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Multimedia specialist vs lead artist

The differences between multimedia specialists and lead artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a multimedia specialist and a lead artist. Additionally, a lead artist has an average salary of $83,041, which is higher than the $52,299 average annual salary of a multimedia specialist.

The top three skills for a multimedia specialist include video production, graphic design and photography. The most important skills for a lead artist are maya, animation, and portfolio.

Multimedia specialist vs lead artist overview

Multimedia SpecialistLead Artist
Yearly salary$52,299$83,041
Hourly rate$25.14$39.92
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs21,7984,799
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a multimedia specialist do?

A multimedia specialist is in charge of developing multimedia and visual materials according to project and program needs. They typically work together with a company's creative team where they are responsible for performing research and analysis, understanding the purpose of projects, conceptualizing plans, identifying market trends, preparing samples for client approval, and developing strategies to optimize operations. Furthermore, as a multimedia specialist, it is essential to adhere to project timelines and budgets, including the company's policies and regulations.

What does a lead artist do?

The duties of a lead artist depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify and meet their needs, coordinating with the creative staff in developing concepts and samples to present to the clients, conducting revisions, and submitting finished works according to the prescribed format and manner. Furthermore, as a lead artist, it is essential to spearhead the efforts and encourage the team to reach goals, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including the clients' vision.

Multimedia specialist vs lead artist salary

Multimedia specialists and lead artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Multimedia SpecialistLead Artist
Average salary$52,299$83,041
Salary rangeBetween $38,000 And $71,000Between $53,000 And $128,000
Highest paying CityNewport, RISan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutNevada
Best paying companyGap Inc.Meta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between multimedia specialist and lead artist education

There are a few differences between a multimedia specialist and a lead artist in terms of educational background:

Multimedia SpecialistLead Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorCommunicationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Multimedia specialist vs lead artist demographics

Here are the differences between multimedia specialists' and lead artists' demographics:

Multimedia SpecialistLead Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 71.3% Female, 28.7%Male, 69.5% Female, 30.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.0% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between multimedia specialist and lead artist duties and responsibilities

Multimedia specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage, develop and market media content via a social media and YouTube campaign.
  • Develop and manage proprietary PPC support material.
  • Used multiple programming languages in creation of projects including HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
  • Utilize basic ActionScripting, XML, CSS, and HTML for content implementation.
  • Direct photography for live action video content and live-event coverage.
  • Function as primary architecture developer, creating an optimize framework for delivery of custom functionality using JAVA and SCORM.
  • Show more

Lead artist example responsibilities.

  • Edit video, write copy for television, radio, and web-base commercials while managing the scheduling of all studio employees.
  • Model, texture, light, and render with Maya and proprietary tools.
  • Establish a standard level of quality for asset creation while enforcing efficiency of polygon and texture usage.
  • Create various assets for a number of PC titles.
  • Model, texture and direct outsourcing efforts for 3d environmental assets.
  • Color guides with lights/shadows, perspective, and composition help visually engage the audience in the final animation.
  • Show more

Multimedia specialist vs lead artist skills

Common multimedia specialist skills
  • Video Production, 11%
  • Graphic Design, 8%
  • Photography, 7%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
  • Adobe Audition, 5%
  • Animation, 3%
Common lead artist skills
  • Maya, 13%
  • Animation, 10%
  • Portfolio, 9%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • UI, 6%
  • Texture, 5%

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