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Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with a strong foundation in anatomy, sculpting, and character design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of various ...

Scattermesh

3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with a strong foundation in anatomy, sculpting, and character design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of various ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with a strong foundation in anatomy, sculpting, and character design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of various ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124K - $130K/yr

The role requires a skilled artist with a strong foundation in anatomy, sculpting, and character design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of various ...

teamLFG

3D Character Art Lead

$153K - $230K/yr

Do you have a passion for how 3D character art enhances gameplay clarity, supporting players in making split-second decisions, and how character design can ignite both fandom and strategic depth?

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, weight, and volume as they relate to character design and animation. * Experience with high- and low-poly modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.

teamLFG

OR

Do you have a passion for how 3D character art enhances gameplay clarity, supporting players in making split-second decisions, and how character design can ignite both fandom and strategic depth?

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How much do character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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.

How does a Character Designer typically collaborate with other team members during the production process?

Character Designers work closely with art directors, animators, writers, and sometimes 3D modelers to ensure their designs align with the project's visual style and narrative. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where designers present sketches, receive input, and make iterative changes. Effective communication and openness to feedback are essential, as character designs often need to be adapted for animation, merchandising, or game mechanics. Collaboration helps ensure the characters not only look appealing but also function well in different media formats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Designer, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of anatomy, color theory, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Proficiency with digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication help character designers collaborate with teams and bring unique concepts to life. These skills are essential for creating compelling, memorable characters that visually support narratives and resonate with audiences.

How much do character designers make?

Character designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals working in animation, gaming, or film can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by strong portfolios and proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

What is the difference between Character Design vs Character Modeling?

AspectCharacter DesignCharacter Modeling
Primary FocusCreating the visual concept, style, and personality of charactersBuilding the 3D digital model based on designs
Required SkillsDrawing, illustration, concept art, creativity3D modeling, software proficiency (e.g., Maya, Blender)
Work EnvironmentConcept art studios, animation, gaming companies3D animation studios, game development, VFX
Common UsageDesigning characters' appearance and personalityCreating detailed 3D models for animation or games

While both roles are essential in character creation, Character Design focuses on conceptualizing and visualizing characters, whereas Character Modeling involves transforming those concepts into detailed 3D models. Understanding these differences helps professionals and employers identify the right skill set for each stage of character development.

What is character design?

Character design is the process of creating the visual appearance, personality, and style of characters for use in media such as animation, video games, comics, and films. Character designers combine art skills and storytelling to develop unique and memorable characters that fit the project's narrative and aesthetic. This includes designing physical features, clothing, expressions, and poses, often collaborating with writers, directors, and animators to ensure the characters support the story and appeal to the target audience.
More about Character Design jobs
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Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Graphic Artist - Specialized in Cartoon & Character Design

QBE LLC (Federal)

Aberdeen, MD

$136K - $163K/yr

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

About QBE, LLC

QBE, LLC is a mission-focused technology and security solutions provider supporting defense and federal customers worldwide. We deliver high-impact capabilities where precision, accountability, and technical excellence directly support national-level objectives.

#qf #qg


QBE is seeking a Graphic Artist - Specialized in Cartoon & Character Design to support the IEW&S contract.


Responsibilities

 Candidate shall provide specialized cartoon illustration and character design support to enhance visual storytelling for CPE IEW&S communication initiatives. Candidate shall 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. Candidate's typical associated tasks include: 

  • 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. 

Requirements


  • Bachelor's degree -  computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field  
  • Minimum four years' (4) experience in the field of animation and design relevant experience required 
  • OR Associates degree in the field of computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field and minimum seven (7) experience in the field of animation and design. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively with team and other stakeholders

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

QBE is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender-identity and/or expression, age, disability, Veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, neurodivergence, ethnicity, ancestry, caste, military/uniformed service-member status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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