The Flash Animator [With CDROM]

by Sandro Corsaro

Learn how to use traditional animation techniques to create broadcast-quality Flash animations. This book includes interviews and tutorials from top names in traditional Flash animation. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0735712824
• ISBN13: 9780735712829
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: New Riders Publishing
• Length: 225 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.0" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Elegant and useful.

I have read several other introductions to Flash cartooning. In this area, unfortunately, many books are written on dubious pretences -- by authors who have never been professional animators, or by authors who have a poor grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of Flash. The books by Mark Clarkson and Ibis Fernandez are both weak in this regard, and offer little inspiration.Sandro Corsaro is a real animator with both the education and the job experience to offer sound advice. His own work is highly professional (and exemplary.) This book contains both useful practical tips and valuable discussions of the general topic. There are also interviews with some of the most influential animators.I am finding this book a real source of ideas, and that is what I shelled out my hard earned $$$ for! Highly recommended.

Finally a book with a real ANIMATOR as the author...

This book is incredible. It focuses on animation principles first, not just the way Flash animates stuff. Although when it dives into Flash tutorials, it isn't just the vague "click on the paintbrush, draw on your stage, and experiment with what you like..." The tips are practical ways to achieve cool effects, add depth, minimize file size, etc...I'm tired of reading books which treat Flash animation as just a fun thing to do in your spare time. This book treats Flash cartooning with the respect it deserves. There are no second rate illustrations in here either, nothing but cartoons from some of the top animators on and off the web. The only downside to this book is that there are going to be alot better animations popping up on the web now after this book, making it even harder for me to find a job...

Excellent Book

I must say, I was hesistant at first when I heard about this book. I figured it was going to be similar to the awful Flash Cartooning Book from last year. Upon opening it, I realized I was wrong. This is not your typical flash book. The structure of the book is very unique, I didnt feel like I was reading some technical manuscript. The author's tone was very light and easy to understand. I have been using Flash for some time now. After reading the first three chapters, I found myself going back to my old projects and trying these techniques. Chapter 4 was particularly insightful, especially how the author explains the concept of reusing animation was terrific. The idea of reusing not only "parts" but the actual "motion" was a whole new concept for me. And I must say, the "Stella" file on the CD was an impressive demonstration the chapter's title..."reusing and recycling".-The artwork and interviews, absolutely hilarious and insightful.

The BEST on the market!

This is by far the best book on the market for anyone interested in using Flash as an animation tool. It is superbly written BY an animator, FOR animators!!! Final, a book that cuts throught the technical mumbo-jumbo and gets to the heart of what artists, not programmers, need to know. The author obviously has a deep understanding of animation as an Art form and relays tips and tricks on how to use Flash for what it is... a FANTASTIC tool for animators! The book is filled with amazing artwork and clear illustrations (not to mention great characters!) I have not seen a book out there that can compare. From the computer savy to the traditionalist, if you are an animator this book is an absolute MUST!

This Sandro Guy.....

Sandro Corsaro is a talented individual with an unmistakable and extremely expressive animation style, and for the first time he discusses his method in print! Sandro covers traditional animation techniques and how they can be applied to the Flash authoring environment in order to create captivating and entertaining web content. Though Sandro is not the only author to tackle this topic, his dynamic style and solid method shed an atypical light on the subject which will give you insight and innovative ideas you never would have had otherwise. All in all this book should be looked at as the ultimate "how to" for anyone interested in cartoon style animation for web and broadcast.