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Character Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Columbia Sportswear

Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG

Portland, OR · On-site

$108K - $115K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG plays a key role in shaping innovative, function-driven apparel that connects with fishing and hunting consumers and advances the brand's design ...

Columbia

Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG

Portland, OR

$108K - $115K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION The Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG plays a key role in shaping innovative, function-driven apparel that connects with fishing and hunting consumers and advances the brand's design ...

Varsity Tutors

Mandarin Chinese 1 Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain tonal distinctions, character stroke order, basic sentence structure, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

Varsity Tutors

Mandarin Chinese 2 Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using graded reading materials, character review systems, and thematic ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

Varsity Tutors

Japanese Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching character recognition and writing practice, grammatical pattern application ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

Kerr Contractors

Fabricators/Welders

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... character, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations every time. We have staked our reputation ... Designing and fabricating the parts required for meeting equipment needs using the manufacturer ...

KERR CONTRACTORS OREGON LLC

Fabricators/Welders

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... character, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations every time. We have staked our reputation ... Designing and fabricating the parts required for meeting equipment needs using the manufacturer ...

KERR CONTRACTORS OREGON LLC

Fabricators/Welders

Woodburn, OR

$20.75 - $26.50/hr

... character, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations every time. We have staked our reputation ... Designing and fabricating the parts required for meeting equipment needs using the manufacturer ...

Union Gospel Mission

Be Seen First

Thrift Store Clothing Intake Specialist

Tigard, OR · On-site

$18/hr

Identify higher-end or designer brands for placement on UGM's High-End Rack. * Hang and organize ... Character: Strong commitment to the vision and values of Union Gospel Mission, have a passion for ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,799 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG

Columbia Sportswear

Portland, OR • On-site

$108K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Columbia Sportswear rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

This position is designated as a hybrid role based out of our headquarters near Portland, Oregon. The current expectation is for employees to work onsite four days per week, subject to change based on business needs. This in-office requirement may be adjusted at the discretion of the company.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Sr. Men's Designer PFG/PHG plays a key role in shaping innovative, function-driven apparel that connects with fishing and hunting consumers and advances the brand's design vision. This position leads the creative development of a product category from concept through final sample approval, translating consumer insights, market trends, and technical expertise into commercially successful, brand-right products. Working closely with cross-functional partners, the Sr. Designer influences seasonal direction, drives innovation, and elevates the consumer experience through thoughtful, purpose-built design.

HOWYOU'LLMAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Lead the creative vision and seasonal design direction for assigned PFG/PHG apparel categories.
  • Develop original, consumer-focused concepts that balance performance, functionality, aesthetics, and commercial viability.
  • Create detailed sketches, line art, and technical design packages that clearly communicate product intent and construction.
  • Drive the prototype and sample development process, providing direction and feedback throughout product creation.
  • Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Materials, Technical Design, and Costing teams to bring concepts to life.
  • Research and interpret market trends, consumer insights, competitive products, and emerging innovations to inform design strategies.
  • Champion innovative solutions, materials, and technologies that enhance product performance and strengthen brand differentiation.
  • Lead concept reviews, design presentations, and seasonal storytelling to align cross-functional teams around key initiatives.
  • Participate in fit sessions and product reviews to ensure design integrity, functionality, and consumer expectations are met.
  • Foster collaboration, influence decision-making, and help drive efficiencies throughout the product creation process.

YOU ARE

  • A creative problem solver who thrives on turning consumer insights into compelling product solutions.
  • An influential collaborator who builds strong partnerships across teams and communicates ideas with confidence.
  • A strategic thinker with a strong understanding of market trends, outdoor consumers, and the competitive landscape.
  • Passionate about innovation and motivated to push design boundaries while maintaining commercial relevance.
  • Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

YOUHAVE

  • Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within the fishing/hunting, or outdoor performance apparel industry.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and a strong understanding of apparel design principles, construction, and fit.
  • Demonstrated experience leading product creation from concept through final sample approval.
  • Strong knowledge of materials, textiles, trims, and product development processes, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results.


#LI-CS1

#Hybrid

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.At Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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About Columbia Sportswear

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1938

Social media

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