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The differences between motion graphics artists and graphic design assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a motion graphics artist, becoming a graphic design assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics artist has an average salary of $67,079, which is higher than the $40,835 average annual salary of a graphic design assistant.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a graphic design assistant are graphic design, CAD, and sketch.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $40,835 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $19.63 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 54,021 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
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.
Graphic Design Assistants help graphic designers in creating art, fulfilling orders, and managing the studio. They may be budding graphic designers looking for industry experience or creative professionals interested in getting into the graphic designing industry. They should be familiar with the different tools and concepts involved in graphic design. Graphic Design Assistants help lead graphic designers to complete different activities. They may assist by lining, coloring, rendering, and adding finishing touches to the designs. They may also be in charge of packaging physical art and booking shipments to buyers. Graphic Design Assistants should be able to showcase their creative prowess. They are welcome to pitch in designs, critique art, and provide input.
Motion graphics artists and graphic design assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $40,835 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $28,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | New York, NY |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | New York |
| Best paying company | Amazon | |
| Best paying industry | Media | Finance |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a graphic design assistant in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between motion graphics artists' and graphic design assistants' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Assistant | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 29.4% Female, 70.6% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |