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Video game animator vs concept artist

The differences between video game animators and concept 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 concept artist. Additionally, a concept artist has an average salary of $85,713, which is higher than the $81,133 average annual salary of a video game animator.

The top three skills for a video game animator include animation, motion capture and maya. The most important skills for a concept artist are storyboards, maya, and animation.

Video game animator vs concept artist overview

Video Game AnimatorConcept Artist
Yearly salary$81,133$85,713
Hourly rate$39.01$41.21
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs2,8863,596
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 concept artist do?

The job of a concept artist is to make visual representations of creatures, characters, environments, vehicles, and other artistic assets. You should know about the design and how to create one that needs to blend well with any creative project. Your typical job includes drawing or painting these creative assets and providing references for any ideas you need to illustrate. The general qualifications needed to become a successful concept artist include illustration skills, design understanding, and knowledge of Photoshop.

Video game animator vs concept artist salary

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

Video Game AnimatorConcept Artist
Average salary$81,133$85,713
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $135,000Between $56,000 And $130,000
Highest paying City-Novato, CA
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Meta
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between video game animator and concept artist education

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

Video Game AnimatorConcept Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorAnimationGraphic Design
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video game animator vs concept artist demographics

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

Video Game AnimatorConcept Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 74.3% Female, 25.7%
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, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.7% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between video game animator and concept 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

Concept artist example responsibilities.

  • Create many MEL scripts to help automate routine daily tasks and improve overall productivity.
  • Rig character for animation in Maya.
  • Create pitches for new and old IP.
  • Sketch concept art for an online game
  • Design & animate VFX for mobile games!
  • Prepare 3D models for production using Maya 3d.
  • Show more

Video game animator vs concept artist skills

Common video game animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 26%
  • Maya, 23%
  • Unity, 5%
  • Character Animation, 4%
  • Photoshop, 3%
Common concept artist skills
  • Storyboards, 8%
  • Maya, 8%
  • Animation, 7%
  • Sketch, 6%
  • Art Direction, 6%
  • Graphic Design, 5%

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