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3d modeler vs graphic design specialist

The differences between 3d modelers 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 modeler, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.

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

3d modeler vs graphic design specialist overview

3D ModelerGraphic Design Specialist
Yearly salary$75,946$55,925
Hourly rate$36.51$26.89
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs1,24549,055
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age4038
Years of experience212

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 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 modeler vs graphic design specialist salary

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

3D ModelerGraphic Design Specialist
Average salary$75,946$55,925
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $114,000Between $38,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyAppleBerkshire Hathaway
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between 3d modeler and graphic design specialist education

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

3D ModelerGraphic Design Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d modeler vs graphic design specialist demographics

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

3D ModelerGraphic Design Specialist
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0%
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, 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 modeler and graphic design specialist 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

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 modeler vs graphic design specialist skills

Common 3d modeler skills
  • Animation, 10%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Visualization, 7%
  • Texture, 6%
  • UV, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%
Common graphic design specialist skills
  • Graphic Design, 19%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 6%
  • Visualization, 5%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • HTML, 4%
  • Brochures, 4%

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