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The differences between motion graphics designers and lead designers 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 lead designer. Additionally, a lead designer has an average salary of $110,001, which is higher than the $62,558 average annual salary of a motion graphics designer.
The top three skills for a motion graphics designer include animation, style frames and cinema. The most important skills for a lead designer are sketch, user experience, and architecture.
| Motion Graphics Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $62,558 | $110,001 |
| Hourly rate | $30.08 | $52.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 44,960 | 45,423 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 lead designer is responsible for addressing the clients' needs of digital content and coordinating with the design team for the planning and innovation of the visual design and concept. Lead designers conduct the initial layout of frameworks and collaborate with the art staff for the specifications and outputs using various software applications and digital boards. They regularly update the client of the project's status, including adjustment and design recommendations, ensuring that the plan meets the client's budget goals. A lead designer must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially on running diagnostic tests to improve optimal performance.
Motion graphics designers and lead designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Motion Graphics Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Average salary | $62,558 | $110,001 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $87,000 | Between $78,000 And $154,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | Airbnb |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a motion graphics designer and a lead designer in terms of educational background:
| Motion Graphics Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| 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 lead designers' demographics:
| Motion Graphics Designer | Lead Designer | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 78.4% Female, 21.6% | Male, 73.2% Female, 26.8% |
| 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% |