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Character Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

The Senior Designer will be responsible for designing parts and components using design software. The Senior Designer will also provide technical assistance, guidance, coaching, and support to the ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI

$94K - $100K/yr

The Senior Designer role is an experienced level position responsible for the design and development of 3D models and 2D drawings for components and subsystems for diesel engines, transmissions and ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$94K - $100K/yr

The Senior Designer role is an experienced level position responsible for the design and development of 3D models and 2D drawings for components and subsystems for diesel engines, transmissions and ...

Solidworks designer Location: Livonia, MI Responsibilities Design mechanical assemblies and components using SolidWorks CAD system Development of designs from concept to manufacturing including ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

The CAD Designer's primary objective is to develop high-quality suspension designs, components, assemblies, and detail drawings for vehicle programs within the Physical Architecture & Concepts ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI

$96K - $103K/yr

The CAD Designer's primary objective is to develop high-quality suspension designs, components, assemblies, and detail drawings for vehicle programs within the Physical Architecture & Concepts ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI

$92K - $98K/yr

Description The Senior Designer role is an experienced level position responsible for the design and development of 3D models and 2D drawings for components and subsystems for diesel engines ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$92K - $98K/yr

Description The Senior Designer role is an experienced level position responsible for the design and development of 3D models and 2D drawings for components and subsystems for diesel engines ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$92K - $98K/yr

Description The Senior Designer role is an experienced level position responsible for the design and development of 3D models and 2D drawings for components and subsystems for diesel engines ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI

$96K - $103K/yr

The Powertrain Senior Designer position is for a highly skilled and experienced designer for the Powertrain Design Services group. The primary responsibilities include performing packaging, concept ...

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our design studios in Dearborn.Working on Advanced & Production Exterior projects the successful candidate ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

The Powertrain Senior Designer position is for a highly skilled and experienced designer for the Powertrain Design Services group. The primary responsibilities include performing packaging, concept ...

Senior Designer

Novi, MI · On-site

$17.32/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish consultative design service that builds lasting relationships and brand loyalty with the customers we serve. At ...

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish consultative design service that builds lasting relationships and brand loyalty with the customers we serve. At ...

Positions in LA and SE Michigan Responsible for idea generation, sketching, theme and concept development, theme concept, and transporting vehicle concept / customer targets into vehicle aesthetics ...

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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 19, 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:
Pipeline Designer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

201st of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Take Your Design Career to the Next Level 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Our collaborative, multidisciplinary group spanning architectural, structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, process engineering, pipeline design, and integrity management works together to deliver integrated, highimpact solutions.

Step into Your New Role 

Kleinfelder is seeking a Pipeline Designer to join our team in our Detroit, MI office, with the opportunity for hybrid work. 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 project types include long transmission pipeline installations, retrofitting existing pipelines, hydrotest designs, trenchless designs, transmission station design and installing or upgrading system controls, valves, and fittings. Drawing components can include wiring diagrams, instrumentation, controls, electrical, grounding, foundations, component assemblies, welded assemblies, 3D facility models, and geo-referenced aerial imagery. 

The Pipeline Designer may be responsible for reviewing as-built documentation for accuracy, report findings and incorporate red line as-built information into existing drawings in various formats. 

Consideration for a Designer position includes the following qualifications or experience:

  • Associate degree, CAD Certification
  • Minimum 4 years' relevant experience 
  • Proficiency in current versions AutoCAD
  • Civil 3D, Plant 3D or CAD Worx experience required
  • ArcGIS understanding preferred 
  • Proficient use of MS Outlook, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Must be a self-starter and work independently with conflicting deadlines
  • Must be able to work well in a team environment
  • Understanding of document control applications such as Vault and ProjectWise preferred
  • Produce quality drawings and provide constructive peer reviews
  • Utility business understanding preferred
  • Reading and understanding maps, plat maps, as-builts, construction drawings and gas service records for existing condition interpolation
  • Effective communication - written and verbal
  • Attention to detail and precision
  • Takes pride in their work

As a Pipeline Designer, you will be expected to:

  • Use the latest version of CAD software to prepare design drawings with plan, section and detail views, isometrics, and schematics as designated by the engineering team
  • Prepare sketches of details not included on existing drawings to accurately reflect as-installed field conditions
  • Prepare drawings, forms, maps, and lists based on direction provided by lead drafters, designers and engineers
  • Create pipeline alignment sheets, exhibits and permit drawings used to construct pipeline projects
  • Visualize the project installation and provide quality control for practicality and constructability of designs
  • Maintain excellent project communication with continuously changing tools and processes
  • Provide accurate time estimates to complete assigned tasks
  • Complete job summary and construction notes for review by project engineers
  • Prepare exhibits for planning/permitting purposes
  • Meet required deadlines and exceed client expectations
  • Work closely with other workgroups at our clients' place of business and KLF offices

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:Kleinfelder and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients’ transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose – together, we deliver. 

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: 

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. 

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. 

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules) 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its’ subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 

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