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Production graphic artist vs production editor

The differences between production graphic artists and production editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a production graphic artist, becoming a production editor takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a production graphic artist has an average salary of $69,707, which is higher than the $53,275 average annual salary of a production editor.

The top three skills for a production graphic artist include graphic design, adobe illustrator and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a production editor are proofreading, editorial production, and production process.

Production graphic artist vs production editor overview

Production Graphic ArtistProduction Editor
Yearly salary$69,707$53,275
Hourly rate$33.51$25.61
Growth rate3%-5%
Number of jobs58,93462,877
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age3844
Years of experience124

What does a production graphic artist do?

A production graphic artist specializes in developing commercial art for production and marketing operations. They typically work together with a company's creative team to conceptualize plans and execute designs according to project requirements and client preferences. Although the extent of their duties depends on their place or industry of employment, it typically includes developing drafts and layouts, utilizing special software and tools, presenting samples to managers or clients, preparing files according to format, and maintaining an active communication line with the team members for an efficient workflow.

What does a production editor do?

A production editor is responsible for checking publication materials before printing and distribution to ensure error-free and accurate content. Production editors must have excellent writing communication skills to perform editing and proofreading of materials efficiently, following strict requirements of publication deadlines. They also verify the resources of content, as well as identifying highly requested feature opportunities by coordinating with writers and other industry personalities. A production editor negotiates contract offers for writers, provides feedback reviews, and facilitates brainstorming sessions.

Production graphic artist vs production editor salary

Production graphic artists and production editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Production Graphic ArtistProduction Editor
Average salary$69,707$53,275
Salary rangeBetween $42,000 And $114,000Between $41,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityCupertino, CAHartford, CT
Highest paying stateVirginiaConnecticut
Best paying companyCoStar GroupRobert A.M. Stern Architects
Best paying industryConstructionMedia

Differences between production graphic artist and production editor education

There are a few differences between a production graphic artist and a production editor in terms of educational background:

Production Graphic ArtistProduction Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorGraphic DesignEnglish
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Production graphic artist vs production editor demographics

Here are the differences between production graphic artists' and production editors' demographics:

Production Graphic ArtistProduction Editor
Average age3844
Gender ratioMale, 52.7% Female, 47.3%Male, 41.6% Female, 58.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 3.6% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.1% Asian, 7.2% White, 76.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage13%12%

Differences between production graphic artist and production editor duties and responsibilities

Production graphic artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage various publications including catalogs, catalog inserts, brochures, mailers and advertising material.
  • Use of EnRoute 5 CNC programming software.
  • Generate CNC/G-Code programs for CNC control machines.
  • Work with the silk screening and embroidery processes.
  • Cut plans and elevations utilizing Microstation, AutoCad and SP3D.
  • Provide SolidWorks, ProE, SDRC/I-DEAS, AutoCAD and IsoDraw expertise.
  • Show more

Production editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage integration and implementation of site search and train staff on strategic SEO and web best practices.
  • Manage research and identification of all clips and pictures used in the documentary for the purpose of credit and compensation.
  • Typeset editorial content and manage paste-up board production.
  • Boost usability by managing content migration to iApps, leading maintenance & data/functionality QA.
  • Assume full editorial responsibility when editor are unavailable, including managing social media accounts and assigning content to freelancers and photographers.
  • Update online versions of books using UNIX, HTML, and XML technologies.
  • Show more

Production graphic artist vs production editor skills

Common production graphic artist skills
  • Graphic Design, 18%
  • Adobe Illustrator, 11%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 10%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 8%
  • Graphic Production, 4%
  • Adobe Indesign, 4%
Common production editor skills
  • Proofreading, 15%
  • Editorial Production, 9%
  • Production Process, 9%
  • Production Schedules, 5%
  • Fiction, 4%
  • Adobe Indesign, 4%

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