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Visual artist vs artist

The differences between visual artists and artists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a visual artist has an average salary of $81,873, which is higher than the $68,690 average annual salary of an artist.

The top three skills for a visual artist include animation, maya and visual development. The most important skills for an artist are maya, adobe photoshop, and customer service.

Visual artist vs artist overview

Visual ArtistArtist
Yearly salary$81,873$68,690
Hourly rate$39.36$33.02
Growth rate5%6%
Number of jobs7,2093,870
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4040
Years of experience2-

What does a visual artist do?

Visual artists are the type of artists that engage their audience through their eyes. This type of artist expresses their feelings in different ways. They can use any material to make their feelings known. Sometimes, they express their feelings using carved wood, digital imagery, and installations from objects they find randomly. They may use water vapor or bee pollen to let the world see their feelings, thoughts, and ideals. They can also choose to work independently or work with studios that produce cartoons, develop games, and have a fixed schedule to work on a project.

What does an artist do?

An Artist specializes in creating various artworks or prose; the audience can vary from individuals or the general public. An artist's responsibility depends on the industry, company, or position where they are assigned. However, most of the time, Artists are expected to work under specific guidelines, deliver materials in a required format within an allotted time and perform revisions according to what is preferred by an editor or client. Furthermore, independent artists may work freelance and receive commissions for their craft.

Visual artist vs artist salary

Visual artists and artists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Visual ArtistArtist
Average salary$81,873$68,690
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $127,000Between $42,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySparks, NVSan Rafael, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaCalifornia
Best paying companyNVIDIAMeta
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between visual artist and artist education

There are a few differences between a visual artist and an artist in terms of educational background:

Visual ArtistArtist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 70%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorFine ArtsFine Arts
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaHarvard University

Visual artist vs artist demographics

Here are the differences between visual artists' and artists' demographics:

Visual ArtistArtist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 59.5% Female, 40.5%Male, 45.2% Female, 54.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 7.8% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between visual artist and artist duties and responsibilities

Visual artist example responsibilities.

  • Edit video, write copy for television, radio, and web-base commercials while managing the scheduling of all studio employees.
  • Design creative materials, including advertisements, media kits, logo and promotional materials for several collaborative projects.
  • Model, texture and integrate 3D mesh FX with 3DSMax
  • Modele and shade 3D facial replacements and simulate smoke effects in Maya.
  • Design texture sheets and unique materials and shaders for particles and mesh FX.
  • Used Maya and Photoshop to create matte paintings and landscape environment using modeling and camera projection techniques.
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Artist example responsibilities.

  • Manage studio workload and advise print direction to in-house and freelance cad artists.
  • Manage online product catalog using Dreamweaver.
  • Assist customers with product selection and process POS transactions.
  • Provide comparative analysis on traditional vs. Mac vs. PC production.
  • Animate in-game characters, user interface assets and particle effects.
  • Own & operate a specialize faux painting, mural and art business.
  • Show more

Visual artist vs artist skills

Common visual artist skills
  • Animation, 15%
  • Maya, 11%
  • Visual Development, 9%
  • Visual Effects, 7%
  • VFX, 6%
  • Motion Graphics, 5%
Common artist skills
  • Maya, 13%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Graphic Design, 7%
  • Photography, 7%
  • VFX, 6%

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