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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$102 - $113/hr

Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation Req ID: 10159762 About this Role and our Studio ... Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmonyand 3D technology, where ...

New

$103K - $109K/yr

Collaborate with Product Managers, Art Managers, and Directors to define and establish the character art style, developing character concept design templates and style guides. * Work closely with 3D ...

... design and development of robotics simulations, AI, debuggers, behavior editing tools, and 3D ... or interactive character design • A passion for human/computer interaction, art pipelines ...

Character Designer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$115 - $140/hr

With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise ... large-scale 3D drone performances viewed by audiences around the world. Working closely with ...

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

... Fashion Design, Illustration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. * 3+ years of experience designing plush, soft goods, or 3D character products, ideally within toys ...

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3D Character Design information

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

As of Sep 5, 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.

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What states have the most 3D Character Design jobs?

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What job categories do people searching 3D Character Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Character Design jobs are:

Infographic showing various 3D Character Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Impleo

On-site

$102 - $113/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Posting Title: Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Req ID: 10159762

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families’ homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisCharacter Design Lead role, youmaybeconsideredforanyCharacter Design Leadpositions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Art Director Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of the series. The Character Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series.

Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the Art Director to review scripts and storyboards and for characters that need to be designed for each episode.Flag complexity issues as they arise.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Producer and Art Director, set the visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork.
  • Ensure that the high quality and style of shows establishedby the Executive Producer and Art Director is achieved and maintained.
  • Further the storytelling process by developing the look, personality and feel of characters.
  • Capture the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.
  • Create turnarounds, special poses, mouthcharts and expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.
  • May oversee the Character Design team, delegating work and monitoring their schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project.
  • Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studio.
Required Qualifications and Skills
  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.
  • Experience leading a team preferred.
  • Ability to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheetsand special poses.
  • Experience working with overseas vendor studios.
  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.
  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmonyand 3D technology, where applicable.
  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
  • Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.
  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-socialskillsand acumen.
Education
  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience
Job Location
  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment: Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business: TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category: Modeling

Employment Type: Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

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