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The differences between motion graphics artists and visual 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 visual designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a visual designer has an average salary of $86,495, which is higher than the $67,079 average annual salary of a motion graphics artist.
The top three skills for a motion graphics artist include video production, animation and cinema. The most important skills for a visual designer are sketch, visual design, and graphic design.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Visual Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $67,079 | $86,495 |
| Hourly rate | $32.25 | $41.58 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 4,288 | 46,815 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 visual designer is someone who creates designs for a variety of platforms such as Internet and intranet sites, games, and wearables. The duties of visual designers depend on the specific project or industry in which they are working. Duties include creating user-centered interaction models, working with information technology and business teams to resolve complex issues, and designing logos, icons, and infographics. The qualifications to become a visual designer include possessing strong problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills and obtaining a bachelor's degree in design.
Motion graphics artists and visual designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Artist | Visual Designer | |
| Average salary | $67,079 | $86,495 |
| Salary range | Between $43,000 And $103,000 | Between $51,000 And $143,000 |
| Highest paying City | Providence, RI | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | ByteDance |
| Best paying industry | Media | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics artist and a visual designer in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Visual Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between motion graphics artists' and visual designers' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Artist | Visual Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4% | Male, 53.1% Female, 46.9% |
| 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% |