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Character Designer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking a Costume Designer to lead the design and execution of wardrobe ... Partner with other art leadership (Production Designers, Art Directors, and Lead Character ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking a Costume Designer to lead the design and execution of wardrobe ... Partner with other art leadership (Production Designers, Art Directors, and Lead Character ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio's Costume Department ... Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$67 - $75/hr

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio's Costume Department ... Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual ...

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 ...

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 Jul 12, 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.

Is 30 too late to become an animator?

Character Designer Animation is a role that can be pursued at any age, as success depends on skills, portfolio, and training rather than age. Many artists start or switch careers later in life by learning relevant software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom and building a strong portfolio. Age should not be a barrier to entering the animation industry if you are committed to developing your craft.

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.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney has significantly reduced its 2D animation production in recent years, focusing more on 3D animation for feature films and television. However, some projects and roles for experienced 2D animators still exist, especially in legacy animation departments or specialized projects, often requiring proficiency in traditional techniques and digital tools like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.

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.

How much does a character animator make?

A character animator's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but the median annual wage in the animation field is around $70,000. Entry-level animators typically earn between $40,000 and $50,000, while experienced professionals can earn over $100,000. Skills in software like Maya or Adobe Animate and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

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.

How to become a character designer for animation?

To become a character designer for animation, develop strong drawing skills and a portfolio showcasing original character concepts. Obtain relevant education in art, illustration, or animation, and gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in the industry. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character development are also important.
More about Character Designer Animation jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,817 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Character Designer

Character Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the look, personality, and visual identity of our characters. From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience.
Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will contribute to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help maintain a cohesive visual language throughout the film. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in drawing, a keen sense of storytelling through design, and the versatility to explore a wide range of shapes, styles, and emotional expression.
Previous experience on a feature animated film is required.
This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.
Responsibilities
  • Develop original artwork for project concepts and characters, including exploratory designs, refined assets, and surface details
  • Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs
  • Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats
  • Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices, ensuring authenticity, originality, and alignment with the story and world
  • Design and assemble compelling presentation materials that effectively communicate creative ideas to internal teams and leadership
  • Collaborate in brainstorming sessions to generate inventive concepts that enhance storytelling, bringing depth, humor, emotion, and personality to each character
  • Apply a strong understanding of human and/or animal anatomy to create believable, dynamic, and appealing character designs
  • Contribute creative problem-solving solutions, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and iterate efficiently on designs throughout the production process
  • Manage time effectively to meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
  • Maintain organized, production-ready files in accordance with the show's naming conventions and versioning systems
  • Communicate proactively with supervisors and production partners regarding progress, questions, and any potential challenges
  • Revise and update designs as needed based on feedback, ensuring all work meets the creative vision before final approval
  • Partner closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, Lead Character Designer, and production staff to provide status updates and address any issues that arise

Requirements
  • 8+ years of character design experience on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design characters that support narrative and performance
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work and respond effectively to feedback
  • Solid understanding of human and/or animal anatomy
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate's location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.
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