What does a motion graphics artist do?
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.
Motion graphics artist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real motion graphics artist resumes:
- Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
- Work on VFX motion graphics project.
- Design in-house graphics, VFX and animations for broadcast and internal marketing.
- Generate custom compression for video material post on YouTube for game promotion.
- Collaborate with product team and UX/UI design team to make UI animations and motion graphics.
- Create a character using Maya 3D modeling software for a commercial project with a financing company.
- Create data-driven maps and charts, using GIS technology, Bloomberg terminal, government information and company financials.
- Create high energy kinetic typography pieces with custom design symbols and character animation.
- Create company logo animations as well as graphics/effects for various video and commercial projects
- Supply animation and motion graphics consultancy for large-scale projects to streamline production across departments.
- Design & coordinate production of all editorial special sections.
- Create editorial illustrations using both traditional media & digital techniques.
Motion graphics artist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 16% of Motion Graphics Artists are proficient in Video Production, Animation, and Cinema. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Computer skills, and Time-management skills.
We break down the percentage of Motion Graphics Artists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Video Production, 16%
Worked as part of a team in a video production advertising firm.
- Animation, 16%
Supplied animation and motion graphics consultancy for large-scale projects to streamline production across departments.
- Cinema, 9%
Home Entertainment Main title design, compositing, rotoscoping, Clients Include: SONY, FOX, DISNEY, NEW LINE CINEMA
- Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
Used video creation and editing software such as Final Cut Studio, AdobePhotoshop and Adobe Creative Suite 5.
- Premiere Pro, 4%
Edit news and entertainment programs on Premiere Pro for the UTDTV station.
- Video Content, 4%
Managed the content over the server in CCS and created video content that could be downloaded and utilized by clients.
Common skills that a motion graphics artist uses to do their job include "video production," "animation," and "cinema." You can find details on the most important motion graphics artist responsibilities below.
Computer skills. Another essential skill to perform motion graphics artist duties is computer skills. Motion graphics artists responsibilities require that "many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work." Motion graphics artists also use computer skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "worked with a wide range of media, including photography and high-end computer graphics such as 3d modeling, digital painting. "
Time-management skills. motion graphics artists are also known for time-management skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to motion graphics artist responsibilities, because "the workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines." A motion graphics artist resume example shows how time-management skills is used in the workplace: "work directly with cg supervisor & producer daily in deadline driven industry. "
Artistic talent. A big part of what motion graphics artists do relies on "artistic talent." You can see how essential it is to motion graphics artist responsibilities because "animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical motion graphics artist tasks: "served as one-man animation department to produce and animate weekly syndicated shorts from the archives of voice talent john frost. "
Creativity. Another skill commonly found on motion graphics artist job descriptions is "creativity." It can come up quite often in motion graphics artist duties, since "artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day motion graphics artist responsibilities: "use maya and after effects for my creative workflow. "
The three companies that hire the most motion graphics artists are:
- Gray Television2 motion graphics artists jobs
- MSG Entertainment2 motion graphics artists jobs
- Townsquare Interactive2 motion graphics artists jobs
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Compare different motion graphics artists
Motion graphics artist vs. Visual merchandiser
A visual merchandiser is responsible for arranging product displays at retail outlets, attracting customers to purchase the items. Visual merchandisers should be updated with the latest trends in the market to prioritize retail displays and floor plans. They must also be knowledgeable on product information to assist customers with their inquiries and concerns. Visual merchandisers should be creative in setting up the uniformity of the store's visuals within the budget goals. The designs must be appealing enough to drive the customers around the premises, potentially generating revenues and increasing profitability.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a motion graphics artist are more likely to require skills like "video production," "animation," "cinema," and "adobe creative suite." On the other hand, a job as a visual merchandiser requires skills like "customer service," "ladders," "sales floor," and "store management." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Visual merchandisers really shine in the retail industry with an average salary of $37,869. Comparatively, motion graphics artists tend to make the most money in the media industry with an average salary of $77,995.visual merchandisers tend to reach similar levels of education than motion graphics artists. In fact, visual merchandisers are 4.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Motion graphics artist vs. Visual designer
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.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, motion graphics artist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "video production," "cinema," "premiere pro," and "video content." Meanwhile, a visual designer has duties that require skills in areas such as "sketch," "visual design," "graphic design," and "ui." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, visual designers earn a higher salary than motion graphics artists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, visual designers earn the most pay in the start-up industry with an average salary of $121,675. Whereas motion graphics artists have higher pay in the media industry, with an average salary of $77,995.In general, visual designers achieve similar levels of education than motion graphics artists. They're 1.8% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for motion graphics artists in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Sarah Satterfield Ph.D.
Department Chair Visual and Performing Arts, Professor of Music and Humanities, College of Central Florida
Motion graphics artist vs. Animator
The animators are specialized artists who conceptualized ideas from their creative minds with technology applications. Animators cater to different specialties depending on their expertise. They used multiple techniques and tools to create a digital masterpiece. An animator is required to have an excellent time and project management skills to meet deadlines. They should also be detail-oriented and technology savvy to keep up with the latest trend in the digital market. Animators are required to have regular communication with the respective department for the updates or adjustments as needed.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from motion graphics artist resumes include skills like "video production," "adobe creative suite," "premiere pro," and "video content," whereas an animator is more likely to list skills in "motion graphics," "aaa," "graphic design," and "game engine. "
Animators make a very good living in the media industry with an average annual salary of $103,838. On the other hand, motion graphics artists are paid the highest salary in the media industry, with average annual pay of $77,995.animators typically earn similar educational levels compared to motion graphics artists. Specifically, they're 0.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Motion graphics artist vs. Freelance designer
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
Types of motion graphics artist
Updated January 8, 2025
