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I really like animation but also, I feel like I also want to study computer science is there a way I can do both, or possible even do both careers?
my whole life I have been focusing on animation but recently I have been interested in computer science, but I still want to be an animator, I want to know if I can do both. I have always wanted to be an animator for a company
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6 answers
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Kelly’s Answer
Animation IS computer science, and has been for a long time! High-end 3D animated movies like Toy Story and Spiderverse would not exist as we know them without the skilled engineers and mathematicians who invented the powerful machines/software to help make them. Things like the characters' places on screen, how they move in the in-between frames, and how color, light, and effects all blend together are based on the computer's calculations and highly advanced math.
The roles of engineer and artist are very different, but both very valuable in animation. If you can get good enough at both, you could put both of them on your resume and see where it takes you.
The roles of engineer and artist are very different, but both very valuable in animation. If you can get good enough at both, you could put both of them on your resume and see where it takes you.
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Martha’s Answer
If you love animation and computer science, the good news is that you don’t have to choose between them—you can absolutely study both, and even build a career that blends the two. Many fields, like game development, VFX, and technical animation, rely on people who understand both technology and art.
Here are some ways to plan your studies:
1. Major in Computer Science, Minor in Animation: This path gives you solid tech skills for a stable career while letting you explore your artistic side.
2. Major in Animation, Learn Programming: Dive into Python for tool creation, C++ for building game engines, or use visual tools like Unreal Engine.
3. Double Major: Go for both to really master each area.
Recommended Skills to Learn:
- Software: Get familiar with Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and learn coding languages like Python and C++.
- Concepts: Study important topics like algorithms and data structures for computer science, and animation principles and 3D modeling for art.
Here are some ways to plan your studies:
1. Major in Computer Science, Minor in Animation: This path gives you solid tech skills for a stable career while letting you explore your artistic side.
2. Major in Animation, Learn Programming: Dive into Python for tool creation, C++ for building game engines, or use visual tools like Unreal Engine.
3. Double Major: Go for both to really master each area.
Recommended Skills to Learn:
- Software: Get familiar with Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and learn coding languages like Python and C++.
- Concepts: Study important topics like algorithms and data structures for computer science, and animation principles and 3D modeling for art.
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Rachel’s Answer
I see there are quite a few answers already on the lines of game development and software engineering at animation companies, so I want to introduce another path, which is computer graphics research. Even if you do not want to be a researcher after college, a great way to combine a love of art and computer science is to become an undergraduate research assistant under a professor specializing in human centered computing, computer graphics, or both. My undergraduate research experience was in designing virtual reality nature environments supporting mental health, and one of the students I mentored on my project was actually an art major with computer science minor (though for you, you may want to either double major or major comp sci minor art)
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Nirmal’s Answer
Today, animation and computer science work well together. They are used in areas like product design and robotics, where creativity and design are important. Animators and computer science experts bring these skills, making them a great team.
Look for design education courses
Nirmal recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ibrahim’s Answer
It’s great that you’re thinking about both animation and computer science. That’s actually a very common combination, and yes it is definitely possible to do both.
Animation and computer science often work together in many careers. For example, fields like game development, visual effects (VFX), 3D graphics, and animation software development all combine programming with animation. Many animators also learn coding to create tools, simulations, or interactive animations. So studying computer science could actually make you an even stronger animator.
One option is to major in computer science and take animation or digital art classes on the side. Another option is to study animation but learn programming skills like Python, C++, or game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Building small projects like simple games or animated scenes can help you explore both areas together.
You don’t necessarily have to choose only one path these two fields can complement each other very well. Keep exploring what excites you, and you’ll find a direction that fits both of your interests.
Animation and computer science often work together in many careers. For example, fields like game development, visual effects (VFX), 3D graphics, and animation software development all combine programming with animation. Many animators also learn coding to create tools, simulations, or interactive animations. So studying computer science could actually make you an even stronger animator.
One option is to major in computer science and take animation or digital art classes on the side. Another option is to study animation but learn programming skills like Python, C++, or game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Building small projects like simple games or animated scenes can help you explore both areas together.
You don’t necessarily have to choose only one path these two fields can complement each other very well. Keep exploring what excites you, and you’ll find a direction that fits both of your interests.
Updated
Alicia’s Answer
Hey, I hope this helps you, Camil:
1. The "Secret Weapon" of Major Studios
Most people think animation is just drawing, but at studios like Pixar, Disney, or DreamWorks, they rely on Technical Directors (TDs). These are people who are artists but also know how to code.
What they do: They build the tools that other animators use. If a character needs realistic hair that flows in the wind or water that splashes just right, a TD writes the math and code to make that happen.
The Demand: Studios are always looking for people who speak both "Art" and "Code." It is often easier to find a great animator than it is to find a great animator who can also script in Python or C++.
2. Technical Animation & Rigging
If you love making characters move, computer science helps you understand Rigging. This is the process of building the "skeleton" and the controls for a 3D model. It's why I mix old school 3D animation with AI animation! Advanced rigging involves a lot of logic and sometimes custom coding to ensure a character’s skin deforms correctly when they smile or jump.
3. Game Development
If you study Computer Science, you can go into Technical Art for video games. You could be the person animating a character, but also the one programming how that character reacts when a player presses a button. You aren't just making a movie; you're building a living world.
4. You Don’t Have to Choose
In college, many students Major in Computer Science and Minor in Animation (or vice versa). My own daughter is doing this as she is in college right now.
The Benefit: A Computer Science degree provides a very strong safety net and high-paying job opportunities, while your animation portfolio shows off your soul and creativity.
The Career: You could work at a big company like Sony as a Character Animator for three years, then pivot to being a Graphics Programmer the next.
The Bottom Line
Don't look at them as two separate paths. Look at them as two different tools in the same toolbox.
Learning to code won't make you less of an artist; it will give you the power to build the worlds you are currently only dreaming about. The best animators in the world today are often the ones who understand the "science" behind the "magic." Again, I hope this helps, and good luck!
1. The "Secret Weapon" of Major Studios
Most people think animation is just drawing, but at studios like Pixar, Disney, or DreamWorks, they rely on Technical Directors (TDs). These are people who are artists but also know how to code.
What they do: They build the tools that other animators use. If a character needs realistic hair that flows in the wind or water that splashes just right, a TD writes the math and code to make that happen.
The Demand: Studios are always looking for people who speak both "Art" and "Code." It is often easier to find a great animator than it is to find a great animator who can also script in Python or C++.
2. Technical Animation & Rigging
If you love making characters move, computer science helps you understand Rigging. This is the process of building the "skeleton" and the controls for a 3D model. It's why I mix old school 3D animation with AI animation! Advanced rigging involves a lot of logic and sometimes custom coding to ensure a character’s skin deforms correctly when they smile or jump.
3. Game Development
If you study Computer Science, you can go into Technical Art for video games. You could be the person animating a character, but also the one programming how that character reacts when a player presses a button. You aren't just making a movie; you're building a living world.
4. You Don’t Have to Choose
In college, many students Major in Computer Science and Minor in Animation (or vice versa). My own daughter is doing this as she is in college right now.
The Benefit: A Computer Science degree provides a very strong safety net and high-paying job opportunities, while your animation portfolio shows off your soul and creativity.
The Career: You could work at a big company like Sony as a Character Animator for three years, then pivot to being a Graphics Programmer the next.
The Bottom Line
Don't look at them as two separate paths. Look at them as two different tools in the same toolbox.
Learning to code won't make you less of an artist; it will give you the power to build the worlds you are currently only dreaming about. The best animators in the world today are often the ones who understand the "science" behind the "magic." Again, I hope this helps, and good luck!