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Game Character Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Audio Lead (Games)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$125K - $165K/yr

... character and strong principles are requirements for every role. Your days will be focused on ... You will guide, mentor, and support the sound design teams, ensuring our audio deepens immersion ...

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Game Character Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$90.5K

$148.8K

$223.1K

How much do game character design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for game character design in Seattle, WA is $148,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,800.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game character design?

A Game Character Design job involves creating the visual appearance, personality, and style of characters in video games. Designers develop concept art, refine designs based on feedback, and collaborate with animators and 3D modelers to bring characters to life. They ensure that characters fit the game's world, story, and mechanics. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and knowledge of anatomy, color theory, and game engines are essential for this role.

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

To excel in Game Character Design, you need strong artistic skills in illustration and 3D modeling, typically supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ZBrush, Maya, or Blender is essential, and a professional portfolio is often required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are important soft skills, as you’ll regularly work with developers, animators, and other artists. These abilities ensure you can create visually compelling and technically sound characters that fit within the overall game vision and development pipeline.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a game character designer in a game development studio?

A Game Character Designer typically spends their day brainstorming and sketching new character concepts, collaborating closely with creative directors and narrative teams to ensure characters support the game's story and style. They create detailed character models, textures, and sometimes rigging, using both traditional art techniques and digital tools. Regular feedback sessions and revisions are a normal part of the process, requiring open communication with animators and programmers to address technical constraints. This collaborative environment helps ensure that character designs are both artistic and functional within the game's mechanics.

Are game character designers in demand?

Game character designers are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for visually appealing, innovative characters. Skills in digital art, 3D modeling, and software like Adobe Photoshop or Blender are highly valued, and employment opportunities are available in both large studios and indie development teams.

How to become a game character designer?

To become a game character designer, develop strong skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and animation using tools like Photoshop, Blender, or Maya. Obtain a relevant degree in game design, art, or a related field, build a portfolio showcasing character concepts, and gain experience through internships or personal projects in the gaming industry.

How to get a job as a game character designer?

To become a game character designer, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your illustration and concept art skills, and gain proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. A background in art, animation, or game design, along with understanding of character anatomy and storytelling, is essential; internships or entry-level positions can also provide valuable experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Character Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Game Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Character Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,810 per year, or $71.5 per hour.

Concept Artist - Trading Card Game

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

$144K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

Concept Artist - Fanatics TCG

Role Overview

Fanatics Collectibles is building the next generation of trading card games.

The Fanatics TCG studio is creating original worlds designed to live for decades - expressed through gameplay, art, story, and collectible objects. Our ambition is to build franchises that are not only widely played, but deeply loved.

We are seeking a Concept Artist to help define the visual identity of these worlds from the ground up.

This is a role for an artist who wants to help invent worlds - to establish the look, tone, and emotional resonance of new universes, and to create imagery that becomes foundational to a franchise.

You will work closely with Creative, Design, and Product leadership to shape the earliest visual explorations of characters, cultures, environments, and moments - helping answer not just what things look like, but what they feel like.

The ideal candidate brings a strong point of view, exceptional craft, and a desire to create work that endures.

What You'll Do

Define the Visual Identity of New Worlds

  • Create concept art that establishes the tone, mood, and visual language of new TCG franchises. 
  • Explore and iterate on visual directions that define what makes a world distinct, memorable, and ownable. 
  • Contribute to the creation of iconic characters, factions, creatures, and environments.

Create Work That Shapes a Franchise

  • Develop imagery that becomes foundational reference for the entire art pipeline. 
  • Help establish the visual standards that guide internal teams and external artists. 
  • Create work that is not only functional, but evocative, inspiring, and collectible in its own right. 

Collaborate at the Earliest Stages of Creation

  • Partner with Creative and Design leadership during ideation and worldbuilding. 
  • Help translate abstract ideas into clear, compelling visual direction. 
  • Engage in creative exploration - pushing beyond the first idea to find the most interesting one. 
  • Rapid prototyping - be able to switch into rough sketch and concept work when needed.

Elevate Taste and Craft

  • Bring a strong artistic point of view and contribute to the studio's overall creative bar. 
  • Help shape the visual culture of the team through feedback, references, and collaboration. 
  • Continuously refine work toward clarity, originality, and emotional impact. 

What You Bring

  • A portfolio that demonstrates exceptional taste, craft, and originality. 
  • Strength in one or more areas such as character design, creature design, or environment design, with the ability to contribute broadly. 
  • Deep understanding of composition, lighting, color, and visual storytelling. 
  • Ability to explore multiple directions and converge on clear, compelling solutions. 
  • Strong collaboration skills and comfort working in early-stage, ambiguous creative spaces.
  • A genuine passion for fantasy, sci-fi, games, and worldbuilding. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience contributing to the development of original IP or franchise worlds. 
  • Background in games, film, publishing, or other visual storytelling mediums. 
  • Familiarity with how concept art translates into final production pipelines. 
  • Experience collaborating with or guiding external artists and partners. 

Why Join Fanatics TCG

Fanatics Collectibles is building the future of fandom.

The Fanatics TCG studio is a rare opportunity to create new worlds at scale - worlds that will be expressed through millions of physical objects, shared across global communities, and evolved over many years.

As a Concept Artist, your work will help define the foundation of these worlds - shaping the images that players and collectors return to again and again.

If you want to build something enduring, we'd love to hear from you.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

Apply