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3d artist vs graphic artist

The differences between 3d artists and graphic artists 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 artist, becoming a graphic artist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $54,900 average annual salary of a graphic artist.

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

3d artist vs graphic artist overview

3D ArtistGraphic Artist
Yearly salary$74,721$54,900
Hourly rate$35.92$26.39
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs3,9788,752
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4038
Years of experience212

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 graphic artist do?

A graphic artist is either an illustrator or an animator who creates art work that will be used in graphic projects such as advertisements, posters, or even book covers. Although a graphic artist has his/her own style of artwork, he/she may be often commissioned to create art specifically for a particular project. A graphic artist may work with a graphic designer in order to convey the overall message of a project. The portfolio of a graphic artist includes cartoons, illustrations, and graphic novels.

3d artist vs graphic artist salary

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

3D ArtistGraphic Artist
Average salary$74,721$54,900
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $116,000Between $35,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABellevue, WA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyMetaParsons
Best paying industryUtilitiesNon Profits

Differences between 3d artist and graphic artist education

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

3D ArtistGraphic Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d artist vs graphic artist demographics

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

3D ArtistGraphic Artist
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4%
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, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%13%

Differences between 3d artist and graphic artist 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

Graphic artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage external communications such as brochures and other sales collateral for direct mail from inception to circulation.
  • Develop, debug, and maintain client websites using HTML & CSS, WordPress, and basic use of JavaScript.
  • Flash & Dreamweaver software assisting in production of the company website.
  • Create custom graphic art for cars, windows, store fronts, business signs.
  • Design and implement the company's first Facebook app and engages in designing everything encompassing pixels and print.
  • Design, develop and maintain websites as projects present themselves with the use of HTML and WYSIWYG web development tools.
  • Show more

3d artist vs graphic artist skills

Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%
Common graphic artist skills
  • Graphic Design, 12%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 10%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 9%
  • Art Direction, 7%
  • Photography, 5%
  • Brochures, 4%

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