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Character Design Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

teamLFG

3D Character Art Lead

OR · On-site +1

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?

Childhood Cancer Society

$15 - $20/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

Childhood Cancer Society

$16 - $21.25/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

Childhood Cancer Society

$15 - $20/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

Childhood Cancer Society

$16 - $21.25/hr

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character ... Graphic Design & Branding Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Designer - Social (Contract)

OR · On-site +1

... Character, Camera and Controls) design and implementation Create endearing NPCs that improve IP quality, consistency, along with sandbox design principles Work with audio, effects, and animation to ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

OR · On-site +1

Collaborate with Design to create compelling player experiences * Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes

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All JobsCharacter Design JobsCharacter Design Jobs in Oregon

Character Design information

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How much do character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for character design in Oregon is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How to get a job as a character designer?

To become a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your creativity and drawing skills, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or art communities can improve your chances, and understanding character development, anatomy, and storytelling is essential for success in the field.

What degree should I get if I want to be a character designer?

Character designers typically hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as fine arts, illustration, animation, or graphic design. Developing strong drawing skills, a portfolio, and proficiency with digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator are also important for this role.

What jobs involve character design?

Jobs that involve character design include roles such as character designer, concept artist, and animation artist, primarily in industries like video games, film, television, and animation studios. These positions require skills in drawing, digital illustration, and knowledge of design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Character designers create visual concepts for characters used in various media projects and often collaborate with directors and writers to develop character personalities and styles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Character Design jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Character Design jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Character Design jobs in Oregon?

For Character Design jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Character Design jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Character Design jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Character Design jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Character Design job openings:

Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,953 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

3D Character Art Lead

teamLFG

OR • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Are you driven to create games that engage players in a vibrant community? Would you like to contribute to a visually stunning world where art not only captivates but reinforces the mission of the game? 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? Join us at teamLFG!

As the 3D Character Art Lead at teamLFG, you will guide and help create art with the team from pre-production to production and beyond on our innovative new IP!

Your leadership will shape memorable characters that uphold gameplay fairness and clarity. You'll mentor your team with your extensive experience and keen eye for detail, ensuring every art decision enhances the gameplay space. Your efforts will exhilarate players and elevate the setting and tone for a new standard in PlayStation games.

As a leader for the character art team, you'll demonstrate a balance of artistic expertise with a player-first mindset, stretching beyond your role as you collaborate with a passionate, cross-discipline team dedicated to having a positive impact on players as we bring this new world to life.

We seek candidates who appreciate being part of a cohesive and supportive team with a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and perspectives.

Responsibilities:

Lead 3D character art and coordinate work with a multidisciplinary team accountable for character-building, including but not limited to narrative and design

Mentor and inspire a talented team of artists through all phases of production

Foster a safe culture for growth, feedback and coaching to encourage strong creative debate

Create strong processes and scalable art workflows that force multiply the team's efforts and define a high art quality bar, internally and externally with partner studios

Inspire and motivate the team with craft and process advisement

Embrace "we" culture in addition to being an outstanding collaborator and communicator

Develop internal and external style guides and workflows, and manage teams through creation of game assets

Be accountable to the art director visual goals and directions

Required Skills:

Deep understanding of the character art decisions that matter to competitive players in action or fighting games

Proven experience in early AAA game development leadership role(s)

Experience in leading art teams that include but not limited to 3D character art, character customization, NPC

Demonstrated skills and deep understanding of stylized art and style adaptability

Expert knowledge in Maya, Blender or Max, Substance

Expert knowledge in Unreal Engine

Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving capability with high attention to detail

Strategic and critical thinking skills with a proactive, investigative mindset

Help created or established character customization in Unreal and scaled content with outsourcing companies

Nice-to-have Skills:

Platformer genre development experience

Experience working on a game with a high angle isometric camera perspective

Experience leading multiple teams on a live game ("game as a service")

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