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Freelance Character Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MOD Worldwide, LLC

Motion Designer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

FREELANCE : We are seeking a part-time freelance #animator , specializing in 2D and 3D animation ... Deliver polished animations (2D, 3D, Character, Compositing) working with team members across all ...

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Freelance Character Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do freelance character rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance character rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are freelance character riggers?

Freelance character riggers are professionals who specialize in creating the digital skeletons and controls that allow 3D character models to move realistically in animation, games, or visual effects. Unlike full-time employees, they work independently and are hired on a project-by-project basis by studios, game developers, or animation companies. Their responsibilities include building rigs for characters, refining deformation, and ensuring that models are ready for animators to bring to life. Freelance riggers often collaborate remotely and may handle multiple projects for different clients at the same time.

What are some common challenges freelance character riggers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance character riggers often encounter challenges such as managing client expectations regarding rig functionality, adapting rigs for various animation styles, and ensuring clear communication about project requirements and deadlines. Since work is typically done remotely, it's crucial to establish efficient feedback loops and share progress through video calls or annotated playblasts. Additionally, freelancers need to be proactive in troubleshooting and providing documentation so clients can easily use and modify the rigs as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Character Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Character Rigger, you need a strong understanding of anatomy, rigging principles, and 3D animation pipelines, often supported by a background in computer graphics or animation. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with animators and clients to deliver high-quality rigs. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that meet production needs and enable seamless animation workflow.

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

AspectFreelance Character RiggerFreelance 3D Modeler
CredentialsKnowledge of rigging software, anatomy, and animation principlesProficiency in 3D modeling software, sculpting, and texturing
Work EnvironmentOften works remotely for animation studios, game developers, or independent projectsWorks remotely or on-site creating 3D assets for games, films, or visualization
Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, and VFX industries for character setupUsed across gaming, film, and product visualization for creating 3D models

While both roles involve 3D skills, a Freelance Character Rigger specializes in creating the skeletons and controls that animate characters, whereas a Freelance 3D Modeler focuses on building the visual 3D assets. They often collaborate but require different technical expertise and tools.

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Freelance Character Rigger jobs near you

Freelance Toon Boom Animator-YouTube Studio

Newscape Studios

Austin, TX • Remote

Contractor

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Newscape Studios, Inc has a dozen YouTube channels, with over 10 million total subscribers. We create content based on popular video games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and original animations. Newscape also produces a vast array of videos for a young audience and content through animation and machinima.

We are looking to add Freelance Cutout / Rigged Character Animators in Toon Boom Harmony to our team. Candidates must have substantial knowledge of Animation fundamentals, using Toonboom Harmony along with their node systems as well strong draftmanship.
Animation channels to match style of: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToxKVrkEuAONR4rFIJ_DyQ 

Responsibilities and Duties: 

  • Keep an organized and efficient workflow that balances quality and output needs.
  • Responsible for approximately 25 shots / 2 and half minutes of animation per week.
  • Expert level cutout/rigged character animation in Toon Boom Harmony
  • Navigation of and clear understanding of Toon boon node view and tools
  • Light compositing work in Harmony (lighting and some effects) 
  • Strong draftmanship creating assets, poses and drawing subs
  • Simple to Moderate level frame by frame / hand animation

Qualifications and Skills:

  • 2+ years required experience with Toon Boom Harmony 
  • 1+ years of studio production experience
  • Animators must be able to adapt to a variety of styles
  • Must be able to work as part of a team
  • Strong literacy with written, verbal and storyboard notes
  • Communicate effectively 
  • Great listening skills 
  • Great time management skills 
  • Comfortable in meeting deadlines and daily quotas 
  • Strong attention to detail and consistency  
 

Demo Reel/ Portfolio is required to be considered. 

Compensation:

Competitive base pay of: $880 per production week 

This is a remote / work from home, Independent Contractor Position. 

Artists with LLCs are preferred but not required.
If you receive an email from Newscapeprocareers.com this is a scam. Newscape Studios will not email questionnaires, ask for any personal information such as SS #, address, or bank account information or present a  job offer without a face to face interview with our supervisors and/or Human Resources.  If you receive an email from newscapeprocareers.com, please report to the authorities.  Be careful of scams

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