2D Character Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$54-60.95 Hourly
Start Date:
Jul 1, 2026
Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized entertainment and consumer products company that shapes cultural experiences and delights audiences worldwide. This organization stands at the forefront of creating innovative and high-quality consumer products, bringing beloved stories and characters to life while upholding the highest standards of creativity and quality. As an Aquent talent, you will play a pivotal role in contributing directly to the joy of millions through your design expertise, helping to create products that resonate globally and captivate consumers.
About the Opportunity
Are you a talented and passionate designer ready to bring imagination to life? This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team where your creative vision will shape the next generation of themed merchandise and accessories. You will be instrumental in influencing the consumer experience, transforming beloved characters and narratives into innovative, high-quality products that resonate globally. Your work will span from initial concept to final production, involving close collaboration with diverse internal teams and external partners, ensuring every product captivates consumers and upholds a commitment to excellence. Prepare to leave a tangible mark on products that delight audiences worldwide!
What You'll Do

• Concept, design, sketch, and prototype consumer-centric product lines, incorporating 2D graphics and 3D modeling to deliver market-leading innovation and exceptional value.
• Manage product and packaging approvals through digital systems and collaborative reviews, ensuring adherence to high quality standards in character execution, storytelling, color, material, form, and function while optimizing profitability.
• Develop and design product mock-ups, creative presentations, point-of-view boards, activation kits, and retail pitch decks.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional internal teams and external partners throughout the product design and approval process.
• Monitor industry competitors, product innovations, and market dynamics to inform design strategies.
• Conduct seasonal trend research by product category.
• Oversee the entire product design and development lifecycle, from initial concept through final production stages.
• Lead and guide product approvals, providing creative direction, managing revisions, and delivering detailed feedback to external partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and internal teams, overseeing all creative aspects of product development.
• Support the onboarding process for new partners.

What You'll Bring
Must-Have Qualifications:

• 4+ years of professional experience in costume, fashion, apparel, or consumer product design and development.
• Solid understanding of hardlines and softlines categories, including raw materials, plastic, textiles, print, pattern, graphic composition, and manufacturing processes.
• Expertise in product prototyping and a strong grasp of the manufacturing process, including sculpting, tooling, paint master techniques, materials, and mechanisms.
• Strong product design skills, encompassing 3D product design, technical design, sketching, creative application and manipulation of art, final mechanical art, and fabric/trim identification.
• Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in computer software such as MS Office, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (e.g., Fashion design, Costume Design, Toy Design, Industrial Design) or equivalent professional experience.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Experience and expertise in sewing, patternmaking, and costume/fashion design.
• Passion for storytelling and diverse creative properties.
• Experience with product design specifically within themed costumes and other softline adjacent products, including packaging and product exposure.
• Familiarity with the full product lifecycle, including comprehensive product approval processes.
• Experience collaborating with external partners and vendors for feedback, reviews, and approvals.
• Strong visual and written communication skills, with advanced Adobe Illustrator proficiency for creating overlays and detailed design revisions.
• Solid negotiating skills.
• Background in footwear or molded goods design.

About Aquent Talent
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
Client Description
This legendary company has entertained, informed and inspired people around the globe for over 90 years. Named one of Forbes top companies to work for year over year, this is where dreams really do come true.
Whether you're looking to create, support business growth and development, work behind-the-scenes on your favorite TV shows or upcoming movies, or anything in-between, this is your opportunity to start the next chapter of your career story and help create the exhilarating experiences this company is known for worldwide.
Why work with AQUENT? Check out our awesome benefits: https://aquent.com/talent/talent-benefits
Aquent is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
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