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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work alongside the costume design team to produce high-quality PBR (physically based rendering ... 3D character art experience is a plus Experience in games, toys, fashion, or other product ...

Visual Designer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$58.60 - $65.11/hr

This is an opportunity to move characters with personality, design motion systems with purpose, and see your creative vision come to life at scale. * What You'll Do** * Create 2D and 3D character ...

Art Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Define and document the visual style of Tolan's world - color, shape language, lighting, and character design - so others can execute it consistently. * Produce concept art, style frames, or 3D work ...

Senior Product Manager, Avatar Movement

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

... design decisions for our proprietary engine that anticipate needs 1-3 years into the future ... engines, 3D character controllers, avatar animation, or core gameplay systems. * A Bachelor ...

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3D Character Design information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do 3d character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d character design in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3D character design?

3D character design is the process of creating three-dimensional digital models of characters for use in video games, animation, films, virtual reality, and other media. Artists use specialized software to sculpt, texture, and rig characters, bringing them to life with details and personality. The role often involves collaborating with other creative professionals to ensure characters fit the visual style and functionality required by a project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Character Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Designer, you need strong artistic skills, knowledge of human and creature anatomy, and proficiency with 3D modeling and sculpting, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Blender, and familiarity with texturing tools like Substance Painter is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help designers collaborate with teams and bring unique characters to life. These skills ensure that characters are visually compelling, technically sound, and fit project requirements for games, films, or other media.

How does a 3D Character Designer typically collaborate with other team members during a game or film project?

3D Character Designers frequently work closely with concept artists, animators, riggers, and game developers to ensure characters not only look visually appealing but also function well within the intended environment. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where designers make adjustments based on input from art directors and technical leads. Collaborative platforms and project management tools are used to share assets and track progress, ensuring seamless integration of character models into the larger project. Strong communication skills and a willingness to adapt designs based on team needs are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between 3D Character Design vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Character Design3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating character concepts, sketches, and detailed designsBuilding 3D models based on designs or specifications
Skills RequiredConcept art, anatomy, creativity, software like Photoshop and ZBrushModeling, topology, texturing, software like Maya, Blender
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, gaming, animation, filmAnimation studios, game development, VFX companies
Common UsageDesign phase, character developmentModel creation, rigging, optimization

While 3D Character Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing characters, 3D Modeler specializes in creating the actual 3D models based on those designs. Both roles often collaborate closely in the character development process within gaming, animation, and film industries.

More about 3D Character Design jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Character Design jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Design job openings:
What states have the most 3D Character Design jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Character Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various 3D Character Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing

Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing

Spencer's and Spirit Halloween

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Spencer's rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 102 rated fashion retailers


Job description

We are authentic, professional providers of fun, focused on building a Great Place To Work For All by staying true to our mission: “Life’s a Party, We’re Makin’ It Fun!” and “So Much Fun It’s Scary!”

At Spencer’s and Spirit, we do the right thing always-integrity, fairness, respect, and transparency are our foundation. You will find our culture to be inclusive, passionate, resilient, and one that values differences and embraces all.

One Team / One Goal

We are leaders and owners of our business success. Whether it’s developing new and exclusive costumes, quality testing products, or implementing technology solutions, our teams understand the value of working collaboratively to embrace change through innovation, curiosity, and thoughtfulness.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Flexible work environment
  • Career advancement
  • Competitive base salary
  • Bonus opportunity
  • Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holiday pay
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life and AD&D insurance
  • 401k with a company match
  • 30% merchandise discount

The Designer, 3D Texture/Surfacing with the costume design team to create PBR textures and materials for garment printing and fabrication utilizing 3D surfacing workflows; work to bridge 3D + 2D design into the real world of costumes.

  • Work alongside the costume design team to produce high-quality PBR (physically based rendering) textures and materials for garment printing specific to costumes
  • Leverage Substance Painter / Designer and emerging AI workflows
  • Manage and review outsourced assets
  • Collaborate across multiple teams and projects, adhering to the needs of the business and deadlines

  • Experienced 3D Texture/Lookdev artist
  • Strong PBR (physically based rendering) fundamentals experience
  • Hands-on experience using Substance Painter or Mari
  • Working knowledge of a 3D software like ZBrush and CLO/ Marvelous Designer
  • Clear understanding of color space, shading, lighting, rendering, and texture baking methods
  • Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate multiple projects seamlessly
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • Self-starter; comfortable leading the charge with projects and deadlines
  • 3D character art experience is a plus
  • Experience in games, toys, fashion, or other product development is a plus
  • Required software experience: Zbrush, Substance Painter/Mari, Clo3D/ Marvelous Designer, Illustrator, PhotoshopBlender
  • Blender, Maya, Mesh Mixer preferred

The pay range reflects the potential base salary range for this role. Individual base pay is determined by various factors such as relevant experience and skills, and the scope and responsibilities of the position.


$75,000 - $85,000

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