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Character Design Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

To ensure a cohesive look across the project you will partner with the Character Art and Tech Art teams as well as other concept artists, and explore the realization of gameplay paces with the Design ...

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

To ensure a cohesive look across the project you will partner with the Character Art and Tech Art teams as well as other concept artists, and explore the realization of gameplay paces with the Design ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

To ensure a cohesive look across the project you will partner with the Character Art and Tech Art teams as well as other concept artists, and explore the realization of gameplay paces with the Design ...

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How much do character design artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for character design artist in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a character design artist?

To become a character design artist, develop strong drawing skills, build a portfolio showcasing original character concepts, and gain proficiency in digital art tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. A background in art, illustration, or animation and understanding of anatomy, color theory, and storytelling are also important for success in this field.

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

To excel as a Character Design Artist, you need strong drawing skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of anatomy and color theory, often supported by a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Proficiency in industry-standard digital tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D modeling software such as Blender or ZBrush is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to accept and integrate feedback make an artist stand out in collaborative environments. These skills ensure that character concepts not only meet creative briefs but also seamlessly fit within broader visual storytelling projects.

What is a Character Design Artist job?

A Character Design Artist creates the visual appearance of characters for animation, video games, comics, and other media. They develop personalities, costumes, and expressions that align with the story and artistic direction. This role requires strong drawing skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy and design principles. Character Design Artists often collaborate with writers, animators, and directors to bring unique and memorable characters to life.

How much does a character design artist make?

The average salary for a character design artist varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year. Freelance artists may charge hourly rates from $20 to $100 or more, depending on their skill level and project complexity. Proficiency in digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What jobs involve character design?

Jobs that involve character design include roles such as character designer, concept artist, animation artist, and game artist. These positions typically require skills in drawing, digital illustration, and knowledge of design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Character designers work in industries like video games, animation, film, and advertising to create visual concepts for characters.

What do character design artists do?

Character design artists create visual representations of characters for various media such as video games, animation, and comics. They develop concepts, sketches, and detailed illustrations, often using digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator, to establish a character's appearance, personality, and style. Strong drawing skills, creativity, and understanding of anatomy and storytelling are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Character Design Artist?

A Character Design Artist typically spends their day sketching and developing concepts, refining character turnarounds, and collaborating with art directors, animators, and writers to ensure designs align with the project's narrative. They may attend team meetings to pitch ideas or receive feedback, revise artwork based on input, and prepare detailed model sheets or style guides for production teams. The role often requires balancing creative exploration with meeting deadlines and design specifications. Working closely with other departments is common, making teamwork and adaptability crucial to the workflow.

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Character Design Artist jobs near you

Senior Storyboard Artist

Swaybox Studios

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Why join Swaybox Studios?
Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves' 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you'll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that's equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Job Summary
As a Senior Storyboard Artist, you will be responsible for both originating new storyboard sequences and refining boards coming out of the animatic process. Working with rough boards and reference materials, you will bring polish, clarity, and cinematic energy to sequences, ensuring that every panel communicates clear movement, compelling performance, and strong camera language. This role demands a seasoned artist who can work at a fast pace without sacrificing quality, and who brings deep knowledge of visual storytelling to every sequence they touch.
Key Responsibilities
  • Take rough storyboards and animatic-stage boards and refine them into clean, polished sequences ready for production - preserving intent while significantly elevating execution.
  • Originate storyboard sequences from script, director thumbnail, or verbal brief - developing staging, camera, and action from scratch when needed.
  • Deliver expressive, nuanced character acting with clear emotional reads, strong poses, and fluid movement from panel to panel.
  • Apply expert knowledge of perspective, staging, and camera language to ensure every sequence is cinematically compelling and spatially coherent.
  • Interpret and build upon quick sketches and rough gesture drawings, extracting the core idea and elevating it to production quality.
  • Maintain consistent character appeal and on-model accuracy.
  • Collaborate closely with the director and art and story team to understand sequence intent and deliver boards that serve the story.
  • Adapt quickly to feedback and revisions, maintaining a high output pace within the demands of a feature film production schedule.
  • Mentor and support junior board artists, providing guidance on technique, story sense, and production standards.
  • Organize and prepare finalized boards for presentation, editorial, and pipeline handoff.

Required Qualifications
  • Exceptional drawing skills with a commanding sense of gesture, expression, action, perspective, and appeal - evident in both refined work and quick sketches.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop sequences from scratch - translating a script page, thumbnail, or verbal direction into clear, story-ready boards independently.
  • Deep understanding of emotional performance and character acting; able to convey nuance, subtlety, and clear story beats through poses and expressions.
  • Proven ability to sustain high-quality output at a high pace.
  • Strong command of cinematic principles: camera placement, lens choice, framing, staging, and shot-to-shot continuity.
  • Expert level of gestural and figurative drawing both with finesse and loose short hand, to apply across various character design proportions, staying on- model with consistency.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret rough or gestural input and produce clean, story-ready boards that honor the original intent.
  • Expert grasp of perspective, spatial reasoning, and environment staging across a range of camera angles.
  • Fluency with digital tools including Storyboard Pro, Photoshop, or equivalent; comfortable working efficiently in a digital pipeline.
  • Strong collaborative skills with a professional approach to feedback, revision cycles, and cross-department communication.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in animation (2D or 3D/CG), with a strong understanding of timing, arcs, and movement principles that inform great boarding.
  • Experience working within or alongside animatic and editorial workflows.
  • Knowledge of CG/3D production pipelines and how boards interface with layout and animation.
  • The ability and comfort to draw live in front of a director/ team with ease.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.

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