Get Started in Animation by Mary Murphy
This is the complete beginner's guide to making animation. The book starts with clearly illustrated instructions on how to set up a simple animation station at home and includes a list of low cost but essential items that make a complete animator's toolbox. Once the basic equipment is set up, the reader can hit the ground running with 6 imaginative projects especially designed to develop technical skills. Clear step-by-step instructions accompany photographs and diagrams designed to guide the reader through each step of the process. There is a chapter on basic editing techniques which demonstrates how to twin visually exciting sequences with music and titles to create a show reel of work. There is also a comprehensive walk-through guide to the process of producing a short film using any animation technique. All in all, this is the ideal beginner's guide.