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Character Designer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobgether

Collaborate closely with animators, gameplay programmers, and design teams to prototype and ... Proven experience taking character designs from concept through to full production and release.

Aquent

Motion & Character Designer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$58.60 - $65.11/hr

... Sr. Product Designer to bring motion, character, and interaction to life across our digital ... In this pivotal role, you'll be at the forefront of defining how animation behaves inside our ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Collaborate closely with engineers and technical designers to design scalable, flexible animation ... Expert-level understanding of character animation principles, with the ability to deliver both ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... Collaborate with Technical Designers in Animation (TDiA) across Epic Games to share solutions ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

Through utilizing strong collaboration skills to align with cross-functional partners, you'll collaborate closely with animators, designers, character artists, and gameplay engineers. This role is ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118K - $217K/yr

Through utilizing strong collaboration skills to align with cross-functional partners, you'll collaborate closely with animators, designers, character artists, and gameplay engineers. This role is ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Collaborate with art leads, designers, and animators to ensure characters align with the project ...

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Character Designer Animation information

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How much do character designer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer animation in the United States is $31.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Character Designer Animation vs Character Modeler?

AspectCharacter Designer AnimationCharacter Modeler
Primary FocusDesigning characters' appearance, personality, and style for animation projectsCreating detailed 3D models of characters based on designs
Skills & ToolsConcept art, character design, animation principles, software like Photoshop, Illustrator3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, software like Maya, ZBrush
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, film production3D modeling studios, game studios, VFX companies

While both roles involve character creation, Character Designer Animation focuses on conceptual design and visual storytelling, whereas Character Modeler specializes in building the 3D models based on those designs. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and skill requirements in animation and game development industries.

What are some typical challenges faced by Character Designers in animation studios, and how can they overcome them?

Character Designers in animation often face the challenge of balancing creative vision with production constraints, such as tight deadlines or the technical limitations of animation pipelines. Collaborating closely with directors, animators, and modelers is crucial to ensure that designs are both appealing and functional for animation. Effective communication and flexibility help address feedback and revisions, while staying updated on industry-standard software and design trends can streamline the workflow. Building a strong portfolio and learning to adapt to different art styles also support long-term career growth in this competitive field.

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

To thrive as a Character Designer in Animation, you need strong drawing abilities, a solid understanding of anatomy and movement, and a relevant degree in art, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and animation software such as Toon Boom Harmony or TVPaint is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help you effectively interpret scripts and work well with directors and other team members. These skills and qualities are essential to create compelling, visually consistent characters that support storytelling and resonate with audiences.

What does a Character Designer do in animation?

A Character Designer in animation is responsible for creating the visual appearance and personality of characters that appear in animated films, TV shows, or games. They develop concept art, sketches, and model sheets that define a character's look, expressions, and poses, ensuring consistency throughout the production. Their designs are crucial for guiding animators and other team members in bringing the characters to life. Character Designers often collaborate closely with directors, writers, and other artists to make sure the characters fit the story and style of the project.
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What job categories do people searching Character Designer Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Designer Animation jobs are:
Character Designer Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer Animation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 69% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Senior Character Designer / Animator [82377]

Senior Character Designer / Animator [82377]

Onward Search

Orlando, FL • Hybrid

$99K - $113K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

A dynamic entertainment company specializing in innovative digital experiences is seeking a Senior Character Designer / Animator to join their creative team. This 6 month contract role offers an exciting opportunity to bring motion, character, and interaction to life across mobile apps and websites. The Hybrid role can be worked from one of the company's HQs in Orlando, Seattle or Los Angeles.


Senior Character Designer / Animator Responsibilities:

  • Develop 2D and 3D character animations, motion graphics, and interactive motion content for digital platforms.
  • Build and deliver interactive animations in Rive, including state machines, transitions, and character rigs.
  • Design micro-interactions, loading animations, icon animations, and transitions optimized for product use.
  • Collaborate with teams to determine project scope, technical needs, and creative goals.
  • Present motion concepts and exploration ideas to stakeholders and leadership.


Senior Character Designer / Animator Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of professional experience in 2D/3D character animation, motion graphics, and interactive UX motion design
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating character animation with personality and emotional expressiveness.
  • Proficiency with Rive, After Effects, and comfort working across Maya or Cinema 4D.
  • Fundamental understanding of motion principles such as timing, easing, anticipation, and staging.


Perks and Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • Life Insurance.
  • 401(k) Program.
  • Commuter Benefit.
  • eLearning and Ongoing Training.
  • Education Reimbursement.


Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.


If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

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