Before the Animation Begins

By John Canemaker,

Book cover of Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Artists

Book description

Born from daydreams, meditations on color, character and form, and sheer inventiveness, Disney's pioneering animated films begin in the imagination of the "inspirational sketch" artist. Allowed to work with an unprecedented degree of creative freedom, these talented painters, designers, and illustrators attempt to conjure the "look" of a film -…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Before the Animation Begins as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have always been fascinated by the artists who created Disney’s shorts and animated features. I was also looking for a book showcasing pre-production artwork I had never seen before.

John Canemaker’s seminal book, which explores the lives and careers of Disney’s “concept artists,” made my dreams come true. It is a volume that is both an absolute delight to read (Canemaker is one of the very best writers alive) and a feast for the eyes. This is the book that inspired me to write my own art books.

From Didier's list on Disney history.

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