<p>Hi I'm thinking about switching my major from computer science to animation since i'm more attracted to the glamour or art and computer. Do you have any advice maybe explaining the competitiveness or something?</p>
<p>BTW what's the difference between computer graphics and animation? I think computer graphics are more on the technical side right? Not sure if I should ask this question in the art forum.</p>
<p>well, to answer your second question: computer graphics is how to make the computer draw whatever you want to draw, whereas animation is using (successive) drawings to tell a story.</p>
<p>so yeah, i guess computer graphics is "technical." but keep in mind animation is about acting and storytelling, not making cool-looking stuff. though it can be applied to that.</p>
<p>Classic, or handdrawn, animation, is out of fashion at the moment in feature production. CGI is certainly what's hot; there are MANY different jobs and sorts of expertise involved in production, from character design, backgrounds, animation, story; I believe several colleges and Us have CGI divisions (CalArts?) and the animation houses poach on the best ones, or used to. I think the previous poster's point is well-taken; whatever sort of animation you wind up doing, the best (like Pixar's) works because it's character and story driven. So don't forget to study classic literature and learn something about structure. Good animators are always strong story tellers, and are expected to contribute a LOT to the development of the script during production. Just as important, start making little films of your own as soon as you are able to. Use them to demonstrate your expertise, and to help develop your understanding of narrative structure. You're going to need a reel for your portfolio. Plus, you can post 'em on youtube! Look at John Lassiter's early shorts. Read Joseph Campbell.</p>
<p>Thanks datripp that helps alot.</p>
<p>what are some of the computer graphics major jobs called? I know an multimedia animation major is duh an animator but not sure what jobs are under CGI. Are there some schools that allow dual major in both or a minor in one or is it not recommended?</p>
<p>I don't know; my expertise was in story (writer) though I worked with animators. You could probably learn a lot by visiting the websites of the schools you're interested in attending, reading their course catalogues in the majors, and maybe googling info. on computer generated imaging.</p>
<p>Computer graphics/animation are related but still different animals.They all fall under the ambit of "digital graphics or digital design." </p>
<p>With Digital Design, you have majors that focus primarily on web design with some animation built in. Schools that have strong programs like this are University of Cincinnati, School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning, Pratt Institute ( Computer Art), MICA Digital Design, RIT.</p>
<p>Some Schools are almost solely animation with very little web design work. Example would be Cal Arts, Pratt, RISD, RIT, (in their film and video school) . Ringling College of Art and Design, and Sheriden in Canada, Laguna School of Art,etc. See also USC and UCLA and possibly SCAD ( for their sequential art program).</p>
<p>Most of the above schools do have some animation built in to their digital design major such as University of Cincinnati and MICA,but animation isn't as emphasized as with a pure animation program. </p>
<p>Some schools approach digital design from a more graphic design approach such as RISD.</p>
<p>Some schools have grad programs in all of the above. Thus, you really, really need to check out the curriculum, coops/internship opportunities, costs etc.</p>
<p>Be advised all digital design majors have to have a good deal of comfort working with computers and learning to use a number of sophisticated software programs. Having good coding skills and programming skills can be very important. </p>
<p>For example, you would think that game design is a lot of fun and involves simply a lot of design. However, most of the good game design schools such as CMU and RIT, involve courses of study that rivals that of a computer programmer. There are lots of programming courses in the digital area. If computers and programming aren't fo you, you may not like any digital area.</p>
<p>I probably was a bit scattered in my discussion, yet I hope I have given you some useful information.</p>
<p>Thanks it helped alot and yes it was a bit scattered but hey that's the way it is. I mean I want to major in something with computer science and art.</p>
<p>Was wondering if CGI or animation is a 4 year/ 2 year/ or 1 year degree? Or even if they have it as a grad?</p>
<p>So taxguy, you're saying that Digital Designer is more aimed towards Web designers and/or game designer and Animation is an animator but in many different careers such as movies and game development? I mean i'm just curious what kind of careers one would get out of from a CS and art major or even something related but with little programming.</p>
<p>I read your post number 8 and didn't understand your question or questions. Please rephrase and clarity what you are asking me.</p>
<p>If you are asking what careers you can get from a digital design major, you can go into Web design, animation, special effects, lighting specialist for animated movies, interactive graphics such as educational CDs etc.</p>
<p>Yep that was what I was looking for thanks :). Currently right now I'm studying computer science and art(either as a second major or minor). But since my school does not have an animation program, would I have to consider going to grad school to study animation if I want to or is the only way is to drop out and study animation at a BA level?</p>