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2D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedding VC

Founding Game Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$182K/yr

... character they interact with through voice. Conversations are open-ended, not scripted. The ... Experience with Godot, or any 2D game engine's design/prototyping tools. * Familiarity with ...

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

As of Jun 5, 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
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA

$51.61 - $81.75/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY:  

Artists in this role will work closely with a hardworking team of directors, art directors, producers, and visual development artists to visually explore and design all aspects of feature animated film projects. These may include: sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color and overall style.  

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Collaborate with Directors to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished presentation.  This is done through the use of drawings and paintings (including rough sketches, cleaned up renderings, tonals, sculpture and digital imagery).
  • Create character and environment concepts, color scripts, color keys, lighting studies, mood paintings and production illustrations.
  • Assist Art Director and Production Designer to bring the script to life.
  • Implement feedback promptly and professionally.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory as it pertains to feature film design. 
  • Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.  
  • Areas of expertise to include one or more of the following: set/location/props design; character/costume design; special effects design; and/or color styling.  
  • A solid understanding of 2D to 3D translations and hands-on use of 2D or 3D tools in your design process is helpful. 
  • Able to solve problems creatively.
  • Manage time efficiently. 
  • The ability to work creatively in a fast paced production environment under pressure.
  • Self motivated, good communication skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook. 
  • Working knowledge of software and hardware including Photoshop and Cintiq.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $51.61/hour to $81.75/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors. 

To apply, please submit a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords needed to review your work in your resume or cover letter.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

This position is covered by The Animation Guild.

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