Post job

Video game animator vs 3d artist

The differences between video game animators and 3d 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 video game animator and a 3d artist. Additionally, a video game animator has an average salary of $81,133, which is higher than the $74,721 average annual salary of a 3d artist.

The top three skills for a video game animator include animation, motion capture and maya. The most important skills for a 3d artist are animation, unity, and zbrush.

Video game animator vs 3d artist overview

Video Game Animator3D Artist
Yearly salary$81,133$74,721
Hourly rate$39.01$35.92
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs2,8863,978
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a video game animator do?

This is a multimedia artist and animator with a specialty in video games. They use a combination of arts and technology to create special effects, interactive animated images, and an environment for video games. They are expected to work alongside other departments to ensure that all visual artwork meets the specifications of clients. They are responsible for researching trends in video game animation, as well as statistics and techniques. Additionally, they may have to compile briefs and reports and even present your ideas and research findings before potential investors.

What does a 3d artist do?

A 3D Artist uses complex software to develop graphics and animations for use in various media, such as video games, television shows, and multimedia presentations. They often work in teams, dividing project workloads in accordance to strengths.

Video game animator vs 3d artist salary

Video game animators and 3d artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video Game Animator3D Artist
Average salary$81,133$74,721
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $135,000Between $47,000 And $116,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between video game animator and 3d artist education

There are a few differences between a video game animator and a 3d artist in terms of educational background:

Video Game Animator3D Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video game animator vs 3d artist demographics

Here are the differences between video game animators' and 3d artists' demographics:

Video Game Animator3D Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 83.9% Female, 16.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between video game animator and 3d artist duties and responsibilities

Video game animator example responsibilities.

  • Lead a team of artists to create the art and animation for motion comics aspects of the show.
  • Provide technical support in Autodesk Maya.
  • Work with engineers to develop process, using Maya.
  • Lay out and optimize UV's for realtime rendering.
  • Direct, texture, animate, and provide VFX for a visually provocative commercial.
  • Create UV maps and unique and/or tiling textures in various styles for game assets.
  • Show more

3d artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Write tools in Maxscript, MEL, javascript, python, and vbscript to automate repetitive processes.
  • Create high poly characters, props, and environments using organic and hard surface techniques in Zbrush and Maya.
  • Generate programs for CNC punch press.
  • Help team create nodes for nuke.
  • Contract as a 3D visualization designer & animator.
  • Show more

Video game animator vs 3d artist skills

Common video game animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 26%
  • Maya, 23%
  • Unity, 5%
  • Character Animation, 4%
  • Photoshop, 3%
Common 3d artist skills
  • Animation, 13%
  • Unity, 11%
  • ZBrush, 6%
  • Game Engine, 5%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 4%
  • Concept Art, 3%

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs