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Animation Character Design Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

Able to effectively communicate technical needs and issues to Engineering/Tech Art/Design. * Above all, deeply curious and passionate about creating responsive, character forward animation that makes ...

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

Able to effectively communicate technical needs and issues to Engineering/Tech Art/Design. * Above all, deeply curious and passionate about creating responsive, character forward animation that makes ...

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Animation Character Design information

See Ontario salary details

$9

$31

$70

How much do animation character design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation character design in Ontario is $31.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
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Animation Character Design jobs near you

Junior 2D Artist/Animator (8-Month Contract)

Big Viking Games

Toronto, ON • Remote

Contractor

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Important:

Please note that this is a 8-month remote contract position, with the possibility of renewal. The role is for an independent self-employed contractor and is not a full-time employment opportunity. Contractors can work remotely from anywhere in Ontario, Canada (provided they are legally authorized to do so).

A Little About Us:

Making fans - That's what we're all about! Since our humble beginnings in 2011, these two words have driven Big Viking Games to become the successful company it is today. We are focused on making our mark as a next-generation, live operations games company.

We believe that each Viking is unique and brings exponential value to the company. In return, we provide Vikings with the opportunity to solve problems through continuous learning and fostering feedback, ultimately mastering their craft. By investing in our Vikings and in new technologies, we can continue our success for years to come.

We are embarking on an adventure and rely on our team of skilled, enthusiastic, and collaborative Vikings to turn our ship towards a new horizon. With that in mind, we are on the hunt for exceptional art and animation talent to join us on this new journey and help hoist the sails!

The Nitty-Gritty:

We are on the hunt for a 2D Artist/Animator who is able to create game-ready assets for game development for our flagship game, YoWorld. Reporting to the Lead Artist, this position will be remote and will collaborate with a variety of internal stakeholders such as Production, LiveOps and Product teams. Our goal is that our contractors can jump in, learn the art styles and process and begin contributing to the team in a short period of time.

Responsibilities:

  • Creating compelling assets focusing on props, furniture, houses, backgrounds OR costumes
  • Create engaging high quality 2D animation on style and within design constraints
  • Working independently and collaboratively with team members to develop unique assets which fit the style established
  • Taking concepts through to final execution of artwork
  • Working closely with other artists and animators along with game designers and producers to ship quality games on time and on budget

Requirements

Must-Haves:

  • Must have access to a Windows PC (our art environment is not compatible with macOS; while you may use your Mac for some tasks, a Windows setup is required for production work)
  • 3+ years of experience creating 2D game art preferably in the social/mobile gaming space
  • 2+ years of 2D animation experience
  • Experience with MidJourney or similar AI image generation
  • Strong working knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite (Specifically Animate CC, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop)
  • Proven track record of creating appealing, high quality characters, props and environments
  • Experience taking features from concept to final in-game art
  • Understanding of the principles of animation
  • Experience creating character animation
  • Solid understanding of perspective and isometry, composition, character design, colour theory, visual effects and lighting
  • Strong attention to detail, so you'll notice we've asked you to mention 'Kattegat' in your application
  • Experience with photo manipulation
  • Strong knowledge of the game development process
  • Task-driven, self-motivated and proactive

Nice to Haves:

  • F2P game experience
  • A demonstrated aptitude in creating isometric art in a photo-realistic style
  • A knowledge or interest in utilizing A.I. as a tool for ideation and supplementing your artistic skill
  • A working knowledge of Blender
  • Experience with rigging 3D character models for animation
  • Experience with Confluence and Jira

If the idea of creating 2D art and animation for a gaming company sounds exciting, we'd love to hear from you! Send us your resume and cover letter as well as a link to your portfolio.

Big Viking Games is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. We welcome applications from individuals of all abilities and will provide accommodations throughout the hiring process as needed. If you require any accommodations, please email hr@bigvikinggames.com so we can work with you to support your needs.

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