ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Character Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sunblink

Marketing Artist (Contract)

Boulder, CO

$131K - $157K/yr

... animation software such as Spine * Skilled in logo design with a focus on visual identity ... your favorite Sanrio character, too). We consider transparency in AI usage important. If you ...

Sunblink

Marketing Artist (Contract)

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$131K - $157K/yr

... animation software such as Spine * Skilled in logo design with a focus on visual identity ... your favorite Sanrio character, too). We consider transparency in AI usage important. If you ...

All JobsAnimation Character Design JobsAnimation Character Design Jobs in Colorado

Animation Character Design information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$29

$66

How much do animation character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation character design in Colorado is $29.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.55 and $36.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by animation character designers, and how are they usually addressed on the job?

Animation character designers often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with the specific requirements of a production, such as style consistency and technical limitations. Designers regularly collaborate and communicate with directors, animators, and other team members to refine characters based on feedback and evolving project needs. Tight deadlines and frequent revisions are typical in this role, making adaptability and problem-solving skills highly valuable. Many studios foster open feedback loops and provide resources for skill development to help designers address these challenges and succeed in their roles.

What is an Animation Character Design job?

An Animation Character Design job involves creating the visual look, personality, and style of characters for animated films, TV shows, games, or commercials. Character designers develop concept art, model sheets, and expressive poses to ensure consistency and appeal. They work closely with animators, directors, and writers to bring characters to life while maintaining the project's artistic vision. Strong drawing skills, creativity, and knowledge of anatomy and storytelling are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation Character Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animation Character Design, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of anatomy and movement, and a portfolio demonstrating creativity and storytelling through visuals. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Toon Boom Harmony, as well as knowledge of 3D modeling tools, is often essential. Strong communication, flexibility, and collaboration skills help artists respond effectively to feedback and work well in team-oriented environments. These skills ensure characters are visually compelling, fit project requirements, and resonate with audiences, contributing to a project's overall success.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Character Design jobs in Colorado? For Animation Character Design jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Character Design jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Character Design jobs in Colorado are:
Animation Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Character Design job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Internship, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,150 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
  • Courses taught may include 2D Animation I–IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
  • Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.
Working Conditions
This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply