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3d artist vs graphics specialist

The differences between 3d artists and graphics 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 graphics specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $56,007 average annual salary of a graphics specialist.

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

3d artist vs graphics specialist overview

3D ArtistGraphics Specialist
Yearly salary$74,721$56,007
Hourly rate$35.92$26.93
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs3,97812,267
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 graphics specialist do?

A graphics specialist is an expert at conceptualizing and developing visual art for businesses or individuals, typically for marketing or information purposes. Moreover, there are also opportunities for employment in the web and media industry. As a graphics specialist, their responsibilities include liaising with clients to identify their needs, understanding the purpose and message of the project, developing proposals, coordinating with team members, and conducting revisions as needed, all while adhering to the goals and deadlines set by the client or management.

3d artist vs graphics specialist salary

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

3D ArtistGraphics Specialist
Average salary$74,721$56,007
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $116,000Between $38,000 And $81,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyMetaZeniMax Media
Best paying industryUtilitiesFinance

Differences between 3d artist and graphics specialist education

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

3D ArtistGraphics Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d artist vs graphics specialist demographics

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

3D ArtistGraphics Specialist
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6%
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, 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 graphics 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

Graphics specialist example responsibilities.

  • Lead the development and execution of several overhead presentations, advertising design, brochure marketing, and desktop publishing initiatives.
  • Create graphics / artwork for screen print, dye-sublimation, embroidery, apparel, fliers, and web graphics.
  • Prepare page layouts for posters, signage, handouts, brochures, business cards, stationery, and direct mail pieces.
  • Edit HTML for menu systems in CBT courses.
  • Work with large format digital printers, plotters, and lamination machines.
  • Create an HTML template defining the look and feel for UNITEC's intranet.
  • Show more

3d artist vs graphics specialist skills

Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%
Common graphics specialist skills
  • Graphic Design, 12%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 9%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Adobe Indesign, 5%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
  • Visualization, 5%

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