Effective Web Animation: Advanced Techniques for the Web

Rating:
Summary: A thorough animation book that covers many valuable concepts
Review: Effective Web Animation includes an exhaustive survey of different concepts and applications used in the creation of stunning animations (interactive and otherwise) for use on the web. While other web animation books might focus primarily on simply making GIF animations, Hamlin's book gives a much broader (yet in-depth) investigation into palettes, transparency issues, optimizations, timing options and disposal methods, as well as methods of creating interesting and compelling motion. In addition, Effective Web Animation goes far beyond GIF animations, and explores the capabilities of combining GIFs and JPGs into new techniques that are controlled by Javascript, and it becomes clear how to decide when it is more efficient and flexible to use Javascript over the standard GIF format.

EWA really shines by explaining its techniques in an application-independent way, such that you understand how particular features are beneficial before you even need to worry about what particular software you're going to use. Examples are shown using specific applications like Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Flash, but it is done in such a way that you don't necessarily feel "tied" to those applications. Some examples show how multiple applications were used to develop one animation, which shows how you can combine the relative strengths of different graphics applications to create something more complex than any one application would allow you to create. The book "educates" you instead of "trains" you, giving you a good conceptual foothold to take advantage of your knowledge regardless of the application you happen to be using.

The artwork and animations featured in the book cover a variety of styles, and the case studies section shows off various types and complexities of animations from some impressive sites on the web now.

Rating:
Summary: Good for Beginner and Intermediat
Review: Having already worked for a number of years with the Internet I was hoping this book would provide me with such information as "Advanced Techniques for the Web" (as the books sub-title states). What I found though was the book is a fantastic resource for anyone who is a complete beginner right up to intermediate web developer.

I was expecting detailed information on java scripting and Flash scripting however found that the book goes not much further than, for example, the handbooks and tutorials of Flash 4 and Dreamweaver 2.

If you are an experienced web designer/developer with a solid grounding in the internet and are looking for more than basic java scripting and flash scripting, this book may prove to be too basic. With this all said, this is a valuable book and many colleagues who newer to the web are gaining much benefit from information in this book.

5 stars for beginner - intermediate skill level

3 stars for advanced skill level

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING FOUNDATION ON SIMPLE ANIMATION
Review: I just read this book on 04/2001, and considering that this book was published on 99 it feels a bit old, but although it treats Flash on its version 3, is gives you an amazing background information, also the optimization section for animated gifs is amazing. I just wish i read this book on 99' I would be Hillman Curtis 2, i would've save me lots of learning. Great for Flash foundations. This for sure was the THE HIT back on 99'.

Rating:
Summary: Provides a New Look at Incorporating Animated Imagery
Review: J.Scott Hamlin is on the cutting edge of Web graphics design and his book Effective Web Animation offers a new look and fresh approach to incorporating animated imagery. According to Hamlin serious Web graphics design goes far beyond the simple GIF animations of poorer quality and performance that just about anyone can create. Image size, color quality, interactivity, accompanying audio, and faster delivery over the Internet are factors that have led to new Web animation technologies. Are we ready to face them?

Hamlin lays a foundation for Web animation on the professional level for serious minded Web designers who must face new graphic design consideration demands. Hamlin offers detailed instruction involving the use of JavaScript, Photoshop, and Macromedia Flash and the results are phenomenal. This book contains many well-planned and beautifully designed graphic images and the tips and advanced techniques necessary to create comparable results. The accompanying CD features sample code, animations, demoware, and tutorials for further instruction opportunities.

Web animation is making a comeback and Web graphics design has become serious business. Hamlin's contribution in the form of this book is essential for those designers who want to graduate to a higher level of Web design mastery and income. Clients are wising up to the many Web technologies available to them and are becoming more discerning about how they spend their advertising dollars. Don't be left behind. Consider animating your Web creations today. This is must reading!

Rating:
Summary: A true five star book!
Review: The others have said it all. This is truly a five star book, full of useful content. By now you should be in no doubt - buy it!

Rating:
Summary: One GREAT GFX book!
Review: This is one great book! Picking it up and setting down in my usual lazy chair to read I quickly got a feel for how easy this book was to read. With beautiful pictures and easy to follow examples I quickly found it to be one of my favorite graphics books. This book covers almost everything you need to know about web animation, and best of all, it grows with you! As your skills get better the book explains more. From Gif89 animations to all out power house Flash animations that will make your site to die for! I loved every bit!