator. The techniques and examples inside will help you improve the flow and impact of your animated scenes.

Whether you're animating a simple bounce or a complex character performance, mastering timing is one of the most important skills you can develop—and this book is a great place to start.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#5：《The Animator's Eye: Adding Life to Animation with Timing, Layout, Design, Color and Sound》

If you’re looking to improve every aspect of your animation production, this book is a must-read.

It explores five core elements of animation—timing, layout, design, color, and sound—offering a well-rounded approach to mastering the entire process.

Packed with practical techniques and step-by-step guidance, the book uses clear examples and illustrations to show how these concepts are applied in real production. It helps you bring more life and appeal to your work while making the learning process easier to understand and apply.

This is a great resource for animators who want to level up their creative and technical skills at the same time.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#6：《Directing the Story: Professional Storytelling and Storyboarding Techniques for Live Action and Animation》

If you want to improve your storytelling and storyboarding skills for animation, this book is perfect for you.

It offers in-depth guidance on how to craft compelling narratives and build solid story structures, including key elements like character development, plot progression, and climactic moments.

The book also emphasizes the importance of storyboarding—a critical part of both animation and filmmaking—and provides plenty of practical techniques to help you translate stories into clear, engaging visuals.

Whether you're a writer, animator, or director, this book will help you create stories that truly connect with your audience.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#7：《Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers》

Composition is just as important in 3D animation as it is in film or illustration.

A well-designed shot can enhance storytelling, improve clarity, and elevate the viewer's overall experience.

This book dives deep into visual composition techniques that strengthen storytelling, covering essential elements like lighting, perspective, and camera angles. The author emphasizes how to use composition to convey emotion and create atmosphere within a scene.

Clear, visual, and practical, this book is especially helpful for beginners who want to learn how to design more powerful and visually engaging scenes in their animations.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#8：《Framed Ink 2: Frame Format, Energy, and Composition for Visual Storytellers》

This follow-up book takes composition to the next level, diving deeper into frame formats, dynamic composition, and advanced visual techniques.

While the first Framed Ink is more suitable for beginners, this volume is geared toward readers who already have a basic understanding of visual storytelling and camera language.

The book explores how to choose and apply different frame formats to enhance the story visually. It also discusses how dynamic composition can be used to convey tension, energy, and emotion through characters and scenes—boosting the cinematic impact of your shots.

Since it includes more advanced methods and complex visual strategies, it’s recommended to read the first volume before jumping into this one.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#9：《The Pocket Complete Color Harmony: 1,500 Plus Color Palettes for Designers, Artists, Architects, Makers, and Educators》

Color can make or break the visual impact of your animation.

A strong color palette not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also helps leave a lasting impression on your audience.

This book offers over 1,500 color palettes along with helpful guides on how to use them effectively. It’s a great resource for choosing and applying color combinations that elevate the visual storytelling of your animated work.

Whether you’re designing characters, environments, or lighting, this compact reference can help you make more intentional and impactful color choices.

3D Animation Book Recommendation#10：《The Nine Old Men: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators: Lessons, Techniques, and Inspiration from Disney's Great Animators》

This book dives deep into the creative philosophies and techniques of Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men.”

Through in-depth interviews, rich historical context, and a wealth of visual material, it reveals the animation methods these masters used—and how they overcame challenges to create some of Disney’s most iconic works.

If you're a fan of Disney animation or want to learn directly from the pioneers of the craft, this book is a perfect choice. It's an inspiring blend of history, technique, and timeless artistic insight.