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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BMI Merchandise

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 ...

BMI Merchandise

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 ...

Imagine Staffing Technology

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site +1

$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 ...

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

Artists are expected to have superior talents in several artistic categories, including: illustration, graphic design, color theory, character design, with 3d skills being a plus. Responsibilities

SciPlay

2D Game Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

Artists are expected to have superior talents in several artistic categories, including: illustration, graphic design, color theory, character design, with 3d skills being a plus. Responsibilities

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 ...

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

This role includes helping students develop core animation techniques and 3D modeling skills, along with more specialized areas like character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, rendering, and ...

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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 Sep 11, 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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3d Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Graphic Specialist/Cartoonist -Intermediate (contingent 034)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD • On-site, Remote

MSSI
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about MSSIexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Title: Graphics Specialist/Cartoonist – Intermediate (contingent 034)

Location(s): APG, MD OR remote

Strong portfolio showcasing drawing skills, proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony, and have a deep understanding of animation principles of timing, movement, and storytelling to create engaging animated content; key skills include storyboarding, character design, and the ability to adapt to different animation styles. 

Secret security clearance is required.

Responsibilities include:

  • Provide specialized cartoon illustration and character design support to enhance visual storytelling for CPE IEW&S communication initiatives.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in digital illustration software and collaborate closely with public affairs, multimedia designers, and print production staff to ensure creative alignment and message clarity.
  • Develop original cartoon illustrations, character designs, and comic-style graphics to support public-facing and internal communication products across print and digital media.
  • Translate complex technical or operational content into engaging cartoon visuals that simplify messaging and increase audience comprehension.
  • Collaborate with the public affairs team and senior creatives to conceptualize cartoon-based campaigns, storyboards, and visual themes aligned with mission objectives.
  • Prepare artwork for integration into larger multimedia projects, including videos, infographics, social media content, and educational materials.
  • Ensure all cartoon-based products adhere to Army and CPE IEW&S branding, security, and communication guidelines while maintaining stylistic consistency across deliverables.
  • Adhere to the company’s AS9100 and QMS policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelors Degree - computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field.
  • A minimum four years’ (4) experience in the field of animation and design relevant experience required.
  • Substitution: Associates degree and minimum seven (7) experience in the field of animation and design. Additional years’ experience can substitute for field of study.
  • Familiarity with scripting and storyboarding.
  • Ability to draw in a variety of styles.
  • Experience in character rigging and skeletal animation.
  • Strong understanding of timing, pacing and storytelling in animation.
  • Preferred: Experience with 3D animation and modeling preferred.

Apply