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Character Designer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

AriensCo is seeking a detail-oriented Designer with a passion for world-class outdoor power equipment. In this hands-on role, you'll help bring innovative ideas to life and make an impact from day ...

Designer - Manitowoc, WI At Manitowoc Ice, a Division of Pentair , you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice ...

Designer

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$30/hr

Designer - Manitowoc, WI At Manitowoc Ice, a Division of Pentair , you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice ...

AriensCo is seeking a detail-oriented Designer with a passion for world-class outdoor power equipment. In this hands-on role, you'll help bring innovative ideas to life and make an impact from day ...

Designer

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$30/hr

Designer - Manitowoc, WI At Manitowoc Ice, a Division of Pentair , you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice ...

Designer - Manitowoc, WI At Manitowoc Ice, a Division of Pentair , you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice ...

Designer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$50.30/hr

We Energies, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, is seeking Designers in our Appleton, Wisconsin location. This position is represented by We Energies L2150 Union. Job Responsibilities The principal ...

Designer

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$30/hr

Designer - Manitowoc, WI At Manitowoc Ice, a Division of Pentair , you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice ...

You'll work onsite from Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. About the Role As a Designer, you will implement the creative vision and maintain the visual integrity of ...

As a Full Time Designer, you will be responsible for utilizing CAD/CAM software to create detailed designs and blueprints for our manufacturing processes. If you have a strong background in CAD ...

Full Time Designer

Darien, WI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

As a Full Time Designer, you will be responsible for utilizing CAD/CAM software to create detailed designs and blueprints for our manufacturing processes. If you have a strong background in CAD ...

Utility Designer

Burlington, WI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Designer Location : Burlington, WI About Kapur: Kapur & Associates is a well-established, employee-owned consulting engineering firm that has been providing engineering, survey, site design ...

As a Designer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of gas and electric services to customers while collaborating with contractors and internal We Energies team members. This ...

The Designer works closely with engineers, project managers, and production teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready designs. ROLE + RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but not limited to) * Develop ...

The Designer works closely with engineers, project managers, and production teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready designs. ROLE + RESPONSIBILITIES (includes but not limited to) * Develop ...

Senior Designer

Burlington, WI

$107K - $115K/yr

The Senior Designer is integral to the total service team accessible to our customers. PCA offers customers the expertise of our Senior Designers to develop the optimal design solutions for their ...

Showing results 21-40

Character Designer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$19

$31

$47

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Wisconsin is $31.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.13 and $36.63 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,432 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


AriensCo rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

474th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At AriensCo, we build more than exceptional products - we create opportunities that impact careers. Our culture values innovative thinking, hard work and determination. We interact in teams, collaborate together and make decisions quickly.


We see growth potential in every team member, and are committed to supporting our employees with continuous training and advancement opportunities. 
Our environment? We're corporate, without being "corporate." Whether you work at our headquarters, manufacturing facilities, or one of our global distribution businesses, you'll always have the freedom to create and contribute.  Our company vision is "Passionate People, Astounded Customers." Quite simply: it revolves around people 
Speaking of people, you're not just employee #1,762 to us. You're family and your role is invaluable. Without exceptional people, we can't continue to produce the amazing products we're known for around the world.
Ready for the ride of your career? Then come join us. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work in a rewarding workplace with a strong sense of community. 

Job Description:

AriensCo is seeking a detail-oriented Designer with a passion for world-class outdoor power equipment. In this hands-on role, you'll help bring innovative ideas to life and make an impact from day one, contributing to products that are built to perform. This position is based in Brillion, WI.

THE DAY TO DAY...

  • Create and release technical design content of low to moderate complexity, including 3D CAD models, 2D detailed drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs), to clearly communicate design intent across cross-functional teams such as Engineering, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Testing, and Industrial Design

  • Apply company and industry CAD standards todevelop accurate models and drawings, including proper use of GD&T, sheet metal, and other modeling techniques

  • Participate in design reviews by preparingand presenting CAD models and drawings, incorporating feedback to improve designs and documentation

  • Collaborate with engineers and senior designers tosupport ongoing projects, providing follow-up on design updates, prototype feedback, and engineering changes

  • Contribute to designs with consideration for manufacturabilityand assembly, including material selection, tolerances, and cost-effective design practices

  • Support prototype builds and evaluate parts for fit, form, and function, helping identify design improvements

  • Use PDM and ERP systems to manage part numbers, BOMs, and engineering changes in alignment with established workflows

  • Assist in evaluating design alternatives with guidance, considering factors such as performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability

  • Manage multiple smaller projects or components of larger projects, ensuring timely completion and quality deliverables

THE QUALIFICATIONS...

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent required

  • Previous experience directly related to the performance of the duties outlined above is preferred

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

About AriensCo

Since 1933, the AriensCo name has been associated with reliable, durably crafted, high-performance outdoor power equipment. Our core values - Be Honest, Be Fair, Respect the Individual, Keep our Commitments, and Encourage Intellectual Curiosity define our culture and inspire our team. We believe passionate people and astounded customers lead to unstoppable success.
Our employees' quality of life is important to us. When people feel appreciated, respected and supported, careers thrive and ideas come to fruition. AriensCo employees are provided various great benefit opportunities which may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance effective first day of employment

  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan

  • 401(k) match and profit-sharing plans

  • Life Insurance

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

  • Short Term Disability

  • Parental Leave

  • Onsite Marketplace Care Partners at all locations

  • Paid holidays

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Tuition Reimbursement and Apprenticeship Programs

  • Safety shoes and safety prescription glasses reimbursement

  • Employee Product Purchase Program

  • 50% Daycare discount **Brillion Early Learning Center

  • 10% tuition discount at KinderCare Learning Centers nationwide **Excludes Brillion Early Learning Center

  • Onsite health clinic with Bellin Health **Brillion Campus Only

  • Nearsite & Urgent Care Clinic Options **Brillion Campus Only


EEO Statement

The concept of diversity is important to us at AriensCo. That's why we've created a culture that is inclusive, accepting and understanding. We embrace diversity among our partners, suppliers and employees. We also strive for diversity in the quality of our ideas. Inclusion and acceptance means that, regardless of who you are, you will always be standing on our welcome mat.

AriensCo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and steadfastly committed to hiring and selecting the most qualified candidate for any open position. It is the policy of AriensCo to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Providing our employees with an environment free of discrimination and harassment is something we take very seriously. Embracing diversity enables us to attract the best qualified talent, foster productive teamwork, and expand our business opportunities.


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