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3d artist vs 3d modeler

The differences between 3d artists and 3d modelers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a 3d artist and a 3d modeler. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $74,721 average annual salary of a 3d artist.

The top three skills for a 3d artist include animation, unity and zbrush. The most important skills for a 3d modeler are animation, adobe photoshop, and visualization.

3d artist vs 3d modeler overview

3D Artist3D Modeler
Yearly salary$74,721$75,946
Hourly rate$35.92$36.51
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs3,9781,245
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a 3d artist do?

A 3D Artist uses complex software to develop graphics and animations for use in various media, such as video games, television shows, and multimedia presentations. They often work in teams, dividing project workloads in accordance to strengths.

What does a 3d modeler do?

A 3D modeler is responsible for designing project models by utilizing various software applications and computer tools to represent high-quality digital content that would help the team and clients visualize the object. 3D modelers work closely with the design team to evaluate ideas and identify its feasibility scope on an enhanced digital view, giving them the ability to adjust and revise structures as needed. A 3D modeler must have excellent technical and critical-thinking skills to understand the clients' specifications and recommend solutions through graphics analysis.

3d artist vs 3d modeler salary

3d artists and 3d modelers have different pay scales, as shown below.

3D Artist3D Modeler
Average salary$74,721$75,946
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $116,000Between $50,000 And $114,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaNevada
Best paying companyMetaApple
Best paying industryUtilitiesTechnology

Differences between 3d artist and 3d modeler education

There are a few differences between a 3d artist and a 3d modeler in terms of educational background:

3D Artist3D Modeler
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d artist vs 3d modeler demographics

Here are the differences between 3d artists' and 3d modelers' demographics:

3D Artist3D Modeler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between 3d artist and 3d modeler duties and responsibilities

3d artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
  • Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
  • Generate programs for CNC punch press.
  • Help team create nodes for nuke.
  • Contract as a 3D visualization designer & animator.
  • Show more

3d modeler example responsibilities.

  • Manage design collaboration and storyboard creations.
  • Partner with clients and a team of engineers to create detail and effective, multimedia training and sales aids.
  • Lead FX artist in creation, development, and implementation of particle flow and rigid body simulations to production pipeline.
  • Establish project direction and concepts, develop character designs and storyboards, and coordinate art assets from the project team.
  • Refine 3d concepts for production and rapid prototyping
  • Sketch technical drawings for architectural drawings and client presentations.
  • Show more

3d artist vs 3d modeler skills

Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%
Common 3d modeler skills
  • Animation, 10%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Visualization, 7%
  • Texture, 6%
  • UV, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%

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