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The differences between motion graphics 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 motion graphics artist, becoming a graphic design specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics artist has an average salary of $67,079, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
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.
Motion graphics artists and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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 specialists' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| 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% |