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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merestone

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Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This role combines 2D graphic design, 3D environmental design, and real-world production thinking ... If your portfolio primarily consists of video game environments, character design, animation, or ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

Edit animations into cohesive final videos, including color correction, sound design, and music ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

William Paterson University

$2.1K/wk

Storyboarding & Production Design, Cell Animation I, 3D Character Animation, Advanced Cell Animation, Projects Drawing for Animators, and other Animation Courses. Department overview: The Department ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

Edit animations into cohesive final videos, including color correction, sound design, and music ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Edit animations into cohesive final videos, including color correction, sound design, and music ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

Apply Early

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Collaborate closely with engineers and technical designers to design scalable, flexible animation ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN · On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

For engineering design, SolidWorks is used for all 3D modeling and detailing efforts. In addition ... The engineer that excels in this position will be an individual of high work ethic and character ...

Marmon

Mechanical Design Engineer

Fairview, TN

$65K - $88K/yr

For engineering design, SolidWorks is used for all 3D modeling and detailing efforts. In addition ... The engineer that excels in this position will be an individual of high work ethic and character ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

CAD Designer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

If you enjoy bringing civil designs to life using AutoCAD Civil 3D, collaborating with engineers ... As a CAD Designer, you'll play a key role in transforming engineering concepts into buildable, high ...

Atwell, LLC

Survey CAD Technician

Newark, DE · On-site

Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D and related engineering software to complete assignments, ensuring they ... Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes ...

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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 Jul 7, 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:
What job categories do people searching 3D Character Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Character Design jobs are:
3D Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Design job openings in the United States as of July 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 $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential

Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential

Merestone

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

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Job description

Merestone is seeking an Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential to create immersive branded environments, trade show exhibits, corporate events, and experiential marketing activations.

This role combines 2D graphic design, 3D environmental design, and real-world production thinking. Successful candidates understand how to translate a brand message into a physical experience that can be built, printed, installed, and experienced by an audience.

This is not a video game, animation, VFX, or entertainment concept art position. We are looking for designers with experience creating branded environments, exhibits, events, retail experiences, museums, themed attractions, or other physical spaces.


What You'll Do

  • Design trade show exhibits, stage environments, experiential activations, and branded spaces
  • Create compelling 3D renderings and visualizations that communicate guest experience, scale, materials, and spatial flow
  • Develop concepts, mood boards, presentations, and design narratives for client review
  • Design environmental graphics, signage, large-format print, and branded visual elements
  • Build cohesive brand experiences across physical environments and supporting graphics
  • Prepare production-ready artwork and design documentation for fabrication, print, and installation
  • Collaborate with project managers, fabricators, print specialists, and production teams
  • Review dimensions, materials, construction methods, and installation requirements for accuracy and feasibility
  • Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


Required Qualifications

  • 3–5+ years of experience in experiential, exhibit, event, environmental, retail, museum, or themed entertainment design
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating both 2D graphic design and 3D environmental design
  • Experience designing for physical spaces and real-world construction
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
  • Experience with SketchUp, Vectorworks, Blender, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, or similar 3D design software
  • Strong understanding of branding, typography, layout, environmental graphics, and spatial design
  • Knowledge of large-format print production and fabrication processes
  • Ability to collaborate, communicate, and execute under deadlines

Preferred Experience

  • Trade shows and exhibits
  • Live events and experiential marketing
  • Environmental graphic design
  • Scenic design and fabrication
  • Retail environments
  • Vectorworks experience
  • Understanding of construction methods, materials, lighting, and installation logistics


Portfolio Required

Applicants must submit a portfolio that includes:

  • Built exhibits, environments, activations, or branded spaces
  • 3D renderings and environmental design work
  • Environmental graphics, signage, or branding projects
  • Client presentation materials demonstrating concept development


Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.


What We're Looking For

We're looking for a designer who understands that great design is more than a beautiful rendering. The ideal candidate can develop strong creative concepts while also considering fabrication, budget, logistics, installation, and guest experience.

If your portfolio primarily consists of video game environments, character design, animation, or concept art without real-world built projects, this position is likely not the right fit.

Company Description

Merestone is an award-winning production company that specializes in creating custom-designed, high-end environments, including immersive experiences, stage sets, trade show booths, and marketing elements. The company uses advanced equipment like CNC routers, 3D printers, and carpentry tools to bring these designs to life, ensuring a high standard of craftsmanship.