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Freelance Animation Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... character design, and the ability to adapt to different animation styles. Secret security clearance is required. Responsibilities include: * Provide specialized cartoon illustration and character ...

3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of ... Understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes, facial performance animation, and wrinkle-map systems is ...

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of ... Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes, facial performance animation, and wrinkle-map ...

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... design. The ideal candidate will have experience creating photorealistic human characters of ... Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes, facial performance animation, and wrinkle-map ...

Character Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$59.16 - $72/hr

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California ... Propose design approaches that consider downstream departments (modeling and texturing). * Able to ...

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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 May 28, 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Freelance Animation Character Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Graphic Specialist/Cartoonist -Intermediate (contingent 034)

SPS

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Title: Graphics Specialist/Cartoonist - Intermediate (contingent 034)
Location(s): APG, MD OR remote
Strong portfolio showcasing drawing skills, proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony, and have a deep understanding of animation principles of timing, movement, and storytelling to create engaging animated content; key skills include storyboarding, character design, and the ability to adapt to different animation styles.
Secret security clearance is required.
Responsibilities include:
  • Provide specialized cartoon illustration and character design support to enhance visual storytelling for CPE IEW&S communication initiatives.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Adhere to the company's AS9100 and QMS policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
  • Bachelors Degree - computer graphics, animation, fine arts or a related field.
  • A minimum four years' (4) experience in the field of animation and design relevant experience required.
  • Substitution: Associates degree and minimum seven (7) experience in the field of animation and design. Additional years' experience can substitute for field of study.
  • Familiarity with scripting and storyboarding.
  • Ability to draw in a variety of styles.
  • Experience in character rigging and skeletal animation.
  • Strong understanding of timing, pacing and storytelling in animation.
  • Preferred: Experience with 3D animation and modeling preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities