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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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 ...

LF Studios

Surface Design Coordinator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

We are seeking a Designer or skillful 3D modeler to help bring our figures and characters to life ... Review shell drawings and all Character Methodology Sheets for clarity, completeness ...

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 ...

PrizePicks

Lead 3D Designer

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

Die hard sports fan Qualifications: * 5+ years of 3D design experience, with a portfolio that shows range across character, environment, and object design * Strong command of Blender (or equivalent:

Festybay

$60K - $82K/yr

Work closely with character/prop rigging tools, utilize Control Rig within Unreal Engine, and ... design intents. * End-to-End Ownership: Oversee your assigned animation tasks throughout their ...

Actalent

Survey Cad Technician

Shawnee Mission, KS · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Interest in developing deeper expertise in Civil 3D and survey-related CAD workflows. * Positive attitude, strong character, and a desire to be a long-term member of a close-knit team. Work ...

Trov

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 ...

2K

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Work closely with Directors, Leads, Concept, Environment, Design, Gameplay, and Animation teams to ... Expert proficiency in 3D creation tools including 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Work closely with Directors, Leads, Concept, Environment, Design, Gameplay, and Animation teams to ... Expert proficiency in 3D creation tools including 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Work closely with Directors, Leads, Concept, Environment, Design, Gameplay, and Animation teams to ... Expert proficiency in 3D creation tools including 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter ...

2K

Lead Character Artist

Novato, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Work closely with Directors, Leads, Concept, Environment, Design, Gameplay, and Animation teams to ... Expert proficiency in 3D creation tools including 3ds Max, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter ...

Atwell, LLC

CAD Designer - Land Development

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

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

Atwell, LLC

Survey CAD Technician

Fort Lauderdale, FL · 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 ...

Atwell, LLC

CAD Tech - Survey

Fort Myers, FL · 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 ...

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 ...

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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.

Product Development Manager, Soft Goods

Atlanta, GA • On-site

The Elf on The Shelf
See more jobs at The Elf on The Shelfexternal

$108K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description


Join us in Telling the Stories of Santa’s North Pole!

The Lumistella Company is a global intellectual property company dedicated to bringing Santa’s North Pole to life for children around the world through consumer products, original entertainment and brand experiences. We are home to the most iconic and beloved Christmas brands of this generation including The Elf on the Shelf, Elf Pets, and Elf Mates. 

The Product Development Manager, Soft Goods will lead the executional development of all plush and textile-based products across Lumistella’s core and inbound licensed lines. From fashion-forward accessories to character-driven plush, this role ensures that each item meets the brand’s high creative standards while achieving cost, safety, and production feasibility targets.

This role works closely with Design and Sourcing to deliver accurate, vendor-ready documentation and to ensure storytelling, texture, and tactile delight are preserved through sampling and spec refinement. This role bridges creative intent and technical execution to deliver safe, engaging, and fully manufacturable products.

Projects include, but are not limited to elf dolls, costumes & clothing for elves (and potentially other characters), plush accessories, and plush characters of all shapes, sizes, and playable features. Each season can have upwards of 25 unique and innovative items for new development, in addition to products sold globally year after year requiring updates from previous seasons.

The Product Development Manager, Soft Goods will:

  • Lead development of plush characters, fashion accessories, and soft goods SKUs from design handoff through pre-production sample approval.
  • Provide fabric and plush construction guidance for hybrid products, such as dolls with roto-molded heads and plush/felt bodies.
  • Owns the technical translation of design intent into manufacturable, child-safe, and cost-conscious plush and fashion items—serving as the primary steward of tactile and structural quality.
  • Translate designs into detailed specifications, including materials, trims, die-cut patterns, construction methods, and finishing techniques.
  • Partner closely with factories on problem-solving as it relates to die cuts, patterns, seam allowances, and cutting processes to ensure finished good construction is flawless.
  • Acts as the primary decision-maker for plush construction feasibility.
  • Partner with the Product Engineer as needed to finalize product specifications, ensuring dimensional accuracy and construction feasibility.
  • Maintain accurate version control of specifications throughout sampling cycles.
  • Provide samples to the Packaging Structural Designer to validate product/packaging fit; packaging spec ownership is the responsibility of the Packaging Designer.
  • Provide samples to the Packaging Graphics team as needed for photography; ensure final art files are provided to the factory on time during Pre-Production phase.
  • Oversee sampling rounds, evaluate construction quality, softness, scale, and appearance, and manage adjustments in coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders.
  • Provide clear, actionable feedback to factories on sample revisions, materials, and construction adjustments.
  • Ensure products meet market expectations for the brands’ emotional and tactile experiences as premium goods meant to be cherished by consumers year after year.
  • Partner with Sourcing, Costing, and factories to align on material sourcing, cost targets, BOM accuracy, and feasibility resolution.
  • Work with Compliance & QC to ensure plush and textile products meet all required safety and regulatory standards.
  • Validate all products meet performance and functional requirements as defined in conjunction with the Director of Product Development.
  • Work closely with Program Management to maintain schedule adherence and escalate risks for projects that are in danger, offering solutions to mitigate the risks and minimize impact to ship dates.

If you want to be one of us... 

The ideal candidate will bring:

  • 5+ years in plush, apparel, or soft goods engineering / product development
  • Experience managing development cycles across seasonal and licensed product lines
  • Experience working with licensed IP partners on product submissions and approvals
  • Strong understanding of cut-and-sew, 3D character plush, and cost optimization
    • Pattern-making knowledge, cut and sew construction and 3D volume development
    • Understanding of textile performance characteristics
    • Knowledge of trims, embellishments, embroidery techniques
    • Strong knowledge of cost estimating and designing to specified cost restraints for soft goods
  • Digital tool experience preferred (PLM, Adobe Illustrator, CAD familiarity)
  • Experience working directly with overseas vendors and factories (China, Vietnam, or similar manufacturing hubs)
  • Familiarity with CPSIA and plush safety standards (domestic & international)
  • Protects company assets through the proper management of asset files and adherence to company policy with regard to information security and management.

Education requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Fashion Technology, Industrial Design, or a related field

 The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. A full and complete copy of the Job Description is available upon request.

Want to Know More?

To learn more about our company, check out our web site at: www.Lumistella.com.

The Lumistella Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.