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Freelance Animation Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming ... From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, weight, and volume as they relate to character design and animation. * Experience with high- and low-poly modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.

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Freelance Animation Character Design information

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$47

$132

How much do freelance animation character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance animation character design in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Animation Character Design vs Freelance 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance Animation Character DesignFreelance 3D Modeler
Skills & CredentialsDrawing, illustration, character concept skills, portfolio3D modeling, software proficiency (e.g., Blender, Maya), portfolio
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, remote, client meetingsRemote, studio, or on-site, client collaboration
Industry UsageAnimation, gaming, advertisingGaming, film, product visualization
Search & Comparison IntentClients seeking character design for animation projectsClients needing 3D models for various media

While both roles involve digital artistry, Freelance Animation Character Designers focus on creating 2D character concepts and illustrations for animation and media, whereas Freelance 3D Modelers specialize in building three-dimensional models for various applications. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right freelancer for their project needs.

How much does a character animator make?

A character animator's salary varies based on experience, location, and whether they work freelance or full-time. On average, freelance character animators earn between $20 and $100 per hour, with annual earnings depending on project volume and rates. Experienced professionals with strong skills in animation software like Maya or Adobe Animate tend to command higher rates.

How much do freelancers charge for character design?

Freelance animation character designers typically charge between $25 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, complexity of the design, and project scope. Some may offer flat rates ranging from $200 to $2,000 per character for complete designs, concept art, and revisions. Rates can vary based on client requirements and the designer's skill level.

How to become a freelance character designer?

To become a freelance animation character designer, develop strong drawing and design skills, build a diverse portfolio showcasing your work, and gain experience through personal projects or internships. Proficiency in industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character development are essential, along with establishing an online presence to attract clients.
More about Freelance Animation Character Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Animation Character Design jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Animation Character Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Character Design jobs? The most popular types of Animation Character Design jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Animation Character Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Animation Character Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Animation Character Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Animation Character Design jobs are:
Freelance Animation Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Animation Character Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 63% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Graphic Artist - Specialized in Cartoon & Character Design

Graphic Artist - Specialized in Cartoon & Character Design

Quality Business Engineering

Aberdeen, MD • On-site

$136K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
About QBE, LLC
QBE, LLC is a mission-focused technology and security solutions provider supporting defense and federal customers worldwide. We deliver high-impact capabilities where precision, accountability, and technical excellence directly support national-level objectives.
#qf #qg
QBE is seeking a Graphic Artist - Specialized in Cartoon & Character Design to support the IEW&S contract.
Responsibilities
Candidate shall provide specialized cartoon illustration and character design support to enhance visual storytelling for CPE IEW&S communication initiatives. Candidate shall demonstrate proficiency in digital illustration software and collaborate closely with public affairs, multimedia designers, and print production staff to ensure creative alignment and message clarity. Candidate's typical associated tasks include:
  • Develop original cartoon illustrations, character designs, and comic-style graphics to support public-facing and internal communication products across print and digital media.
  • Translate complex technical or operational content into engaging cartoon visuals that simplify messaging and increase audience comprehension.
  • Collaborate with the public affairs team and senior creatives to conceptualize cartoon-based campaigns, storyboards, and visual themes aligned with mission objectives.
  • Prepare artwork for integration into larger multimedia projects, including videos, infographics, social media content, and educational materials.
  • Ensure all cartoon-based products adhere to Army and CPE IEW&S branding, security, and communication guidelines while maintaining stylistic consistency across deliverables.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree - computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field
  • Minimum four years' (4) experience in the field of animation and design relevant experience required
  • OR Associates degree in the field of computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field and minimum seven (7) experience in the field of animation and design.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with team and other stakeholders

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
QBE is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender-identity and/or expression, age, disability, Veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, neurodivergence, ethnicity, ancestry, caste, military/uniformed service-member status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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