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Character Design Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Character Design information

See Arizona salary details

$9

$17

$35

How much do character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for character design in Arizona is $17.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $22.64 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.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Design jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Character Design jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Design jobs in Arizona? For Character Design jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Design jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Character Design jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Character Design jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Character Design job openings:
Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,977 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Brand and Marketing Designer - Experiential

Merestone

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 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.