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The differences between motion graphics artists and motion graphics 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 motion graphics designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a motion graphics artist has an average salary of $67,079, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a motion graphics designer are animation, style frames, and cinema.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $62,558 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $30.08 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 44,960 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| 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 motion graphic designer specializes in producing artworks used in television, film, and web. Their responsibilities often revolve around submitting within a deadline, attending creative meetings, collaborating with fellow designers, following directives from clients, producing trial designs, and editing them in adherence to senior designers or clients' recommendations. There are also instances when a motion graphic designer must manage documentation, address inquiries and concerns, and report to higher-ranking personnel. Furthermore, one may choose to work for a company or independently.
Motion graphics artists and motion graphics designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $62,558 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $44,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Media | Technology |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a motion graphics designer in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 74% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between motion graphics artists' and motion graphics designers' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Motion Graphics Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% |
| 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% |