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Freelance Level Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Strong, diverse portfolio that demonstrates high-level concepting and polished execution across ... Confidently providing thoughtful feedback and creative direction to junior designers, freelancers ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Strong, diverse portfolio that demonstrates high-level concepting and polished execution across ... Confidently providing thoughtful feedback and creative direction to junior designers, freelancers ...

ThirdLove

Sr. Visual Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Strong, diverse portfolio that demonstrates high-level concepting and polished execution across ... Confidently providing thoughtful feedback and creative direction to junior designers, freelancers ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Hayward, CA · On-site

... every level. As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers ... Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external partners when appropriate Requirements * 5 ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

... every level. As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers ... Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external partners when appropriate Requirements * 5 ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Fremont, CA · On-site

... every level. As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers ... Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external partners when appropriate Requirements * 5 ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

... every level. As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers ... Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external partners when appropriate Requirements * 5 ...

Sköna

Motion Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... every level. As our first motion designer, you'll collaborate closely with designers, writers ... Collaborate with freelance motion designers or external partners when appropriate Requirements * 5 ...

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All JobsLevel Designer JobsFreelance Level Designer JobsFreelance Level Designer Jobs in California

Freelance Level Designer information

What is a freelance level designer?

Freelance level designers are independent professionals who create, plan, and implement levels or environments for video games. They work on a contract or project basis for game studios, indie developers, or other clients, rather than being employed full-time by a single company. Their responsibilities often include designing maps, building game worlds, balancing gameplay, and ensuring levels are engaging and functional. As freelancers, they manage their own schedules, workflows, and client relationships, often working remotely. This role requires a strong understanding of game design principles, creativity, and proficiency with relevant design tools.

How do freelance level designers typically collaborate with game development teams during a project?

Freelance level designers often work remotely and collaborate with game development teams using digital tools like project management software, version control systems, and communication platforms. They participate in regular meetings, share progress updates, and receive feedback from lead designers or producers. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as freelancers must integrate their work with the broader vision of the team while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Building strong professional relationships can also open doors for future projects and referrals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance level designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Level Designer, you need a strong grasp of game design principles, spatial reasoning, and experience with level editing software, often demonstrated through a robust portfolio. Familiarity with technical tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and version control systems is typically required, along with knowledge of scripting languages like C# or Blueprint. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with clients and other team members while meeting project goals. These skills ensure you can deliver engaging, well-constructed levels that meet client expectations and enhance player experiences.

What is the difference between Freelance Level Designer vs Level Designer?

AspectFreelance Level DesignerLevel Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, experience, possibly certifications in game designDegree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolio
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by a game studio, working in a team environment
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance platforms, independent contracts, multiple clientsGame development companies, studios, internal teams
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities, flexible workSeeking full-time or in-house roles in game design

In summary, Freelance Level Designers work independently on various projects, often remotely, and manage their own clients. In contrast, Level Designers employed by studios work within a team environment on company projects. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Level Designer jobs in California?

For Freelance Level Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Level Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Level Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Level Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Level Designer job openings:

Freelance Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Level Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Designer (Project Architect - Freelance)

Rapt Studio

Los Angeles, CA

$106K - $135K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the technical execution and delivery of complex projects across all phases of work.

  • Coordinate with Creative Directors, Design Directors, consultants, and internal teams to ensure projects are well-documented, coordinated, and executed at a high level from concept through construction administration.

  • Manage complex project streams, support and lead teams, and maintain design intent and technical quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Job description

About Us
Rapt is an award-winning design and strategy studio that helps leading brands navigate the complex challenges of this ever-changing world. With locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York — and with clients spanning the globe — we bring fresh thinking and a highly customized approach to each and every partnership. Our interdisciplinary teams blend architecture, interior design, brand experience, graphic design, and strategic thinking into holistic solutions that further our clients’ missions. Our agile approach earned us the distinction of being named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. 

We’re a studio built on connection. The best work happens shoulder-to-shoulder—pin-ups, workshops, model reviews—because ideas move faster in person. We work hybrid: three days together in the studio, with more as projects demand. We value flexibility, but this role isn’t remote; candidates must be local to one of our studios and available onsite regularly.


About the Role

Senior Designers (Project Architects) play a key role in leading the technical execution and delivery of complex projects across all phases of work. Working closely with Creative Directors, Design Directors, consultants, and internal teams, they help ensure projects are thoughtfully coordinated, well-documented, and executed at a high level from concept through construction administration.

This role requires strong experience with project leadership, consultant coordination, detailing, documentation, permitting, and construction administration. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage complex project streams, support and lead teams, and maintain both design intent and technical quality throughout the life of a project.

This is a freelance contract position with an anticipated engagement of six months to start.

Qualifications:
  • Master’s Degree in Architecture
  • 12+ years of experience working in an architecture or design studio
  • Experience and proficiency with integrated BIM process generally, and in particular Revit.
  • Demonstrated excellence in streamlined project execution and delivery, particularly with complex, and at times multiple, drawing sets.
  • Proven ability to handle complex jurisdictional processes with multiple streams. Knowledge of local codes and processes.
  • Extensive experience dealing with complex code issues, and code interpretation.
  • A passion for, and skill in, handling architectural detailing and material junctions, with the ability to carry detailing through from concept to execution collaboratively within a project team.
  • Experience with reviewing and executing both architect/owner contracts, consultant contracts and construction contracts, and experience with multiple construction procurement methods.
  • The ability to create and maintain detailed design-stage schedules, for interface with clients, GC consultants and the internal team, and be able to review complex construction schedule gantt charts and provide detailed feedback.
  • The ability to (run an RFP process for pre-construction,) and subsequently manage the pre-construction process and review construction schedules, budgets, procurement methods, as needed.
  • Extensive experience with Contract Administration and the ability to handle complex CA streams and lead a team through this process.
  • Extensive experience leading the coordination process with multiple sub-consultants.
  • Extensive experience with running internal project teams, creating workplans and delegating.
  • Extensive experience with compiling and reviewing 3-part specification books, and outline specifications.
  • Experience with commercial projects, including ground-up construction, core and shell repositioning, and creative workplace.
  • Experience mentoring design staff and an interest in their growth and development
  • State licensure or pursuance of state licensure a plus
  • LEED accreditation a plus
We’re looking for:
  • Someone who has the ability to both work collaboratively with, and also lead, a team of talented individuals solving complex problems
  • Someone who has the ability to project-manage multiple streams of a complex project, and keep themselves, the team, and the workstreams organized
  • Handle multiple projects of varying size, scale and complexity
  • A creative, collaborative individual who isn’t afraid to think outside the box
  • Someone with strong graphic, organizational, and communication skills
  • A problem-solver, both individually and with project teams including consultants
  • Someone who can both design conceptually and detail thoroughly, with an ability to zoom in and out along the project timeline from the macro to the micro and back again
Benefits and Perks:
Generous options for medical, dental, vision insurance
Location flexibility and unlimited paid time off (PTO)
Tax-deferred savings through FSA, parking and transit allocations
401K with employer contribution
Complimentary One Medical memberships
New hire referral bonus
Phone stipend

We do not use artificial intelligence or automated systems to screen or evaluate job applications. Every application is reviewed by a real member of our team. Because our process is fully human-led and we prioritize thoughtful review, response times may be slower than companies that rely on automation. We appreciate your patience and the care you put into applying.