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Character Designer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

AECOM

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

AECOM

Urban Designer

Washington, DC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

AECOM

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

AECOM

Urban Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

AECOM

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Urban Designer will serve on multi-disciplinary urban design and planning projects across the ... urban character, natural resources, and development programs. Prepare precedent studies, building ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

Comfort with icon creation and character and scene illustrations makes you a stronger, more ... Tenure: 2 to 3 years experience as a motion designer. * Portfolio: Your reel or portfolio ...

PrishanTek, Inc.

Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

Trained non-designer team members on the basics of interaction design, so they could produce reasonable initial work. Evidence of Visual Design Master: Oversaw the design language for a large set of ...

PrishanTek, Inc.

Designer

Washington, DC

Trained non-designer team members on the basics of interaction design, so they could produce reasonable initial work. Evidence of Visual Design Master: Oversaw the design language for a large set of ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer, CB2

Tysons Corner, VA

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 ...

NJI Media LLC

Designer

Washington, DC

We welcome designers at any level, and we'll calibrate the role and scope to match your experience. This role is your passport to ambitious, versatile work across a wide range of industries, formats ...

Tt

Designer

Washington, DC

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll join a team that is always learning and adapting as we perform risk assessments and advise architects and owners on improving the security of their designs and facilities. Responsibilities We ...

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All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Reston, VA

Character Designer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20

$32

$49

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Reston, VA is $32.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.00 and $37.74 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

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

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The top searched job categories for Character Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Character Designer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Character Designer job openings:

Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,473 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Costumed Characters (Mascot) - Guest Experience Host

CAMP

Tysons Corner, VA

$19/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 7 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