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3d modeler vs motion graphics designer

The differences between 3d modelers 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 modeler, becoming a motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.

The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.

3d modeler vs motion graphics designer overview

3D ModelerMotion Graphics Designer
Yearly salary$75,946$62,558
Hourly rate$36.51$30.08
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs1,24544,960
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
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 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 modeler vs motion graphics designer salary

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

3D ModelerMotion Graphics Designer
Average salary$75,946$62,558
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $114,000Between $44,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between 3d modeler and motion graphics designer education

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

3D ModelerMotion Graphics Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

3d modeler vs motion graphics designer demographics

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

3D ModelerMotion Graphics Designer
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
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 motion graphics designer 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

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 modeler vs motion graphics designer skills

Common 3d modeler skills
  • Animation, 10%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Visualization, 7%
  • Texture, 6%
  • UV, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%
Common motion graphics designer skills
  • Animation, 23%
  • Style Frames, 15%
  • Cinema, 7%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 4%
  • Sketch, 4%
  • Video Content, 3%

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