Elemental Magic, Volume I: The Art of Special Effects Animation

The media could not be loaded.  Special Effects (SFX) is as old as Cinema. Any and all methods have been used to simulate effects in live action as well as animation films.This book and its sequel gives this unique art a detailed treatment that is long overdue. It is essential in teaching art not to focus too much on How to do 'this', How to do 'that' etc. It is always easy to teach that. But art is about creativity and not about repeating something like one does in an assembly line. More so in this niche domain of Special effects which is at the same time as much of a science as art.This book deals it the right way by introducing the reader to the approaches of special effects, beginning with early attempts at animation special effects. A great amount of detail is provided in the study of the elements, and how it gets integrated into an effect. One begins to appreciate how much the study, observation of the real world in extreme detail is an essential ingredient of understanding effects.The book equips the reader with all the mental tools needed to get started on a journey, where one goes into his/her own path of exploration, study, experimentation and producing Effects. Instead of merely showing, say, how to make smoke.The study of Effects animation, is in essence a study of natural phenomena. Hence wast.For instance when we say water it implies... (I quote from the book:) Splashes, Ripples, Waves, Bubbles, Fountains, White water, Geysers, Water hoses, Raindrops, Rivers, Waterfalls, Oceans, Ice, Snowflakes, Avalanches and Slush !! Whoa!.. You get the point!This volume deals with two categories.(1) Liquid(2) Fire, Smoke and ExplosionsThe author uses a very very simple, clear and lucid language, breaks down the process ever so slowly, with enough examples, time and explanations that aid in the assimilation of the subject.Since the treatment is at a fundamental level, what one learns forms the foundation for any medium.

I've been hoping for years that someone would write a comprehensive book on 2D effects animation. Something more than the little "how to draw and flapping flag" or "how to make a fire cycle" bits that get tacked on in other animation books.Disney veteran Joseph Gilland has finally given us that first book dedicated to 2D effects animation. He's broken down effects into four broad categories (water/liquids, fire/smoke, props/solid objects and magical effects) and laid out the principles needed to bring them to life on paper.Since every real-world splash and flame is unique, Elemental Magic isn't so much of a "how to draw" type book as it is a "how to approach" book. Gilland breaks down the basic behaviors of different types of matter and the working methods needed for an animator to capture the dynamic essence of an effect without being tied to a hyper-real style or getting bogged down in an unmanageable level of detail.And this book doesn't solely apply to hand-drawn effects. Each section on a type of matter includes several pages on how to apply these classical animation principles to digital effects work. How to get the most out the computer's ability to do the heavy lifting on effects.Hopefully this isn't the last book ever published on 2D effects animation. Gilland himself mentions that he's only scratching the surface with this book and that water, smoke or any other element could warrant a full volume treatment.I hope someone takes him up on that offer, and with Elemental Magic we now have a solid foundation to build on.

It has been said that one must learn special effects for animation prior to animating or any other process in the field. I do not know if this is a solidified truth or not, but it pays off when an animator boils down the timing. Not to mention that drawing and artistic styling can manifest expansions as well when one delves into this sort of practice or study.There are plenty of examples to build a portfolio or an understanding. Let it be said that one should not copy from the examples in the book after he has firmly grasped then, and try and substitute his own takes on the matter and projects to build this portfolio.Minimal information is out or written on this subject pertaining animation, or at least as far as I know outside of an academic institution. A classical approach to the application, but beneficial digitally for a means to an end. This is one of the only sources of information pertaining to this matter, and should be a must for any student or individual starting out and interested in this area. Regarding the price and the amount of information that is stored within is a steal.The two volumes make for great additions to supplemented materials as photograph books on motion and such subjects, as well as life studies of natural phenomena.

It's such valuable and arcane information, but for a book about gorgeous visuals it has garbage dpi. If you found this gem you'll buy it regardless, but steel yourself for the so-so print quality.

Came just as wanted, no damage or problems with book.

Great book amazing for artists and animators, or illistrators.

So far I really like this first volume. It gives solid advice on how to approach drawing effects. I've read reviews that suggest you to straight to volume 2. But I feel you miss the basic stuff, that is pretty important. I recommend getting both books. It will help publishers print more books on animation. Especially the hand drawn stuff.

I was in Vancouver Film School's Classical Animation Course back in 1999-2000 (Class 29), and the 2D FX course was exceptional. I still look over my old notes to aid in animating. Even though the old notes are comprehensive, I still wanted to have more detail and explanation on the subject - and whallah! I found this book on Amazon. Much to my surprise, I discovered Mr. Gilland taught at VFS many years after my departure but I can still benefit from his genius via his books.Excellent books, both Volumes.Cheers,

Tremendamente útil tanto para amateurs como para profesionales.

Very helpful for any animator interested in learning the basics and tips at how to draw 2D FX, I would highly recommend it for anyone that wants to start in the animation industry.

wer Joseph Gilland in Person erleben duerfte, weiss sein Leidenschaft fuer Effects Animation zu schaetzen, samt die lange Jahren an Erfahrung die er mitbringt. Dabei ist es egal ob er traditionell zeichnet oder am Computer sich mit Simulationen beschaeftigt. Es geht um ein unterliegende Bewusstsein fuer die Kraefte, die sich in ein Splash, ein Welle, ein Flame oder Explosion beobachten lassen. Und dann noch - wie geht man von ein leere Stuck Papier zu eine gelungen Effect? Gilland summiert die Grundlagen der Prozesse in anschauliche Manier. Diese Buch ersetzt zwar den persoenliche Begegnung mit den Lehrmeister nicht, bringt aber dass Wissen gezielt auf den Punkt. Auf jeden Fall empfehlungswert.

excelente estado

Awesome Book for animators and illustrators could benefit from it. It's for sure a must for special effects animators even if you are working on CGI, this book takes you back to basics to understand animating elemental magic and magic which you can apply in your work and inspire to create unique animation rather than simple loops!