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Character Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Crateandbarrel

Designer

Broadway, VA · On-site

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the latest home design trends. They build meaningful, long-term relationships by using their knowledge to ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer

Broadway, VA

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the latest home design trends. They build meaningful, long-term relationships by using their knowledge to ...

SI Scholastic Inc.

Designer

Broadway, VA · On-site

$56K - $65K/yr

Our design team is currently seeking a creative and ambitious Designer to join the Children's Licensing, Brands & Media Trade Art Department, focusing on School Market publishing and non-fiction ...

North Wind

Designer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$55K - $90K/yr

Designer Full Time Newport News VA Newport News, VA, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 1093 Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually Join North Wind - Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation At North ...

American Electric Power

Designer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$87K - $109K/yr

The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer Assc level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers. What We're Looking For: Education ...

Sway Creative Labs

Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Sway Creative Labs is looking for a systems-minded Designer who can hold a concept and scale it -- someone as comfortable setting the look of a campaign as building the Figma system that produces a ...

Sway Creative Labs

Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Sway Creative Labs is looking for a systems-minded Designer who can hold a concept and scale it - someone as comfortable setting the look of a campaign as building the Figma system that produces a ...

Sway Creative Labs

Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Sway Creative Labs is looking for a systems-minded Designer who can hold a concept and scale it - someone as comfortable setting the look of a campaign as building the Figma system that produces a ...

American Electric Power Co.

Designer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$25.99 - $52.67/hr

Job Summary The Designer Staff will be responsible for the preparation, development, and coordination of maps, sketches, layouts, diagrams, schematics, and other engineering-related drawings. This ...

HDT Global

Designer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/hr

BLADE is seeking a Designer for its Fredericksburg, VA facility. This role will will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of complex components, assemblies and integrated ...

HDT Global

Designer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

BLADE is seeking a Designer for its Fredericksburg, VA facility. This role will will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of complex components, assemblies and integrated ...

HDT Global

Designer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

BLADE is seeking a Designer for its Fredericksburg, VA facility. This role will will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of complex components, assemblies and integrated ...

HDT Global

Designer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

BLADE is seeking a Designer for its Fredericksburg, VA facility. This role will will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of complex components, assemblies and integrated ...

HDT

Designer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Description BLADE is seeking a Designer for its Fredericksburg, VA facility. This role will will be responsible for the design, development and implementation of complex components, assemblies and ...

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All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Virginia

Character Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$19

$31

$46

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Virginia is $31.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $36.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character designer?

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 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.

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 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.

How to get a job as a character designer?

To become a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your drawing and conceptual skills, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or art courses can improve your chances, and understanding the specific style or genre of the industry you want to work in is beneficial.

What qualifications do I need to be a character designer?

To become a character designer, a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skills and creativity is essential. A background in art, illustration, or animation, often supported by a degree in fine arts or related fields, is common. Proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character anatomy and storytelling are also important.
More about Character Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Character Designer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Character Designer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Character Designer jobs in Virginia?

For Character Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Character Designer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Character Designer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Character Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Character Designer job openings:

Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,252 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Costumed Characters (Mascot) - Guest Experience Host

Tysons Corner, VA • On-site

CAMP
See more jobs at CAMPexternal

$19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About CAMP

Launched in 2018, CAMP is a Family Experience Company known for pioneering a unique shop-and-play hybrid model. Our physical locations across the country serve as a dynamic destination where retail meets entertainment. Each store features rotating immersive experiences designed to inspire families to play, explore, and create unforgettable memories together. We believe that play connects us all, and at CAMP, we ensure it's bigger, bubblier, and sillier than anywhere else.

What is the Role? 

CAMP is seeking Part-time Costumed Character Performers (Mascots) for a large-scale, family-friendly immersive experience.

Pay rate:  $19.00 hourly

Hours/Availability: 

  • The schedule will range anywhere from 5 hrs to 30 hrs per week,  between 6-8-hour shifts per day

Role Requirements:

  • Due to the limits of the character costumes, your height must be within the following height range:  5 ft and 5'4" 
  • This is fully costumed, including a size XS/ S bodysuit to be worn underneath the costume and a full headpiece
  • Must be able to wear Mascot costume, full body, head to toe - wearing the costume is an essential function of the position 
  • Ability to work day and evening shifts as well as weekends
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • You are authorized to work lawfully in the United States

Apply