READS
These are the books I return to again and again—whether I’m directing animation, mentoring artists, or navigating the chaos of creative leadership.
Some I wrote. Some I wish I had.
Some I wrote. Some I wish I had.
🔹 Upstart
By Scott Ross
Legendary VFX producer Scott Ross breaks down what it really takes to start and sustain a creative studio. A must-read for anyone launching a company, pitching IP, or wondering why most post-houses fail.
🔹 Herding Tigers:
Be the Leader That Creative People Need
By Todd Henry
An excellent guide to managing and empowering creative teams—without smothering them. Especially useful for directors, VFX leads, and producers navigating feedback, deadlines, and ego.
🔹 The New Animation & VFX Playbook
By Angie Jones
A TL;DR survival guide for creatives facing a shifting industry. Jobs are changing, pipelines are fragmenting, and AI is here. This book shows you where the real opportunities are—and how to pivot toward them.
🔹 Thinking Animation:
Bridging the Gap Between 2D and CG
By Angie Jones & Jamie Oliff
A go-to resource for animators navigating the transition from classical principles to CG pipelines. Covers timing, spacing, performance, and the importance of storytelling across styles. Yes, I had to put my book here.
🔹 The Creative Ambush
By SEFIROT
A card-based tool and philosophical guide for unlocking creativity under pressure. Visually playful, but surprisingly profound. Great for anyone who needs to think differently—fast.
🔹 The Creative Act:
A Way of Being
By Rick Rubin
A meditation on creativity as a practice, not a product. Less about making art and more about being the artist. Grounding, generous, and surprisingly essential.