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The differences between motion graphics artists and graphic 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 motion graphics artist, becoming a graphic designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics artist has an average salary of $67,079, which is higher than the $49,450 average annual salary of a graphic designer.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a graphic designer are adobe creative suite, adobe photoshop, and adobe illustrator.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $49,450 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $23.77 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 45,625 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| 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.
Graphic designers are visual communicators who create graphic ideas to deliver a message through art and images which inspire, inform, and motivate consumers with the use of computer software, especially Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign or by hand. They have the ability to design stunning illustrations that are easily understood, even without a lot of thinking or based on the demand of their clients. It is very crucial to them as well to be flexible and to stay on top of the design trends. They create websites, posters, packaging, logos, advertising, and marketing materials, depending on the nature of the business.
Motion graphics artists and graphic designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $49,450 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $34,000 And $69,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a graphic designer in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| 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 designers' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphic Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 49.8% Female, 50.2% |
| 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% |