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Character Designer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for ... Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation. * Experience with rigid ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for ... Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation. * Experience with rigid ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

Deliver polished animations (2D, 3D, Character, Compositing) working with team members across all ... Your Credentials * * 5+ years of experience working as a motion designer and a portfolio ...

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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.

Lead Character Artist

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Summary 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Character Artist to join our dynamic team. As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of high-quality character assets. You will have a direct impact on the visual identity of our games, bringing characters to life with stunning detail and artistic excellence. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models. 
  • Collaborate with the Art Director to define the visual style of characters. 
  • Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the project. 
  • Contribute in planning, organization and prioritization of tasks with Production for internal, OS, and co dev partners. 
  • Create and maintain character pipeline documentation for training and onboarding 
  • Proactively identify risks in character art production timelines and effectively communicate risks to Production and Directors. 
  • Mentor and provide feedback to other character artists. 
  • Ensure character assets are optimized for performance and memory usage. 
  • Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation. 
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art. 

Core Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Game Art, or related field. 
  • 7+ years of experience in character art within the video game industry. 
  • Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. 
  • Significant experience in Unreal Engine 
  • Excellent understanding of anatomy, form, and silhouette. 
  • Experience with PBR and hand-painted texturing workflows. 
  • Proven track record of creating high-quality character models for AAA titles. 
  • Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively across departments. 

Plus if... 

  • Experience with character rigging and skinning. 
  • Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation. 
  • Experience with rigid body dynamics and cloth simulation in Unreal Engine 
  • Previous work in a leadership role on a major game title. 

Description 

  • Full-time job with benefits. 
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA. 
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeway. 

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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