Veteran Traditional 2D Animator Tony White Releases Book Giving Insight into his Career & Life
Tony Working with Arnie (Source & credit: Tony White)
ANIMATION ME ~ An Illustrated memoir with Pencils, Pixels and Arnie – the new book by Tony White that charts his unique life as an award-winning traditional 2D animator – is a fascinating insight into the career of an accomplished animator who has achieved almost everything possible in the world of traditional hand-drawn animation – and offers last defiant stand against a growing era or mediocrity as a result by the emergence of generative AI. Tony is an award-winning 2D animator, author, and teacher who initially studied with some of the greatest animators that have ever lived. From such privileged beginnings, he went on to create, celebrate and preserve the very best that traditional hand-crafted animation has to offer. Tony’s career has been one of the most unique and fascinating animation journeys. With ANIMATION ME, he shares with his readers a 300-page, no-holds-barred account of his struggles, triumphs and ultimate recognition in an artform he considers second to none.
ANIMATION ME An Illustrated memoir with Pencils, Pixels and Arnie Book Cover (Source & credit: Tony White)
Tony’s incredible journey has embraced some of the most respected British animation studios of their time – Halas & Batchelor, the iconic Richard Williams Studio and finally Tony’s own London-based, award-winning studio of 20 years, Animus Productions. He has met, studied and worked with some of the greatest names in the art & animation world. Originally taught illustration at college by the great Ralph Steadman, then personally apprenticed by the 3-times Oscar-winner, Richard Williams, Tony was soon fortunate enough to study and work with some of the finest Hollywood ‘golden era’ legends ever – including Art Babbit and Frank Thomas (Disney), Ken Harris (Warner Brothers/Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner) plus many more. Tony also sheds full light on his own career experiences & achievements – which embraces over 200 TV commercials, 2 TV Specials, a number of short films – one of which, HOKUSAI ~ An Animated Sketchbook, won a BAFTA Award, presented by Princess Ann. Tony was also responsible for directing, designing & animating The Pink Panther Strikes Again movie titles, for director, Blake Edwards.
Still From ‘Endangered Species’ (Source & credit: Tony White)
In 1998, Tony closed his London studio and moved to the USA – to pursue his one remaining dream of working on his own animated feature film. Sadly, the dream was shattered when Disney CEO, Michael Eisner, closed down the legendary traditional animation studio there in 2002, causing the entire 2D industry in America to die overnight! Tony was therefore reluctantly forced to enact ‘Plan B’ – teaching and writing his many respected books on animation, some of which were translated into several languages and used as respected textbooks around the world. Additionally, Tony set-up his own 2D ACADEMY in Bellevue, WA, where he teaches the core principles of movement and production to the animators of the future.
The Animator at His Desk – From ‘Endangered Species’ (Source & credit: Tony White)
In ANIMATION ME, Tony intimately shares his many wonderful memories & experiences in the animation world. This is a journey of over 50 years so far (half the time the animation industry we know has actually existed)! Tony also shares his writing stage with his imaginary muse and mentor, Arnie, who adds his own wry & illustrated commentaries throughout. Reflecting the significant threat that generative AI offers to the traditional hand-crafted animation world of today, Tony also includes a little of how hand-crafted animation has been traditionally achieved, in addition to the tools and techniques it embraces. That way, the young readers of today might, at some time in the future, pick up a pencil themselves and move the 2D-animated artform to new and unimaginable levels of imaginative excellence.
Concept Art For ‘Spirit Of The Game’ Movie Development (Source & credit: Tony White)
ANIMATION ME is released in Print and Kindle today – 28th January 2025. (This is Tony’s mother’s birthday. He feels it will be a fitting tribute to both of his late parents, for the tremendous sacrifices they made, to enable him to achieve what he has achieved.) Readers in the UK can find the book at Amazon.co,uk, while US readers can buy the book from Amazon.com now.
There is an introductory promotion on the Kindle edition, from today (28th Jan) to Sunday (2nd Feb).
You can follow Tony on the following channels:
- Tony’s author’s page on Amazon
- Tony’s life and work on ArtStation
- Tony’s animation school, 2D ACADEMY
- Tony’s interview of PBS television in the USA