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The differences between game artists 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 game artist, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a game artist has an average salary of $86,932, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a game artist include animation, maya and sketch. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Game Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $86,932 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $41.79 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 5,040 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
This individual is tasked with just one thing, and that is to create 2D or 3D art for visual elements in video games. Their task is crucial in the process of creating games. They visualize how a game will look and ensure it comes out exactly that way. They design a few preliminary sketches and develop them according to the general style of the video game. They are required to work on components like characters, textures, vehicles, colors, lighting, objects, and environment.
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.
Game artists and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Game Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $86,932 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $56,000 And $133,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Las Vegas, NV | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Start-up | Technology |
There are a few differences between a game artist and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Game Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 79% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between game artists' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Game Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 70.0% Female, 30.0% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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 Percentage | 11% | 13% |