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2D Character Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CACI

CREO CAD Engineer with Security Clearance

Hillside, NJ · On-site

$72K - $149K/yr

... designs * Generate new 2D drawings from the newly created 3D models using Creo software * Develop ... At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

... and character. You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including ... Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help ...

Skydance

Visual Development Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

... and character. You will generate a wide range of visual development materials, including ... Working closely with Production Designer, art department, and creative leadership you will help ...

Fairbanks Scales

Engineer - Associate

Meridian, MS · On-site

Prepare designs and drawings and ensure design drawings adhere to provided specifications with ... Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD and drafting. * Proficient in reading and producing engineering ...

Fairbanks Scales

Engineer - Associate

Meridian, MS · On-site

Prepare designs and drawings and ensure design drawings adhere to provided specifications with ... Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD and drafting. * Proficient in reading and producing engineering ...

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2D Character Designer information

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$58K

$83.2K

$130.5K

How much do 2d character designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for 2d character designer in the United States is $83,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 2D Character Designer do?

A 2D Character Designer creates visually appealing characters for games, animations, comics, and other media. They develop character concepts, silhouettes, expressions, and outfits while ensuring consistency with the project's artistic style. Using tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, they transform ideas into refined digital illustrations. Their work often involves collaborating with art directors, animators, and writers to bring characters to life.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a 2D Character Designer?

As a 2D Character Designer, your daily tasks generally include sketching character concepts, refining designs based on feedback, and finalizing artwork for use in games, animations, or marketing materials. You will often work closely with art directors, animators, and other creative professionals to ensure your characters fit the project’s style and narrative. Attending team meetings, presenting design ideas, and making revisions based on input are also common parts of the role. This collaborative environment helps ensure that your character designs contribute effectively to the overall creative vision.

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

To thrive as a 2D Character Designer, you need strong drawing skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy, design principles, and visual storytelling, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Clip Studio Paint is crucial, and many employers look for expertise in digital illustration tools. Collaboration, communication, and the ability to accept feedback are important soft skills for working effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential to create memorable and marketable characters that meet project goals and client expectations.

More about 2D Character Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for 2D Character Designer jobs? Cities with the most 2D Character Designer job openings:
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2D Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 2D Character Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,176 per year, or $40 per hour.
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Visual Development Artist works closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film, including sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style. This is a union-covered position.
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:
  • Work under the guidance of the Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork related to sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style
  • Generate work across all stages of production, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final paintings
  • Create artwork that informs the early story and visual development process, as well as the production process
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished look
  • When requested, build and present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs
  • Ensure all artwork is accurately backed up, organized and stored appropriately
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
Qualifications:
  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
  • 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 $59.16/hour to $85.00/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 include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.
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.

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