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3d modeler vs artist

The differences between 3d modelers and artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $68,690 average annual salary of an artist.

The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for an artist are maya, adobe photoshop, and customer service.

3d modeler vs artist overview

3D ModelerArtist
Yearly salary$75,946$68,690
Hourly rate$36.51$33.02
Growth rate5%6%
Number of jobs1,2453,870
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4040
Years of experience2-

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.

What does an artist do?

An Artist specializes in creating various artworks or prose; the audience can vary from individuals or the general public. An artist's responsibility depends on the industry, company, or position where they are assigned. However, most of the time, Artists are expected to work under specific guidelines, deliver materials in a required format within an allotted time and perform revisions according to what is preferred by an editor or client. Furthermore, independent artists may work freelance and receive commissions for their craft.

3d modeler vs artist salary

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

3D ModelerArtist
Average salary$75,946$68,690
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $114,000Between $42,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Rafael, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaCalifornia
Best paying companyAppleMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between 3d modeler and artist education

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

3D ModelerArtist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorAnimationFine Arts
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaHarvard University

3d modeler vs artist demographics

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

3D ModelerArtist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between 3d modeler and artist duties and responsibilities

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

Artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage studio workload and advise print direction to in-house and freelance cad artists.
  • Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
  • Assist customers with product selection and process POS transactions.
  • Provide comparative analysis on traditional vs. Mac vs. PC production.
  • Animate in-game characters, user interface assets and particle effects.
  • Own & operate a specialize faux painting, mural and art business.
  • Show more

3d modeler vs artist skills

Common 3d modeler skills
  • Animation, 10%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Visualization, 7%
  • Texture, 6%
  • UV, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%
Common artist skills
  • Maya, 13%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Graphic Design, 7%
  • Photography, 7%
  • VFX, 6%

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