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The differences between motion graphics artists and graphics 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 graphics specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics artist has an average salary of $67,079, which is higher than the $56,007 average annual salary of a graphics specialist.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a graphics specialist are graphic design, adobe illustrator, and adobe photoshop.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $56,007 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $26.93 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 12,267 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| 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 graphics specialist is an expert at conceptualizing and developing visual art for businesses or individuals, typically for marketing or information purposes. Moreover, there are also opportunities for employment in the web and media industry. As a graphics specialist, their responsibilities include liaising with clients to identify their needs, understanding the purpose and message of the project, developing proposals, coordinating with team members, and conducting revisions as needed, all while adhering to the goals and deadlines set by the client or management.
Motion graphics artists and graphics specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $56,007 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $38,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | ZeniMax Media |
| Best paying industry | Media | Finance |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a graphics specialist in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between motion graphics artists' and graphics specialists' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Graphics Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 53.4% Female, 46.6% |
| 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% |