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Character Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of ...

This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of ...

This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of ...

Designers work with customers to help plan and design their spaces. Through elevated designs and delivering on the CB2 Experience (Be Positive. Inspiring. Finding a way), the Designers will maximize ...

Ensure designs meet milestones to support releases * Responsible for monitoring of the design's product conformance, data quality standards, Brose and customer design standards. * Provide support to ...

Ensure designs meet milestones to support releases * Responsible for monitoring of the design's product conformance, data quality standards, Brose and customer design standards. * Provide support to ...

We are looking for a Designer. If you can multi-task in a fast-paced environment and are detailed driven, we encourage you to join our growing team. The company offers excellent compensation and ...

Senior Exterior Designer : You'll be working in the Thrill Studio on Advanced & Production exterior projects. The successful candidate will have to develop both conceptual and production based ...

Senior Exterior Designer : You'll be working in the Thrill Studio on Advanced & Production exterior projects. The successful candidate will have to develop both conceptual and production based ...

Senior Exterior Designer : You'll be working in the Thrill Studio on Advanced & Production exterior projects. The successful candidate will have to develop both conceptual and production based ...

We are looking for an Event Designer to execute branded environment projects under the direction of the Senior Event Designer. You'll receive full projects or specific scopes -- a single activation ...

The Senior Event Designer sets the bar for process and quality - your job is to hit it consistently while sharpening your own eye for spatial branding and large-format execution. This is a studio ...

The Senior Event Designer sets the bar for process and quality - your job is to hit it consistently while sharpening your own eye for spatial branding and large-format execution. This is a studio ...

In this role, the Pipeline Designer will develop drawings and exhibits for design, permitting, land acquisition, operation, maintenance, and construction of natural gas distribution systems. Typical ...

In this role, the Pipeline Designer will develop drawings and exhibits for design, permitting, land acquisition, operation, maintenance, and construction of natural gas distribution systems. Typical ...

In this role, the Pipeline Designer will develop drawings and exhibits for design, permitting, land acquisition, operation, maintenance, and construction of natural gas distribution systems. Typical ...

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Character Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$16

$27

$41

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Michigan is $27.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $31.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Character Designers face when collaborating with other departments during production?

Character Designers often collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and directors, which can present challenges such as aligning on the visual style, ensuring designs are animation-friendly, and accommodating technical limitations. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints—like simplifying details for animation or adapting designs based on feedback—requires strong communication and flexibility. Successful Character Designers are proactive in seeking input, open to revision, and skilled at translating character concepts into workable assets that serve the story and production pipeline.

What are character designers?

Character designers are artists who create the visual appearance, style, and personality of characters for animation, video games, comics, films, and other media. Their work involves conceptualizing and illustrating characters based on story requirements, often working closely with writers, directors, and animators. Character designers develop everything from facial expressions and costumes to body shapes and color schemes, ensuring each character is visually appealing and communicates the intended traits or emotions.

What is the difference between Character Designer vs Character Artist?

AspectCharacter DesignerCharacter Artist
Primary FocusCreating original character concepts, designs, and visual stylesRendering and illustrating detailed character artwork based on designs
Skills & ToolsConcept art, illustration, creativity, design software (Photoshop, Illustrator)Digital painting, rendering, shading, software skills (Photoshop, Painter)
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, film, advertisingGame studios, animation, film, freelance projects

While both roles involve working with characters, a Character Designer focuses on creating original character concepts and visual styles, whereas a Character Artist specializes in bringing those designs to life through detailed illustrations and rendering. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

What Does a Character Designer Do?

As a character designer, you create the look and animation of a cartoon character in a film, TV show, or video game. Your responsibilities are to develop physical features, design costumes and clothes, pose characters, and collaborate with team members from concept to production. Your duties include working with mouth charts, expression sheets, shadow and color indications, and marketing artwork. You sketch, draw, illustrate, and animate by hand and through computer software. You also work with different drafts and copies and maintain artwork storage. To be successful in this field, you must be able to balance creativity with the needs and requirements of the project.

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 and illustration skills, a deep understanding of anatomy, color theory, and character development, often supported by a degree in art or design. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and 3D modeling software like ZBrush is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback help designers collaborate effectively and bring unique characters to life. These skills are essential to create compelling, visually distinctive characters that resonate with audiences and fit seamlessly within projects.

How do you become a character designer?

To become a character designer, you typically need a strong foundation in art and design, often gained through a bachelor's degree in illustration, animation, or a related field. Building a portfolio that showcases your ability to create diverse and compelling characters is essential, along with proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships or freelance work can also help establish a professional network and improve your skills.

Is character design a good career?

Character design is a viable career for those with strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It often involves working in entertainment, gaming, or animation industries, with opportunities for freelance or full-time employment. Success depends on building a strong portfolio, networking, and staying current with industry trends.

How hard is it to get a job in character design?

Securing a job as a character designer can be competitive, requiring a strong portfolio demonstrating creativity and technical skills in drawing and design. Relevant experience, proficiency with industry tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and a good understanding of character development increase job prospects. Building a network and staying updated on industry trends also help in finding opportunities.

What is the job called where you design characters?

A character designer is a professional who creates and develops the visual appearance of characters for video games, animation, comics, or other media. The role involves sketching, concept art, and understanding anatomy, often using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. Strong artistic skills and a portfolio are essential for this position.
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Designer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Character Designer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Designer jobs in Michigan? For Character Designer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Character Designer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Character Designer job openings:
Entry-Level Wheel Designer-Warren,Michigan

Entry-Level Wheel Designer-Warren,Michigan

General Motors

Lincoln Park, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


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Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

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7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

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Based on 6,230 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of our vehicles. You will work closely with exterior design, digital modeling, Color & Material, and engineering partners to take ideas from early sketches through digital models and production-feasible solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Generate high-quality wheel concept sketches that explore proportion, spoke architecture, surfacing, and detailing.
  • Develop refined digital renderings using Adobe Photoshop to communicate design intent, color/finish, and material breakup.
  • Integrate AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative image/model workflows) into your process for rapid ideation, variation studies, and visualization while maintaining a clear, original design point of view.
  • Collaborate with exterior designers, digital modelers, and colors & materials teams to align wheel designs with overall vehicle vision.
  • Prepare clear presentations of design work for design reviews, including sketches, digital renders, and 3D views.
  • Support the transition from concept to production by refining designs in response to engineering, aerodynamics, brake-cooling, and manufacturing feedback.

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (or in final year of study) in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent portfolio-based experience.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating:
    • Advanced hand sketching and quick ideation skills.
    • Photoreal digital rendering (Photoshop, VRED, or equivalent).
    • Solid 3D surfacing capability (e.g., Alias, Blender, or similar).
    • Use of AI tools (image generation, variation, or assistive workflows) as part of an integrated design process.
  • Strong communication skills and comfort presenting work to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing wheels for production or advanced concept vehicles.
  • Previous work in a global OEM or advanced studio environment.
  • Deep automotive knowledge: understanding of vehicle architectures, wheel/tire fitment, brake package constraints, and brand/segment trends.
  • Proven ability to take designs from early concept through to production-viable solutions.

Personal Attributes
  • Genuine passion for automotive design and emerging mobility trends.
  • Highly creative with a strong sense of proportion, stance, and detail.
  • Collaborative, open to feedback, and able to iterate quickly.
  • Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced studio environment.

Portfolio Submission
Please submit:
  • Resume highlighting education and relevant experience.
  • Digital portfolio (PDF or online link) featuring:
    • Freehand sketches and ideation pages
    • Photoshop renderings of wheels or related components
    • Blender or other 3D work (screenshots or turntables)
    • Any examples of AI-assisted design workflows, clearly labeled.

About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908