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Character Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Network Building + Consulting

Designer I

Richmond, VA · On-site

Meet Our Leadership Team The Designer I is a hybrid position that will support the project teams with varying degrees of direct project responsibilities while developing a baseline knowledge of the ...

Prolim Global

DESIGNER 3 @ NNS

Newport News, VA · On-site

$31.13 - $40.95/hr

Designer 3 Location: Newport News, VA Job Type: Contract Open Positions: 1 Pay Rate: $31.13 - $40.95/hr (No Overtime) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Designer 3 to support ...

Daikin Applied

Principal Engineering Designer

Staunton, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Designers will use computer-based tools to design parts and assemblies, create production drawings, and manage BOMs for small, medium, or large projects. They will also develop or modify ...

HDR

Technology Designer 1

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

In the role of Technology Designer I, we'll count on you to: * Evaluate and apply state-of-the-art low voltage technology systems, techniques, procedures, designs and modifications * Understand ...

HDR

Technology Designer 1

Glen Allen, VA

In the role of Technology Designer I, we'll count on you to: * Evaluate and apply state-of-the-art low voltage technology systems, techniques, procedures, designs and modifications * Understand ...

HDR

Security Designer 1

Glen Allen, VA

In the role of Security Designer I, we'll count on you to: * Evaluate and apply state-of-the-art security systems, techniques, procedures, designs and modifications * Design security systems ...

HDR

Security Designer 1

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

In the role of Security Designer I, we'll count on you to: * Evaluate and apply state-of-the-art security systems, techniques, procedures, designs and modifications * Design security systems ...

Atwell, LLC

Senior Designer - Land Development

Reston, VA · On-site

$106K - $113K/yr

Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you. Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will ...

Prolim Global

DESIGNER 2 Siemens NX

Newport News, VA · On-site

Designer 2 - Siemens NX (Virginia Class Program) Job Overview We are seeking a skilled Designer 4 to support design initiatives for Virginia Class model file conversions. This role involves ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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 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.

How to work on character design?

To work on character design, develop strong drawing skills and a good understanding of anatomy, proportion, and color theory. Use digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and create a diverse portfolio showcasing original characters. Gaining experience through practice, studying existing designs, and understanding the project's style are essential for success in this field.

How to get a job as a character designer?

To become a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic skills and character concepts, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or art schools can improve your chances, and understanding character anatomy, storytelling, and industry trends is essential.

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 qualifications do I need to be a character designer?

To become a character designer, a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skills and creativity is essential, often supported by a background in fine arts, illustration, or animation. Proficiency in digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or specialized software like Toon Boom is also important, along with good understanding of anatomy, storytelling, and character development. A bachelor's degree in art, design, or a related field is commonly preferred by employers.
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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,252 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

DESIGNER 3 @ NNS

PROLIM Global Corporation

Newport News, VA • On-site

$31.13 - $40.95/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Designer 3
Location: Newport News, VA
Job Type: Contract
Open Positions: 1
Pay Rate: $31.13 - $40.95/hr (No Overtime)
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Designer 3 to support shipbuilding design and engineering activities. The selected candidate will develop and modify detailed designs for shipboard systems, create construction drawings, generate Bills of Material (BOMs), and coordinate design requirements with engineering, manufacturing, planning, tooling, and material teams.
This role requires strong proficiency in both 2D and 3D CAD tools and extensive experience with shipboard piping or HVAC system design.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design components and portions of shipboard systems to support construction and manufacturing operations.
  • Develop and modify 2D and 3D models using AutoCAD, Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar CAD platforms.
  • Create, revise, and check ship construction drawings for accuracy and compliance.
  • Perform design calculations, studies, and evaluations to support engineering requirements.
  • Develop Bills of Material (BOMs) and select appropriate materials for shipboard applications.
  • Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, planning, and material groups to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
  • Review and check the work of peers for quality and accuracy.
  • Support implementation of engineering change orders and charge orders.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual specifications, design standards, and shipbuilding requirements.
Required Qualifications
  • Associate Degree and 3 years of related design experience.
  • Two additional years of related experience may substitute for an Associate Degree.
  • Four years of non-related experience may substitute for an Associate Degree.
  • Apprentice Certificate or Navy Nuclear Power School graduation may substitute for an Associate Degree.
  • Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software such as AutoCAD, Siemens NX, CATIA, or similar platforms.
  • Experience developing and checking technical drawings.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Extensive experience designing shipboard piping systems.
  • Extensive experience designing shipboard HVAC systems.
  • Experience developing ship construction drawings.
  • Experience creating Bills of Material (BOMs).
  • Experience reviewing and checking peer designs.
  • Experience implementing engineering change orders and charge orders.
  • Shipbuilding, marine, defense, or industrial design experience.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to access ships under construction and overhaul.
  • Ability to climb vertical and inclined ladders.
  • Ability to perform limited kneeling, stooping, and movement throughout industrial work environments.
Top Skills
  • Siemens NX / AutoCAD / CATIA
  • Shipboard Piping Design
  • HVAC System Design
  • 2D & 3D CAD Modeling
  • Ship Construction Drawings
  • Bill of Material (BOM) Development
  • Engineering Change Orders
  • Design Verification & Checking
  • Manufacturing Coordination
  • Material Selection

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