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The Noble Approach: Maurice Noble and the Zen of Animation Design
This extraordinary volume examines the life and animation philosophy of Maurice Noble, the noted American animation background artist and layout designer whose contributions to the industry span more than 60 years and include such cartoon classics as Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½th Century , What's Opera, Doc? , and The Road Runner Show . Revered throughout the animation world, his work serves as a foundation and reference point for the current generation of animators, story artists, and designers. Written by Noble's longtime friend and colleague Tod Polson and based on the draft manuscript Noble worked on in the years before his death, this illuminating book passes on his approach to animation design from concept to final frame, illustrated with sketches and stunning original artwork spanning the full breadth of his career.
- GenresArtNonfictionDesign
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 23, 2013
A beautiful and informative book about one of the most brilliant and influential artists in Hollywood studio animation history. Maurice Noble's approach essentially became the "house style" for mid-20th American animation (and beyond) and this book gives a wonderful overview of Noble's approach to design, illustrated with beautiful reproductions of everything from quick thumbnails to finished background paintings (usually painted by Phil DeGuard.)
The analysis of Noble's work not only provides a wonderful insight into how classics like "What's Opera, Doc?" and "Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century" came to look the way they did, but also makes a great point about why so many of Noble 's imitators (and they are legion!) fell flat on their face in trying to rip him off--Noble's work was always firmly grounded in solid art and design principles; he played around with and stretched the limits of color, composition, and design, but never to the point of throwing away those principles entirely.
My favorite layout artist is still Hawley Pratt--I can only hope someday somebody will write a book about his work that's as good as this one! If you love Bugs Bunny, design, color, or art in general, this would be a rewarding reading (and visual) experience.
The analysis of Noble's work not only provides a wonderful insight into how classics like "What's Opera, Doc?" and "Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century" came to look the way they did, but also makes a great point about why so many of Noble 's imitators (and they are legion!) fell flat on their face in trying to rip him off--Noble's work was always firmly grounded in solid art and design principles; he played around with and stretched the limits of color, composition, and design, but never to the point of throwing away those principles entirely.
My favorite layout artist is still Hawley Pratt--I can only hope someday somebody will write a book about his work that's as good as this one! If you love Bugs Bunny, design, color, or art in general, this would be a rewarding reading (and visual) experience.
December 7, 2021
This book quickly went from a $30 book on Amazon to a $300 book on eBay. I regret not jumping on it when I originally saw it but I stupidly thought it would always be there. Now I'm not sure I will ever get my hands on a physical copy. As a big fan of Maurice Noble, I've been wanting to read this book for months. I was thrilled to reach the top of the wait list at my local library right after I finished reading Robert McKinnon's biography of Noble "Stepping into the Picture." This book begins with it's own biography section which actually feels a little more fluid and actually more relevant to his art than the McKinnon biography. That's because Tod Polson is an artist that actually knew Maurcie Noble and therefore he knows what facts other artists would like to know. The real value of the book comes from the following chapters based on Maurice's approach to design and layout. I loved the in depth talks about color and design as well as the personal quotes from Maurice about why he did things the way he did them. I just wish there was more! I feel like the chapters towards the beginning are very thorough but the final chapters seems to wrap up too quickly. Overall I found it very enjoyable and I would love to have it in my personal library to read again and again. Maurice Noble is an eternal source of inspiration and this book really tries to make sure his legacy won't be forgotten. NOW IF WE COULD JUST GET ANOTHER PRESSING SO THAT WE DONT HAVE TO PAY $300!
March 21, 2022
Maurice Noble was the art director, lay-out man and co-director of the Chuck Jones unit at Warner Bros., and for the director's MGM unit. He's known for his striking mid-century modern artwork in classic cartoons like Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century (1953) and 'What's Opera, doc?' (1957).
Apparently Noble wanted to write a book on how to design for animation, and one of his students, Polson, fulfills this wish based on Noble's notes. The result is a very insightful instruction book on animation film design, interlaced with personal memories by Polson and some of his co-students, and preceded by a 34 page long biography of Maurice Noble himself.
Noble clearly knew what information he wanted to get across, and had already divided the material in clear sections, like 'story', 'design', 'color' and 'layout'. And each is as insightful as it is a delight to read. Especially when you compare it to the very sloppy 'Setting the Scene: The Art Evolution of Animation Layout' on the same subject. Recommended for anyone interested in animation film.
Apparently Noble wanted to write a book on how to design for animation, and one of his students, Polson, fulfills this wish based on Noble's notes. The result is a very insightful instruction book on animation film design, interlaced with personal memories by Polson and some of his co-students, and preceded by a 34 page long biography of Maurice Noble himself.
Noble clearly knew what information he wanted to get across, and had already divided the material in clear sections, like 'story', 'design', 'color' and 'layout'. And each is as insightful as it is a delight to read. Especially when you compare it to the very sloppy 'Setting the Scene: The Art Evolution of Animation Layout' on the same subject. Recommended for anyone interested in animation film.
June 20, 2020
I was looking for art technical advice and I found it in the last couple of pages. It was really invaluable and I am grateful for it.
I liked learning about other resources for drawing or animation. I have purchased at least three other books from reading this one. It was well researched.
I think one of my favorite bits to learn about Maurice Noble was that everything he did and invented was to create a good film. He seemed very devoted to film as a medium. (The book references other fantastic artists who worked behind the scenes who just did what they chose and it was beautiful but not necessarily good for the picture. I think this is an important distinction.)
The rest of the book is filled with lore, stories and imagery which are great. It is interesting to hear about artist’s ideas and how they got them and what they worked on ... but ...
(My ‘but’ is not reserved for this book only)
There is a curious idolatry reserved for veteran animator artists by people who revere them to the point where ... it gets a bit much.
This book was lighter with that than some I’ve read but it was still present. It may be true and it may be wonderful but it doesn’t make for very interesting reading.
I liked learning about other resources for drawing or animation. I have purchased at least three other books from reading this one. It was well researched.
I think one of my favorite bits to learn about Maurice Noble was that everything he did and invented was to create a good film. He seemed very devoted to film as a medium. (The book references other fantastic artists who worked behind the scenes who just did what they chose and it was beautiful but not necessarily good for the picture. I think this is an important distinction.)
The rest of the book is filled with lore, stories and imagery which are great. It is interesting to hear about artist’s ideas and how they got them and what they worked on ... but ...
(My ‘but’ is not reserved for this book only)
There is a curious idolatry reserved for veteran animator artists by people who revere them to the point where ... it gets a bit much.
This book was lighter with that than some I’ve read but it was still present. It may be true and it may be wonderful but it doesn’t make for very interesting reading.
June 3, 2017
This book is amazing, next to all the great artwork you get to glimpse into the world of Maurice Noble and how he approached animation design. There are some great snippets about composition and color (which I learned a lot from).
Of course it would've been best if this was solely Noble's book, not written by someone else using his notes and things in his interview, but sadly he wasn't able to do that, so I'm glad that Polson picked up this project and made it happen!
I love the way in which Maurice Noble thought btw:
"The real art of animation is filled with ideas and beauty and is a never ending joy."
And think about what he said about animation in the early 2000s, when animation was starting to imitate live-action more and more: "Where is the graphic innovation, satire, fun, and freshness? Are we afraid to laugh and poke fun these days?" Man was he right.. let's make animation more fun and innovative again! 💪🏼
Of course it would've been best if this was solely Noble's book, not written by someone else using his notes and things in his interview, but sadly he wasn't able to do that, so I'm glad that Polson picked up this project and made it happen!
I love the way in which Maurice Noble thought btw:
"The real art of animation is filled with ideas and beauty and is a never ending joy."
And think about what he said about animation in the early 2000s, when animation was starting to imitate live-action more and more: "Where is the graphic innovation, satire, fun, and freshness? Are we afraid to laugh and poke fun these days?" Man was he right.. let's make animation more fun and innovative again! 💪🏼
October 22, 2023
It's a bio, a love letter to Mr. Noble and a look under the hood at the art he created.
The writing is a worthy companion for the beautiful art. I was pleasantly surprised at the many, many detailed, easy-to-understand examples and explanations of color, light, and layout. The sections on how the art was produced are helpful for everyone who works on a team in any profession.
I'm glad it's available as an ebook, and I hope it will be reprinted soon.
This must have been a tremendous amount of work. Thanks to Mr. Polson and to everyone who made this happen. What a tribute. Every page is a joy.
The writing is a worthy companion for the beautiful art. I was pleasantly surprised at the many, many detailed, easy-to-understand examples and explanations of color, light, and layout. The sections on how the art was produced are helpful for everyone who works on a team in any profession.
I'm glad it's available as an ebook, and I hope it will be reprinted soon.
This must have been a tremendous amount of work. Thanks to Mr. Polson and to everyone who made this happen. What a tribute. Every page is a joy.
June 9, 2018
I had an inkling, but didn't realize what a huge impact Maurice Noble's artwork had on me growing up. Getting to see gorgeous stills of his artwork, rather than what I was used to, which was glimpses of it racing by in background of Looney Tunes, makes this book priceless. That's one aspect of the book. The other, seeing his process, and absolute passion for creating art throughout his lifetime, was informational to say the least, and inspirational at its best.
August 27, 2021
Maurice Noble is one of the most well know background artist in Warner Bros animation. His background art can be seen in "What's Opera, Doc?" to "How the Grinch Stole Christmas".
This book covers his biography, the studios where he has worked, and the animation work he has worked on. Filled with photographs and brilliant background art. Definitely worth reading about one of the masters in animation.
This book covers his biography, the studios where he has worked, and the animation work he has worked on. Filled with photographs and brilliant background art. Definitely worth reading about one of the masters in animation.
July 8, 2018
Never thought so much thought would go into designing backgrounds for something as silly as Bugs Bunny or The roadrunner. I was just a little kid when I first saw these cartoons and now as a grown man with an art degree and stepping into the animation industry I can only bow down to this man’s philosophy of life and design. Amazing.
October 12, 2018
A delightful read. An act of love to Mr Noble and a simple yet complete look inside his method of work and approach to creation. It taught me more about values, color theory and other things that all the years of art school and tutorials searching on the internet. A must have for every aspiring illustrator or animator.
January 5, 2024
Such an essential book to read if you’re interested in background paint and design for tv or a fan of Warner Bros golden age of animation! Chock full of tips and tidbits from Maurice’s life and work. It’s also full of some gorgeous sketches and photos of his designs—a must-read!
January 7, 2018
I mostly just flipped through this for the images, of which there could've been more. I also would've liked to see his backgrounds from more obscure cartoons.
September 11, 2019
a classic must - read
January 18, 2023
A superb manual for anyone working in the animation industry.
January 22, 2023
Interesante pero creo q es un poco outdated
January 30, 2025
Wonderful.
I had it on my phone, read it slowly betwixt & between other books.
Loved it.
Interesting, inspiring & filled with good stuff for anyone who enjoys film, drawing, art.
I had it on my phone, read it slowly betwixt & between other books.
Loved it.
Interesting, inspiring & filled with good stuff for anyone who enjoys film, drawing, art.
November 7, 2014
A wonderful blend of biographical details and animation design principles that leaves you with a whole new appreciation for cartoon design. After reading the book, watching the cartoons becomes an even more enjoyable experience as you realize just how beautifully crafted they are. Really enjoyed this one!
September 25, 2015
What a delightful book. It turns out that I've loved Maurice Noble's work, though, I admit I only recognize his name from credits. That will change! A primer on animation design based on Noble's approach (hence the title), it contains excellent wisdom with respect to design beyond cartoons. Recommended for artists, animators, and creatives of all types.
January 17, 2016
A treasure trove of information. Will have and want to re-read this many many times, especially the chapters on colour and staging.
April 22, 2017
super super good
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews