Howard Beckerman

Howard Beckerman was an American animator, director, and educator who worked in the animation industry for over five decades. He created animated films, television commercials, and educational content while teaching animation techniques at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Beckerman directed and animated numerous short films and commercials throughout his career. His work included both traditional hand-drawn animation and experimental techniques. He received recognition for his animated shorts and contributed to various television projects. As an educator, Beckerman taught animation fundamentals to thousands of students at SVA from 1965 until his retirement. He developed curriculum and teaching methods that influenced a generation of animators. His book "Animation: The Whole Story" compiled his decades of professional experience and teaching knowledge into a comprehensive guide for animators. Beckerman's dual role as practitioner and educator allowed him to bridge the gap between industry experience and academic instruction. He remained active in both animation production and education throughout his career until his death in 2019.

Readers praise "Animation: The Whole Story" for its comprehensive coverage of animation techniques and history. Many appreciate Beckerman's practical approach, drawn from his decades of professional experience. Students and professionals find the book useful as both a learning tool and reference guide. Readers value the book's clear explanations of technical processes and its inclusion of both traditional and digital animation methods. The historical context Beckerman provides helps readers understand how animation techniques developed over time. Many note that his teaching background shows in the book's organized structure and accessible writing style. Some readers find portions of the content dated, particularly sections dealing with older technology and software. Others wish for more in-depth coverage of contemporary digital techniques. A few reviewers mention that certain technical explanations could benefit from additional visual examples or diagrams to illustrate complex concepts. The book receives positive feedback from animation students who use it as a textbook, with many calling it informative and well-structured for learning purposes.