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Animation Character Design Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Animation Character Design information

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$9

$30

$68

How much do animation character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation character design in Phoenix, AZ is $30.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.16 and $37.39 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?

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 animation character design?

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 the most commonly searched types of Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Character Design jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

Animation Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Character Design job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,159 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential

Merestone

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

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.