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3d artist vs graphic design specialist

The differences between 3d artists and graphic design specialists 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 design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.

The top three skills for a 3d artist include animation, unity and zbrush. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.

3d artist vs graphic design specialist overview

3D ArtistGraphic Design Specialist
Yearly salary$74,721$55,925
Hourly rate$35.92$26.89
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs3,97849,055
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
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 design specialist do?

A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

3d artist vs graphic design specialist salary

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

3D ArtistGraphic Design Specialist
Average salary$74,721$55,925
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $116,000Between $38,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyMetaBerkshire Hathaway
Best paying industryUtilitiesTechnology

Differences between 3d artist and graphic design specialist education

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

3D ArtistGraphic Design Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d artist vs graphic design specialist demographics

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

3D ArtistGraphic Design Specialist
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0%
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 design specialist 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 design specialist example responsibilities.

  • Launch and manage the acquistion, design and catalog for the animation line of liscens products.
  • Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
  • Create presentations from customer direction, including graphics, charts, and animation.
  • Build email campaigns, database selection, HTML presentation and quality assurance of all outbound campaigns.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations for pharmaceutical companies through the process of drug approval in front of the FDA regulatory committee.
  • Assist with the launch of several services, including an HTML newsletter, district YouTube channel and emergency notification system.
  • Show more

3d artist vs graphic design specialist skills

Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%
Common graphic design specialist skills
  • Graphic Design, 19%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 6%
  • Visualization, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • HTML, 4%
  • Brochures, 4%

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