Stop Motion Books

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As stated before in the Work-Shop page, there is very little written documentation about the how-to technical aspects of Stop Motion Animation. You have to research other fields, crafts & disciplines and then adapt or modify those other techniques for use in Stop Motion.

Of course, you might have some options: You can attempt to locate universities, courses / seminars, or art / trade schools that will hopefully teach you everything, OR, you can try to apprentice at a studio ( if they still do stop motion ) or with a mentor, which is the most ideal way to learn; however these options seem almost impossible today. Consider this; if you compared the total tuition expenses of college or specialty training, with the cost of ALL the books listed here, and if you diligently applied yourself with motivation and persistence; you could probably teach yourself, and you might save a substantial amount of money (compared to education tuition).

I do not have all these books in my personal library. I have browsed some of the books at bookstores, public / school libraries, hobby & crafts stores; and I have read the publishers descriptions and some of the book reviews. You are responsible for your book purchases. If listed at the book links, read the editorial & customer book reviews. Again, I attempted to list books that could relate to Stop Motion; but just learning a few tricks or tips from a book is maybe worth the purchase. This Library list will be changed or updated as needed, so be sure to bookmark Stop Motion Works and come back often. At the time this book list was posted, they were "in print", however, some books will go "out of print" and might become rare. Amazon Marketplace sometimes offers used books or try Half.com. So, if book is available and you can afford them, I suggest you get the books Now, to start your own reference library. Click on Links to jump to page section on specific books.

Books & Products available from:

Drawing & Anatomy

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards
Keys to Drawing, by Bert Dodson
Thinking with a Pencil, by Henning Nelms
Dynamic Anatomy, by Burne Hogarth
Drawing the Human Head, by Burne Hogarth
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way, by Stan Lee & John Buscema
Exploring Storyboarding (other similar books but carefully read reviews)
Nature Drawing: A Tool for Learning, by Clare Walker Leslie
ILLustrating Nature: How to Paint / Draw Plants and Animals, by Dorothy Barlowe & Sy Barlowe
Scientific ILLustration: Guide to Biological, Zoological, & Medical Rendering Techniques, by Phyllis Wood
Animal Drawing: Anatomy & Action for Artists, by Charles R. Knight

Note: If you want reference books to study the Anatomy of animals, insects, birds, fishes, etc.; just go to the Amazon site and do a book search; you will be amazed at the number of books about that particular species / life form. Also, there are many books on Human Anatomy drawing; too many to list here.

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Sculpting

Sculpture: Principles & Practice, by Louis Slobodkin
Modeling the Head in Clay by B. Lucchesi & M. Malmstrom
Modeling a Likeness in Clay, by Daisy Grubbs
Sculpting in Clay, by Dale Power
Family and Friends in Polymer Clay, by Maureen Carlson
Amazing Figure Modeler Magazine
Hands on Sculpting, Dottie Erdmann
Sculpting Dolls in Super Sculpey, by Cheryl Reillo
Doll Sculpting, Lewis Goldstein
How to Make Clay Characters, by Maureen Carlson
Creating Life-like Animals in Polymer Clay, by Katerine Dewey
Dinosaur Sculpting, by Allen A. Debus

Note: Sculpey, Super Sculpey, and Fimo are trade / propriertary names for "Polymer Clay". If you are using the molding & foam casting method to create your Stop Motion animation puppets, you would sculpt your puppets in Plasticene (oil based clay) and not polymer clays. I list these books that use polymer clays, because they give you tips & principles applicable to general sculpting.

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Puppets

Puppets: Methods and Materials, by Cedric Flower & Alan Fortney
The Complete Book of Doll Making, by Pamela Beak
Designing the Doll: From Concept to Construction, by Susanna Oroyan
Fantastic Figures: Ideas & Tecniques Using New Clays, by Susanna Oroyan
Anatomy of a Doll: The Fabric Sculptor's Handbook, by Susanna Oroyan
The Foam Book: An Easy Guide to Building Polyfoam Puppets, by Drew Allison & Donald Devet
Hats in Miniature, by Lyn Waring
Alternative puppet build-up .... to my knowledge not yet tested for actual
Stop Motion use.... maybe worth experimenting .... links .... 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5