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The differences between production artists 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 production artist and a graphic design specialist. Additionally, a production artist has an average salary of $61,870, which is higher than the $55,925 average annual salary of a graphic design specialist.
The top three skills for a production artist include graphic design, adobe photoshop and adobe creative suite. The most important skills for a graphic design specialist are graphic design, adobe creative suite, and visualization.
| Production Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $61,870 | $55,925 |
| Hourly rate | $29.75 | $26.89 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 59,103 | 49,055 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A production artist is responsible for managing digital content, meeting clients' standard specifications and requests for successful project completion. Production artists must have computer proficiency, especially on utilizing various software tools and applications to create illustrations and layouts. They also work closely with the creative team, cooperating in brainstorming sessions to ensure the consistency for each assigned task. A production artist should be keen on details, adjusting outputs as needed to maintain the highest quality for the actual presentation.
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.
Production artists and graphic design specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Production Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average salary | $61,870 | $55,925 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $94,000 | Between $38,000 And $80,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Best paying industry | - | Technology |
There are a few differences between a production artist and a graphic design specialist in terms of educational background:
| Production Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | 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 production artists' and graphic design specialists' demographics:
| Production Artist | Graphic Design Specialist | |
| Average age | 38 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 57.2% Female, 42.8% | 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% |