Elemental Magic, Volume II: The Technique of Special Effects Animation

One of the only 2d books I found creating effects. Love this gem

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.

I can't wait to use this book more. So often I'm searching for some kernel of knowledge when trying to learn new techniques (or hone existing ones), and most of the time books don't capture the same insights for me as taking a class or learning directly from another artist. But this book does it! Reading it feels like some of the best classes I had in art school, focused directly on a subject that's often glossed over, left out of "Art of" books, with true masters few and far between. I've only spent a few hours reading through the material and feel like I've already learned a lot of key things I can use in my daily work -- mostly, how to mentally approach animating special effects. I'm so glad a book like this exists, especially one penned by such an accomplished and deeply passionate artist. Thanks Joseph! You're helping make my game VFX all the better.

The five stars are for the text and pictures. If you liked volume I, you will like volume II. My problem with the book is that the description on Amazon and the book's preface mention a "companion website." I went to the URL mentioned in the book and was found this: "Welcome to the Elemental Magic, Volume II... Online content for this book will be coming soon." This is the second book from this books publisher that I've bought lately that did not deliver on the advertised companion website. It would be nice if companion websites and promised online materials could be available when a book is published.

Both Volume 1 and 2 really explain how an effect should look and feel. Anyone can press play and a fluid solver or set up a rigid body scene, but is the result appealing? Does it fit with the story? Joseph Gilland is the guy to show you how it's done right. I've heard CG artist argue that their simulation is physically accurate correct and "the reason it looks that way because gravity behaves like blah blah blah," but It's not supposed to be accurate, it's supposed to look awesome.

First of all, I think I'm in love with this book.It's not just a book it's a lot of experience and information that been collected through the past.Highly recommend it for those who want to learn animation fx.

Volume II has a lot of the same things that Volume I had. In many cases there is more detail. The first 1/2 of the book deals almost entirely with water--splashes, waves, etc. and the second half has a lot more to do with fire (and smoke). As it turns out, fire and water should be animated in much the same way, so I guess that makes sense. There is a fair amount of repetition between the first and second volumes. My recommendation would be to start with volume II and, if you really like it, get volume I. If you already have Volume I and would like a few more details, then I would recommend volume II. If you already have vol I and for whatever reason, you don't like it much, I wouldn't recommend this as it is more of the same. For those not already familiar with the series, you should know that it is a book of lots and lots of pictures with some good explanations of what is going on. I think this is a great way to do an informative "drawing" book. You should already have some artistic ability and a good eye--what this will teach you is to take those abilities and start animating the everyday things that are so difficult to get to look natural. Recommended if you already can draw and you're just wanting to make your animations look more real.

It has all the elements i need to create an effect for an action scene or heroic character.

So much information in those two volumes specialized in animation FX

This version of the book mostly focuss' in particles. It is a pricy book and the content compared to the other book of Gilland is just weak.I would recomend getting Volume 1. Cheaper and much better in content.Volume 2 is I guess a collectors item. If I could go back, I would've not bought it.

Muy buen estado, excelente el libro

This book is for those who are interested in effects, including 3d, VFX, motion graphics and classical. Very excellent book. You can buy both the edition or you can buy this alone which is similar and updated.

Elemental magic volume II does a superb job of building on the skills learnt in volume I. Although there is a lot of text inside the book it does have some wonderful examples of animated elements such as waves, fire, smoke etc. There is also a good deal of photographic reference in the book and Joseph Gilland shows how to use them as inspiration and how to simplify the forms to make them more appropriate for animation.Anyone interested in traditional animation and especaily effects animation will find this book no end of use.On a slightly different note, anyone wanting to see more of the contents of the book before buying should it out over at Parka's blog: http://www.parkablogs.comHope this helps.