1

Freelance Character Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This freelance role is built for a well-rounded modeler who moves fluidly between realistic and ... Understands how visual design impacts player experience and gameplay flow. * Self-Direction: Able ...

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

This freelance role is built for a well-rounded modeler who moves fluidly between realistic and ... Understands how visual design impacts player experience and gameplay flow. * Self-Direction: Able ...

Freelance Character Design information

What is a freelance character design?

A Freelance Character Design job involves creating unique characters for various media, such as games, animations, comics, and books, while working independently. Freelance character designers collaborate with clients to develop visually appealing and conceptually strong characters based on specific project needs. They handle tasks such as brainstorming, sketching, refining designs, and delivering final assets. Since it’s a freelance role, designers manage their schedules, pricing, and client communications. Successful freelancers build strong portfolios and maintain good client relationships to secure consistent work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freelance character design?

To thrive as a Freelance Character Designer, you need a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in drawing, anatomy, creativity, and visual storytelling—often supported by formal art training or relevant experience. Proficiency in digital illustration tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or specialized software such as Clip Studio Paint is highly valued, and familiarity with 3D modeling tools can be a plus. Excellent communication, time management, and self-marketing skills are vital for managing client relationships and workflow independently. These competencies are important to produce compelling, client-focused designs and succeed in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges freelance character designers face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance character designers often need to manage several projects simultaneously, each with unique client expectations, deadlines, and revision requests. Balancing creativity with client feedback while staying organized can be challenging, especially when communication preferences differ between clients. Staying consistently motivated and maintaining a strong pipeline of work often requires active networking and self-promotion. However, developing efficient workflows and clear communication strategies can significantly help in overcoming these challenges and building lasting professional relationships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Character Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Character Design jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Character Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution.

Roblox Environmental Artist

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Sawhorse Productions
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 11 - 50 employees

$30 - $45/hr

Contractor

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.
Our releases include: [Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO]

  • Roblox: How To Train Your Dragon
  • Roblox: Wicked RP
  • Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
  • Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
  • Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
  • Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
  • Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
  • Roblox: Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
  • Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo 
  • Roblox: Fashion Klossette
  • Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
  • And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

We're looking for a detail-oriented and creative Roblox Environmental Artist to help craft immersive 3D worlds for platform-leading UGC games. This freelance role is ideal for someone who's passionate about world-building, experienced with Roblox Studio, and excited to design visually compelling environments that enhance gameplay and storytelling.

This is a Freelance role and can be based in the Los Angeles office or remote. This position is generally operating during PST core hours M-F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Requirements

  • Environmental Design: Conceptualize and design visually rich 3D environments that align with the game's aesthetic and narrative goals.
  • World Building: Create immersive, seamless game worlds with strong environmental storytelling and cohesive gameplay flow.
  • Asset Creation: Collaborate with our 3D team to build landscapes, props, structures, and environmental assets optimized for Roblox.
  • Optimization: Ensure all assets are performance-friendly and optimized for streaming and gameplay efficiency.
  • Creative Collaboration: Work closely with Art Directors, Technical Artists, and Game Designers to maintain consistency in style, tone, and gameplay interaction.
  • Client-Facing Communication: Engage with clients and stakeholders to interpret briefs and incorporate feedback directly into creative output.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Participate in reviews, contribute to brainstorming sessions, and iterate quickly based on team and client feedback.
Qualifications

A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:

  • Experience: 4+ years in 3D environment design, with a strong portfolio showing completed Roblox projects.
  • Roblox Studio Expertise: Proficient with Roblox Studio and building workflows. Familiarity with optimization techniques (StreamingEnabled, low-poly design, etc.).
  • 3D Software Proficiency: Skilled in tools like Blender, Maya, or equivalent software-must be able to export FBX files compatible with Roblox.
  • Technical Understanding: Solid grasp of lighting, composition, and layout. Ability to troubleshoot integration or performance issues.
  • Gameplay Mindset: Understands how visual design impacts player experience and gameplay flow.
  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communicator, comfortable with presenting in meetings and collaborating in cross-functional teams.
Nice To Have's
  • Experience with Substance Painter or Designer for texture work
  • Familiarity with lighting techniques for cinematic environments
  • Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox
  • Prior experience creating plugins or custom tools for Roblox development
  • Understanding of additional engines like Unity or Unreal

Benefits

$30 - $45 per hour

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.