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Freelance Animation Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leland

Animation & CGI Coach

$108K - $123K/yr

... character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, rendering, and visual effects. Coaches also guide ... Ideal candidates have significant professional experience in animation or CGI (studio, freelance ...

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 ...

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 ...

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

FREELANCE : We are seeking a part-time freelance #animator , specializing in 2D and 3D animation ... Preferred working knowledge of 3D motion design workflow, character animation workflow, and visual ...

Red Games Co.

Freelance Animator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Create high-quality 2D/3D character, creature, environment, and UI animation for mobile platforms. * Work with Art Directors, Animation Lead, Animation Team, Game Designers, and Engineers to ensure ...

Red Games Co.

Freelance Animator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Create high-quality 2D/3D character, creature, environment, and UI animation for mobile platforms. * Work with Art Directors, Animation Lead, Animation Team, Game Designers, and Engineers to ensure ...

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Freelance Animation Character Design information

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$14

$47

$132

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

As of Jul 31, 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 2% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Animation & CGI Coach

Leland

Remote

$108K - $123K/yr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Leland is building the home for ambition in the age of AI. We connect people with the experts, programs, and communities they need to land the job, get into the school, or upskill for a world being rewritten by AI. We help businesses become AI-native through training, hiring, and infrastructure. Since our founding in 2021, we've helped tens of thousands of people reach their most ambitious goals and raised $19M from world-class investors. Ambition is sacred to us, and we've built a product that takes that seriously.
We're seeking an experienced animation and CGI professional to coach students looking to build or advance a career in the field. This role includes helping students develop core animation techniques and 3D modeling skills, along with more specialized areas like character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, rendering, and visual effects. Coaches also guide students through CGI production and post-production workflows, animation software proficiency, and animation direction, while helping them explore paths in film animation, game animation, and virtual reality design. Additional support includes skill building, resume and cover letter review, LinkedIn review, networking strategy, and preparation for both behavioral and technical interviews, as well as guidance on salary negotiation and freelancing for students pursuing independent work. Ideal candidates have significant professional experience in animation or CGI (studio, freelance, or a combination), prior mentoring or teaching experience, and a clear, structured approach to helping students grow their craft and their career. Coaches set their own hours and rates, host sessions virtually, and partner with our team to deliver a high-quality, supportive experience for every student.
Why Leland?
  • The chance to join a world-class team helping people achieve their career and educational dreams
  • Work in a collaborative, high-energy environment where your contributions have a direct impact
  • Operate in a fast-paced, AI-native environment
  • We don't hire people who merely want to work for a great company; we hire people who want to make a great company

Leland is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and demographics to apply.

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