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Game artist vs motion graphics designer

The differences between game 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 game artist, becoming a motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a game artist has an average salary of $86,932, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.

The top three skills for a game artist include animation, maya and sketch. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.

Game artist vs motion graphics designer overview

Game ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Yearly salary$86,932$62,558
Hourly rate$41.79$30.08
Growth rate5%3%
Number of jobs5,04044,960
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4038
Years of experience212

What does a game artist do?

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.

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.

Game artist vs motion graphics designer salary

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

Game ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Average salary$86,932$62,558
Salary rangeBetween $56,000 And $133,000Between $44,000 And $87,000
Highest paying CityLas Vegas, NVSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateNevadaWashington
Best paying companyAmazonApple
Best paying industryStart-upTechnology

Differences between game artist and motion graphics designer education

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

Game ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 79%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorGraphic DesignGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Game artist vs motion graphics designer demographics

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

Game ArtistMotion Graphics Designer
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 70.0% Female, 30.0%Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage11%13%

Differences between game artist and motion graphics designer duties and responsibilities

Game artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Work include background art, character design, user-interface design and art, award art, buttons and flash FX.
  • Create 3d models, and texture paintings.
  • Conceptualize the look of different levels and stages for PC games.
  • Model, rig, and texture hero and enemy characters for an untitle project.
  • Ensure that all assets fit the art style of the game and are ready for animation hand off.
  • 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

Game artist vs motion graphics designer skills

Common game artist skills
  • Animation, 15%
  • Maya, 11%
  • Sketch, 8%
  • UI, 8%
  • Unity, 7%
  • Concept Art, 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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