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Motion graphics artist vs animator

The differences between motion graphics artists and animators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a motion graphics artist and an animator. Additionally, an animator has an average salary of $76,853, which is higher than the $67,079 average annual salary of a motion graphics artist.

The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for an animator are animation, motion capture, and storyboards.

Motion graphics artist vs animator overview

Motion Graphics ArtistAnimator
Yearly salary$67,079$76,853
Hourly rate$32.25$36.95
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs4,288551
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a motion graphics artist do?

A motion graphics artist is responsible for conceptualizing digital designs and creating motion pictures according to business requirements and client specifications. Motion graphics artists produce media content and portray the message to the audience through creative multimedia projects. They should also have excellent technical skills in utilizing various software tools and applications. A motion graphics artist works closely with the whole production team for concept brainstorming and adjusting initial layouts as needed to ensure that the plans meet budget requirements and timetables.

What does an animator do?

The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.

Motion graphics artist vs animator salary

Motion graphics artists and animators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Motion Graphics ArtistAnimator
Average salary$67,079$76,853
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $103,000Between $52,000 And $112,000
Highest paying CityProvidence, RILas Vegas, NV
Highest paying stateNevadaNevada
Best paying companyAmazonMeta
Best paying industryMediaMedia

Differences between motion graphics artist and animator education

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

Motion Graphics ArtistAnimator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Motion graphics artist vs animator demographics

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

Motion Graphics ArtistAnimator
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 85.6% Female, 14.4%Male, 71.9% Female, 28.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between motion graphics artist and animator duties and responsibilities

Motion graphics artist example responsibilities.

  • Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
  • Work on VFX motion graphics project.
  • Design in-house graphics, VFX and animations for broadcast and internal marketing.
  • Generate custom compression for video material post on YouTube for game promotion.
  • Collaborate with product team and UX/UI design team to make UI animations and motion graphics.
  • Create a character using Maya 3D modeling software for a commercial project with a financing company.
  • Show more

Animator example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of artists to create the art and animation for motion comics aspects of the show.
  • Train & supervise newly appoint employee in achieving realistic looking effects and help integrating the effects in compositing with cg elements.
  • Create many logos for a YouTube sketch.
  • Sketch every seen multiple times utilizing several camera angles and character blocking.
  • Assist in the animation development of learning videos and nursery rhymes for YouTube.
  • Implement uniform display geometry to support texture artist and UV mapping artist, demonstrating advance UV mapping skills.
  • Show more

Motion graphics artist vs animator skills

Common motion graphics artist skills
  • Video Production, 16%
  • Animation, 16%
  • Cinema, 9%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
  • Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%
Common animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 7%
  • Storyboards, 5%
  • Motion Graphics, 5%
  • AAA, 3%
  • Graphic Design, 3%

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