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Video game animator vs motion graphics artist

The differences between video game animators and motion graphics 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 motion graphics artist. Additionally, a video game animator has an average salary of $81,133, which is higher than the $67,079 average annual salary of a motion graphics artist.

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

Video game animator vs motion graphics artist overview

Video Game AnimatorMotion Graphics Artist
Yearly salary$81,133$67,079
Hourly rate$39.01$32.25
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs2,8864,288
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
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 motion graphics artist do?

A motion graphics artist is responsible for conceptualizing digital designs and creating motion pictures according to business requirements and client specifications. Motion graphics artists produce media content and portray the message to the audience through creative multimedia projects. They should also have excellent technical skills in utilizing various software tools and applications. A motion graphics artist works closely with the whole production team for concept brainstorming and adjusting initial layouts as needed to ensure that the plans meet budget requirements and timetables.

Video game animator vs motion graphics artist salary

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

Video Game AnimatorMotion Graphics Artist
Average salary$81,133$67,079
Salary rangeBetween $48,000 And $135,000Between $43,000 And $103,000
Highest paying City-Providence, RI
Highest paying state-Nevada
Best paying company-Amazon
Best paying industry-Media

Differences between video game animator and motion graphics artist education

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

Video Game AnimatorMotion Graphics Artist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 80%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorAnimationAnimation
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Video game animator vs motion graphics artist demographics

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

Video Game AnimatorMotion Graphics Artist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 81.4% Female, 18.6%Male, 85.6% Female, 14.4%
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, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between video game animator and motion graphics 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

Motion graphics artist example responsibilities.

  • Lead team of motion designers which include brainstorming, mood boards, creation of mock-ups and presentations to clients and stakeholders.
  • Work on VFX motion graphics project.
  • Design in-house graphics, VFX and animations for broadcast and internal marketing.
  • Generate custom compression for video material post on YouTube for game promotion.
  • Collaborate with product team and UX/UI design team to make UI animations and motion graphics.
  • Create a character using Maya 3D modeling software for a commercial project with a financing company.
  • Show more

Video game animator vs motion graphics artist skills

Common video game animator skills
  • Animation, 36%
  • Motion Capture, 26%
  • Maya, 23%
  • Unity, 5%
  • Character Animation, 4%
  • Photoshop, 3%
Common motion graphics artist skills
  • Video Production, 16%
  • Animation, 16%
  • Cinema, 9%
  • Adobe Creative Suite, 5%
  • Premiere Pro, 4%
  • Video Content, 4%

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