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Character Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Crateandbarrel

Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

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 ...

DC Structures

Be Seen First

Architectural Residential Homes Designer

Portland, OR · Remote

DC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Architectural Designer III to lead the design and ... character, and refined composition. * Develop and manage Revit models and plan sets from schematic ...

Morrison-Maierle

ICT Designer

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$75K - $145K/yr

ICT Designer Job Status: Exempt-salaried Location: Join us in any one of our 13 scenic locations. Preference for Boise, ID (Relocation assistance may be provided) * Boise, ID * Bend, OR * Billings ...

Net2Source (N2S)

Footwear Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

Hello Everyone, I am looking for a Footwear Designer in Beaverton, OR with experience in Performance Design . Please see the attached below and if you feel interested feel free to apply. Title:

Premier Press

Senior Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Designer who is passionate about creating meaningful brand experiences and excited to collaborate with an exceptional creative team. If you love solving creative challenges ...

Premier Press

Senior Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Designer who is passionate about creating meaningful brand experiences and excited to collaborate with an exceptional creative team. If you love solving creative challenges ...

ShelfGenie of Portland

Copia - Designer

Portland, OR · On-site

Lo que ofrecemos: * Perfecto trabajo de medio tiempo!! * Posibilidad de crear su propio horario - ¡FLEXIBILIDAD! * Formación completa y certificación a través de nuestra Universidad online

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All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Portland, OR

Character Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$20

$33

$50

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Portland, OR is $33.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.58 and $38.51 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Character Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Designer jobs in Portland, OR? For Character Designer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Designer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Character Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Character Designer jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Character Designer job openings:
Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 79% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,799 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Designer

Crateandbarrel

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

We inspire purpose-filled living that brings joy to the modern home. With a team of more than 8,000 associates spanning 130 store and distribution locations across the U.S. and Canada, we achieve together, drive results and innovate to inspire. Drawn together by a shared passion for our customers and a spirit of fun, we deliver high-quality home furnishings that are expertly designed, responsibly sourced and bring beauty and function to people's homes. From the day we opened our first store in Chicago in 1962 to the digital innovations that engage millions of customers today, our iconic brand is nearly 60 years in the making-and our story is still unfolding.

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 company sales growth and profitability. Their expertise, teamwork, passion for design, use of the design tools and creative selling skills will help deliver an amazing experience for the customer.

A day in the life as a Designer...

  • Drive sales and a differentiated experience by providing enriching customer interactions, and providing elevated design offerings in the store and virtually with customers
  • Create elevated CB2 designs for customers using the preferred design tools to create moodboards, 2D floor plans, product lists and style inspiration
  • Lead One on One Design consultations in person or via email, phone, and virtual design consults. Deliver projects in a timely manner and within determined timelines
  • Possess a clear understanding of the CB2 brand aesthetics and merchandising strategy by channel - Store, Online, Catalog
  • Deliver individual sales, KPI and service goals, productivity standards, and engage customers on the sales floor by demonstrating our four steps of selling, as communicated by the store manager.
  • Stays informed with the marketplace and industry trends
  • Actively listen to the customer to best identify which products will best meet their needs and communicate company loyalty services, when applicable. (e.g. designer rewards Design Trade Program, CB2 credit card and gift registry)
  • Support and model excellent service by exhibiting a positive attitude and enthusiasm both in-store, virtually, and potentially in a customer's home, ensuring all customers are provided gracious, quick, and efficient service

What you'll bring to the table...

  • Understanding of basic design functions including spatial planning, fabric selection, lighting, interior design styles
  • Excellent, effective, and timely communication skills and the ability to translate the brand vision of CB2 and the customers wants/needs
  • Strong affinity for technology (2D and 3D tools, Google suite, video conferencing) and proficient in floor planning
  • Ability to stay up to date on current design trends
  • Proven track record of building long-lasting relationships with customers

We'd love to hear from you if you have...

  • 1+ years of relevant experience in Furniture Sales/ Home Decor Design or retail/ customer service experience
  • Experience working one on one with clients and recommending solutions
  • Proficient in Google platforms, virtual communication, design tool experience preferred

Euromarket Designs, Inc., which does business as Crate and Barrel and CB2, will be referred to as "the Company". The Company is deeply committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the location you are applying to here and ask to speak with a manager regarding the nature of your request.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer; applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

The Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US.

State / City Compliance: The Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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