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Director Creature Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Cinematics Animation Director

Cary, NC · On-site

Drive collaboration across disciplines -- including Production, Technical Animation, and Design ... A strong animation reel demonstrating expertise in keyframed character and creature animation.

AGBO

Pipeline Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and ... Design User Interfaces for automation tools for Asset management, VFX, Visualization, and ...

AGBO

Pipeline Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $186K/yr

Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and ... Design User Interfaces for automation tools for Asset management, VFX, Visualization, and ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$143K - $179K/yr

Work with artists, technical artists, and engineers to design, implement and maintain new workflows ... Use provided concept art and references to create highly detailed character and creature models

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All JobsDirector Creature Design Jobs

Director Creature Design information

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$37K

$135.8K

$243K

How much do director creature design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director creature design in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Creature Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Creature Design, you need expert knowledge of anatomy, visual storytelling, and design principles, usually supported by a degree in fine arts, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard digital sculpting and 3D modeling tools like ZBrush, Maya, and Photoshop is essential, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating creature concept work. Leadership, creative vision, and the ability to collaborate across departments are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the creation of compelling, believable creatures that enhance a production's storytelling and visual impact.

What are the typical challenges a Director of Creature Design faces when leading a multidisciplinary team on a large film or game project?

As a Director of Creature Design, one of the main challenges is balancing creative vision with technical feasibility. You’ll often collaborate with concept artists, 3D modelers, animators, and VFX supervisors to ensure the creatures not only look unique and compelling but also fit seamlessly into the production pipeline. Managing feedback from both creative and technical departments while adhering to project timelines can be demanding. Additionally, staying updated with the latest industry tools and techniques is crucial for ensuring your team stays innovative and competitive.

What does a Director of Creature Design do?

A Director of Creature Design leads the creative and technical development of fantastical or realistic creatures for film, television, video games, or other media. They oversee concept artists, sculptors, and animators, ensuring that the design of creatures aligns with the story and visual style of the project. This role involves collaboration with directors, producers, and other departments to bring imaginative creatures to life, balancing artistic vision with practical considerations like movement and visual effects. The Director of Creature Design is responsible for maintaining consistency and quality throughout the production process.

What is the difference between Director Creature Design vs Creature Designer?

AspectDirector Creature DesignCreature Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees the entire creature design process, manages teams, and sets creative directionCreates individual creature concepts, models, and details based on project needs
CredentialsTypically requires a strong portfolio, experience in creature design, and leadership skillsRequires a solid portfolio, artistic skills, and proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentWorks in film, gaming, or animation studios, often in a leadership roleWorks in similar environments, focusing on design execution

In summary, the Director Creature Design leads and manages the creature design team, setting the creative vision, while the Creature Designer focuses on creating detailed creature concepts and models. Both roles require artistic talent and industry experience, but differ mainly in scope and responsibility.

More about Director Creature Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Creature Design jobs? Cities with the most Director Creature Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Creature Design jobs? The most popular types of Creature Design jobs are:
What states have the most Director Creature Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Creature Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Creature Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Creature Design jobs are:
Director Creature Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Creature Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.
Junior Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Junior Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA

$67K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 47 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Junior Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10149648

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Junior Creature Technical Director develops and maintains tools to support specific show needs as well as facility needs. The Junior Creature Technical Director works with and maintains hero assets/rigs; and takes direction from the show Creature TD Supervisor to troubleshoot pipeline issues, support CTDs by assisting in shotwork, and rigging non-hero assets.

What You'll Do

  • Offer day-to-day show support for Creature Technical Directors & Animators under mentorship of Leads, Supervisors, and the Head of Department (HOD)

  • Analyze and optimize rigs/sim set-ups

  • Assist show Supervisors with quality control/prep

  • Troubleshoot creature pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines

  • Entry level shot work and rigging

  • Create and maintain documentation for show-specific processes and principles

What We're Looking For

  • A certificate or degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Fine Arts, Design or Photography or a related program, and/or relevant experience working in a similar industry

  • Proven ability in one or more CG techniques relevant to the creature dept; rigging, and simulation with CG cloth, hair, fur, muscles, and skin

  • Experience with Maya or Houdini is required

  • A reel demonstrating character or creature effects, rigging, and technical abilities is required for this role

  • Experience refining templates, rig kits, and reusable sim set-ups is a plus

  • Knowledge of Linux as well as coding/scripting knowledge (Python, Me, or VEX) a plus

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $67,000 to $85,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Rigging - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-04-27

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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