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Video game animator vs 3d modeler

The differences between video game animators and 3d modelers 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 modeler. Additionally, a video game animator has an average salary of $81,133, which is higher than the $75,946 average annual salary of a 3d modeler.

The top three skills for a video game animator include animation, motion capture and maya. The most important skills for a 3d modeler are animation, adobe photoshop, and visualization.

Video game animator vs 3d modeler overview

Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Yearly salary$81,133$75,946
Hourly rate$39.01$36.51
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs2,8861,245
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
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 modeler do?

A 3D modeler is responsible for designing project models by utilizing various software applications and computer tools to represent high-quality digital content that would help the team and clients visualize the object. 3D modelers work closely with the design team to evaluate ideas and identify its feasibility scope on an enhanced digital view, giving them the ability to adjust and revise structures as needed. A 3D modeler must have excellent technical and critical-thinking skills to understand the clients' specifications and recommend solutions through graphics analysis.

Video game animator vs 3d modeler salary

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

Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Average salary$81,133$75,946
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $135,000Between $50,000 And $114,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Apple
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between video game animator and 3d modeler education

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

Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video game animator vs 3d modeler demographics

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

Video Game Animator3D Modeler
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6%
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, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between video game animator and 3d modeler 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 modeler example responsibilities.

  • Manage design collaboration and storyboard creations.
  • Partner with clients and a team of engineers to create detail and effective, multimedia training and sales aids.
  • Lead FX artist in creation, development, and implementation of particle flow and rigid body simulations to production pipeline.
  • Establish project direction and concepts, develop character designs and storyboards, and coordinate art assets from the project team.
  • Refine 3d concepts for production and rapid prototyping
  • Sketch technical drawings for architectural drawings and client presentations.
  • Show more

Video game animator vs 3d modeler skills

Common video game animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 26%
  • Maya, 23%
  • Unity, 5%
  • Character Animation, 4%
  • Photoshop, 3%
Common 3d modeler skills
  • Animation, 10%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 7%
  • Visualization, 7%
  • Texture, 6%
  • UV, 5%
  • Auto CAD, 5%

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