Post job

3d artist vs motion graphics designer

The differences between 3d artists and motion graphics 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 artist, becoming a motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d artist has an average salary of $74,721, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.

The top three skills for a 3d artist include animation, unity and zbrush. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.

3d artist vs motion graphics designer overview

3D ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Yearly salary$74,721$62,558
Hourly rate$35.92$30.08
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs3,97844,960
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
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 motion graphics designer do?

A motion graphic designer specializes in producing artworks used in television, film, and web. Their responsibilities often revolve around submitting within a deadline, attending creative meetings, collaborating with fellow designers, following directives from clients, producing trial designs, and editing them in adherence to senior designers or clients' recommendations. There are also instances when a motion graphic designer must manage documentation, address inquiries and concerns, and report to higher-ranking personnel. Furthermore, one may choose to work for a company or independently.

3d artist vs motion graphics designer salary

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

3D ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Average salary$74,721$62,558
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $116,000Between $44,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyMetaApple
Best paying industryUtilitiesTechnology

Differences between 3d artist and motion graphics designer education

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

3D ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d artist vs motion graphics designer demographics

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

3D ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 83.9% Female, 16.1%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
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 motion graphics designer 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

Motion graphics designer example responsibilities.

  • Lead team brainstorming sessions to solve creative problems.
  • Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
  • Train & supervise newly appoint employee in achieving realistic looking effects and help integrating the effects in compositing with cg elements.
  • Design and build interactive digital content for musicians including photography, video and custom HTML, CSS & JavaScript development.
  • Create brochures, fliers, posters, and other print materials for conferences, special events, and non-profit functions.
  • Code flash banners with XML, HTML, and ActionScript.
  • Show more

3d artist vs motion graphics designer skills

Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%
Common motion graphics designer skills
  • Animation, 23%
  • Style Frames, 15%
  • Cinema, 7%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 4%
  • Sketch, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs