Character Designer
Skydance Animation
The role involves developing original character designs for an upcoming animated feature film, from early concept exploration through production-ready assets, including turnarounds, pose sheets, and visual development work in 2D and/or CG formats. Skydance Animation is a division of Skydance Media dedicated to creating high-quality animated feature films, with a mission to bring original stories to life through innovative animation and compelling characters.
- Location
- California, Santa Monica
- Arrangement
- Onsite
- Level
- Senior
- Employment
- Full time
- Date added
- 2026-08-26
- Last checked
- 2026-10-17
Overview
local_fire_department HOT Confidential seeks Operations Manager / Executive Assistant
- LA - Seeking a highly organized, proactive Operations Manager / Executive Assistant to oversee day-to-day business and personal logistics.
× Character Designer jobs in Santa Monica, CA Share EntertainmentCareers.Net Character Designer Skydance Animation Santa Monica, CA
Last Updated
August 10, 2026 More from this Employer Search more jobs like this Share MEMBER INSIGHTS schedule First posted: ••• calendar_today Days: ••• lock visibility ••• views lock assignment_turned_in ••• applications lock lock_open Log in to see stats play_circle Tip of the Week What does it mean when a posting says its confidential? (Video) This is a Full Time Job Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the look, personality, and visual identity of our characters. From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience. Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will contribute to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help maintain a cohesive visual language throughout the film. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in drawing, a keen sense of storytelling through design, and the versatility to explore a wide range of shapes, styles, and emotional expression. Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.
Responsibilities
- Develop original artwork for project concepts and characters, including exploratory designs, refined assets, and surface details
- Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs
- Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats
- Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices, ensuring authenticity, originality, and alignment with the story and world
- Design and assemble compelling presentation materials that effectively communicate creative ideas to internal teams and leadership
- Collaborate in brainstorming sessions to generate inventive concepts that enhance storytelling, bringing depth, humor, emotion, and personality to each character
- Apply a strong understanding of human and/or animal anatomy to create believable, dynamic, and appealing character designs
- Contribute creative problem-solving solutions, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and iterate efficiently on designs throughout the production process
- Manage time effectively to meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
- Maintain organized, production-ready files in accordance with the show's naming conventions and versioning systems
- Communicate proactively with supervisors and production partners regarding progress, questions, and any potential challenges
- Revise and update designs as needed based on feedback, ensuring all work meets the creative vision before final approval
- Partner closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, Lead Character Designer, and production staff to provide status updates and address any issues that arise
Requirements
- 8 years of character design experience on animated feature films
- Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design characters that support narrative and performance
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work and respond effectively to feedback
- Solid understanding of human and/or animal anatomy
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team
- Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
- Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
- Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839
#Animation
Salary/Benefits
$2,900 - $4,000 USD The rate offered may vary based on the candidate's location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise. Additional Information Skydance Animation is a division of Skydance Media, dedicated to creating high-quality animated feature films. The mission of Skydance Animation is to bring original stories to life through innovative animation and compelling characters. Contact the Employer Please tell this employer that you found the listing at EntertainmentCareers.Net Reference: ECNJOBID-47-230-209-169 in the application. Please apply online
Website
Apply At Employer's Site Important Note: EntertainmentCareers.Net uses TEMPORARY email addresses for our postings. Please check the site at the address below to make sure that the listing is still active and that you are using the most current email. https://entertainmentcareers.net/job/519660/ 8/26/2026 Tags Animation Crew help_outline Report a problem with this posting Per your acceptance of our Terms of Use, if you aggregate, display, copy, duplicate, reproduce, or otherwise exploit for any purpose any Content (except for your own Content) in violation of these Terms without EntertainmentCareers.Net's express written permission, you agree to pay EntertainmentCareers.Net three thousand dollars ($3,000) for each day on which you engage in such conduct.#8/10/2026 2:06:00 PM Continue To External Site Note: You are now leaving EntertainmentCareers.Net If you have any questions about the employer's application process, please contact the employer directly. External Application
About Skydance Animation
Skydance Animation is a division of Skydance Media, dedicated to creating high-quality animated feature films. The mission of Skydance Animation is to bring original stories to life through innovative animation and compelling characters.
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