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2D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats * Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats * Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in UI Design and development in Unity * Proficient in Unity animation systems and ... Animation - 2D character specific * Scripting ability to common art tooling (Photoshop, 3dx Max ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in UI Design and development in Unity * Proficient in Unity animation systems and ... Animation - 2D character specific * Scripting ability to common art tooling (Photoshop, 3dx Max ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Deliver polished animations (2D, 3D, Character, Compositing) working with team members across all disciplines: strategy, accounts, design, copy, and dev. * * Bring layout, typography, and design ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$236K - $395K/yr

... design, or character design Knowledge of 2D and CG animation and a thorough understanding of a CG production pipeline from pre-production to post-production. Expert working knowledge of digital ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$236K - $395K/yr

Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio and/or credits showcasing excellence in roles such as visual development, background paint, color design, or character design * Knowledge of 2D ...

Netflix

Art Director - Ink

Vancouver, WA

$236K - $395K/yr

Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio and/or credits showcasing excellence in roles such as visual development, background paint, color design, or character design * Knowledge of 2D ...

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2D Character Design information

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How much do 2d character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d character design in the United States is $29.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 2D Character Design job?

A 2D Character Design job involves creating visually appealing and expressive characters for games, animations, comics, or other media. Designers develop characters' appearances, emotions, and poses while ensuring they align with the project's artistic style. This role requires strong drawing skills, creativity, and knowledge of design principles. Artists often use digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator for their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 2D Character Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2D Character Designer, you need strong drawing skills, an understanding of anatomy, color theory, and a portfolio demonstrating creative character concepts. Proficiency in digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Clip Studio Paint is commonly required, with formal training or a degree in art or design often being advantageous. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to accept and implement feedback are important soft skills in this field. These qualifications help ensure your character designs not only meet creative briefs but also fit seamlessly within project teams and client expectations.

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2D Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Character Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,322 per year, or $30 per hour.
Character Designer

Character Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the look, personality, and visual identity of our characters. From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience.

Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will contribute to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help maintain a cohesive visual language throughout the film. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in drawing, a keen sense of storytelling through design, and the versatility to explore a wide range of shapes, styles, and emotional expression.

Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. 

This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.

Responsibilities
  • Develop original artwork for project concepts and characters, including exploratory designs, refined assets, and surface details
  • Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs
  • Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats
  • Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices, ensuring authenticity, originality, and alignment with the story and world
  • Design and assemble compelling presentation materials that effectively communicate creative ideas to internal teams and leadership
  • Collaborate in brainstorming sessions to generate inventive concepts that enhance storytelling, bringing depth, humor, emotion, and personality to each character
  • Apply a strong understanding of human and/or animal anatomy to create believable, dynamic, and appealing character designs
  • Contribute creative problem-solving solutions, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and iterate efficiently on designs throughout the production process
  • Manage time effectively to meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
  • Maintain organized, production-ready files in accordance with the show’s naming conventions and versioning systems
  • Communicate proactively with supervisors and production partners regarding progress, questions, and any potential challenges
  • Revise and update designs as needed based on feedback, ensuring all work meets the creative vision before final approval
  • Partner closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, Lead Character Designer, and production staff to provide status updates and address any issues that arise
Requirements
  • 8+ years of character design experience on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design characters that support narrative and performance
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work and respond effectively to feedback
  • Solid understanding of human and/or animal anatomy
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839
     
     
The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
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