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The differences between motion graphics designers and graphic design specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a motion graphics designer and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a motion graphics designer has an average salary of $62,558, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a motion graphics designer include animation, style frames and cinema. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Motion Graphics Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $62,558 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $30.08 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 44,960 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
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.
A graphic design specialist utilizes their artistic expertise in creating imagery and designs that convey a particular message. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to determine their needs and goals, developing concepts and subjecting it for client approval, and revising designs as necessary. In a company setting, a graphic design specialist may work with a team, coordinating with them while sticking to budgets and deadlines. Furthermore, as a team member, it is essential to report to managers or supervisors, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
Motion graphics designers and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $62,558 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $87,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics designer and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between motion graphics designers' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Designer | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% | Male, 50.0% Female, 50.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | 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 | 13% | 13% |