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Disney Character Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it.

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask ... Design test procedures to evaluate stabilization quality under various motion conditions * Measure ...

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume--and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask ... Design test procedures to evaluate stabilization quality under various motion conditions * Measure ...

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Showing results 1-20

Disney Character Design information

What is a Disney character design?

A Disney Character Design job involves creating visually compelling and unique characters that align with Disney's storytelling and artistic style. Character designers develop concept art, refine character personalities, and collaborate with animators, directors, and writers to ensure designs fit the project's narrative. They must have strong artistic skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy, expression, and movement. This role is essential in bringing Disney's animated films, TV shows, and theme park attractions to life.

What does a typical workday look like for a Disney character designer?

A typical day for a Disney Character Designer involves brainstorming new concepts, sketching character ideas, refining designs based on feedback, and collaborating closely with other artists, storytellers, and animators. Designers often attend team meetings to review project briefs and align on creative direction, as well as work independently to develop presentation materials. There is a strong emphasis on iteration, with designers revising artwork to meet narrative goals and ensure consistency with established visual styles. The role offers a dynamic mix of individual creativity and teamwork, making communication and flexibility key to success in daily responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Disney character design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disney Character Designer, you need a strong foundation in drawing, visual storytelling, anatomy, and character development, typically backed by a degree in illustration, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets, along with experience using animation software like Toon Boom or Autodesk Maya, is highly valued. Creativity, collaboration, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications are vital for consistently producing iconic, appealing characters that align with Disney’s brand and storytelling standards while working effectively in a team-driven environment.

How do you get a job as a Disney Character Design?

To become a Disney character designer, you typically need a strong portfolio showcasing character concepts, proficiency in digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and a background in animation, fine arts, or related fields. Relevant experience in character development and understanding of Disney's style and storytelling are also important for hiring consideration.

What are popular job titles related to Disney Character Design jobs in California?

For Disney Character Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Disney Character Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Disney Character Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Disney Character Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Disney Character Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Disney Character Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$74.68 - $82.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10159762

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisCharacter Design Lead role, youmaybeconsideredforanyCharacter Design Leadpositions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Art Director Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of theseries. The Character Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Art Director to review scripts and storyboards andfor characters that need to be designed for each episode.Flag complexity issues as they arise.

  • In collaboration withthe Executive Producer and Art Director,setthe visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork.

  • Ensure that the high quality and style of showestablishedby the Executive Producer andArt Director is achieved andmaintained.

  • Furtherthe storytelling process by developing the look, personality and feel of characters.

  • Capture the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.

  • Create turnarounds, special poses, mouthchartsand expression sheets and provide aclean pass of the final approved design.

  • May oversee the Character Design team,delegatingwork andmonitoringtheir schedules to create andmaintainconsistency with the design of the project

  • Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studio.

Required Qualificationsand Skills

  • 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.

  • Experience leading a team preferred.

  • Ability to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expressionsheetsand special poses.

  • Experience working withoverseesvendor studios.

  • A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.

  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator,Harmonyand 3D technology, where applicable.

  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.

  • Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.

  • Positive attitudewith the ability to be flexible.

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-socialskillsand acumen.

Education

  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience

Job Location

  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category:

Modeling

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-31

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

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

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