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The differences between 3d animators and freelance designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a 3d animator, becoming a freelance designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d animator has an average salary of $73,596, which is higher than the $57,260 average annual salary of a freelance designer.
The top three skills for a 3d animator include animation, storyboards and visualization. The most important skills for a freelance designer are sketch, CSS, and HTML.
| 3D Animator | Freelance Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $73,596 | $57,260 |
| Hourly rate | $35.38 | $27.53 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 571 | 45,914 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A 3D animator specializes in designing and developing 3D animation materials, adhering to the program or project's needs. They typically work together with a team of animators and producers in studios or offices. Most of the time, their responsibilities involve performing extensive research, creating drafts and storyboards, consulting with team members and editors, and performing revisions as needed. Furthermore, as a 3D animator, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
3d animators and freelance designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Animator | Freelance Designer | |
| Average salary | $73,596 | $57,260 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $108,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | - |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | - |
| Best paying industry | Media | - |
There are a few differences between a 3d animator and a freelance designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Animator | Freelance Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d animators' and freelance designers' demographics:
| 3D Animator | Freelance Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 83.4% Female, 16.6% | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 13% |