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Eloy S.

Barcelona, Spain

$35/hr
5.0
228 jobs
Hi, my name is Eloy, I am an illustrator with knowledge of animation, 3d modeling and a lot of experience, I have worked for publishers as well as for national and international brands. I am creative and decisive, I try to offer the best options for each situation. I like that my works transmit emotion to those who see them. I have a wide variety of styles and resources and I have a perfect command of the Adobe toolkit. I like to communicate with clients to understand their needs and contribute my experience and knowledge to their projects
  • Character Design
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • Caricature
  • Comic Art
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Technical Illustration
  • 2D Animation
  • Illustration
  • Children's Book Illustration
  • Editorial Illustration
  • 2D Illustration
  • Digital Illustration
  • Cartoon Art
  • Vector Graphic
Enakshi G.

Kolkata, India

$25/hr
5.0
198 jobs
Hello I am UPWORK CERTIFIED ILLUSTRATOR. I have in-house team of 6 members works with me together for 8 years. Please visit my portfolio. Great experienced team on - 1. Book illustration 2. Children Book illustration 3. Book cover 4. 3-D model 5. NFT 6. Comic art 7.Comic storyboard and inking. 8. Vector illustration 9. Gaming character development and background concept art ##EXTRA SKILLS- ART & CRAFT & HAND DRAWING IMAGES. ## Me and My team is ready for a virtual INTERVIEW on the skills mentioned above I believe I can meet medium sized projects. Regards, Enakshi & Team.
  • Character Design
  • Illustration
  • Organic & Natural Style
  • Children's Book Illustration
  • Storyboarding
  • Concept Artistry
  • Graphic Design
  • Comics
  • Book Design
  • Comic Art
  • Book Cover
  • Digital Illustration
  • Game Art
  • Game Design
  • Game Background & Environment
Rebecca D.

Viola, United States

$50/hr
5.0
193 jobs
Hello! I'm Rebecca, an illustrator from the Pacific Northwest with over 9 years of experience in design and illustration. I have worked on several projects including illustrating 2 New York Times Best Sellers. Some of the clients I have worked with include Microsoft Research, Purple, American Highway, Daily Stoic, ServiceScape, Ghost Town Living, Dynatron Software, and TedX. I take a “listen first” approach to my work, centering my focus on the core stories and vision of the experts first and finding a way to visually communicate that to your customers. I use my depth of artistic knowledge to bring these ideas into many forms, whether it be infographics, technical illustrations, product packaging design, graphs & charts presentations, book covers, book inside illustrations, maps, or even special box designs. My passion for bringing core ideas to life often leads to unique styles tailored to the project I am working on. I love embarking on an adventure with each project and overcoming new artistic challenges to discover new styles and textures, bringing refreshing work within classic, timeless structures.
  • Character Design
  • Illustration
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Vector Art
  • Packaging Design
  • Informational Infographic
  • Vector Graphic
  • Print Design
  • 2D Illustration
  • Icon Design
  • Minimalist
  • Splash Screen
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Illustration
  • Drawing
Kati D.

Wheaton, United States

$50/hr
5.0
178 jobs
10+ years experience in illustration in design spanning across a multitude of genres and subject matter. I am an incredibly versatile creator, with work ranging from concept work like character design and storyboarding, to fully inked and colored comic pages, book covers and more. I do not consent to my work being utilized for AI in ANY capacity.
  • Character Design
  • Illustration
  • Storybook
  • Cover Art Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Logo Design
  • Children's Book Illustration
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Sketch
  • Comic Art
  • Comics
  • Pop Art
Miloš P.

Podgorica, Montenegro

$40/hr
5.0
169 jobs
⭐⭐⭐ Do you need a 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 or 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧, 𝟐𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 for your bussines? With 𝟏𝟎+ 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 of experience as a Caricature artist, Cartoonist and 2D Character Animator, 𝐈 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭 with funny, expressive 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 and professional-quality 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.⭐⭐⭐ 🛠️ SERVISES I OFFER: ✍️ 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 – perfect for branding, websites, books or gifts 🎨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 – mascots, logos, avatars, story-based characters 🎬 𝟐𝐃 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – character/mascot animations for branding, animated films or series 📚 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 for Books, Posters & Games – engaging, humor-filled, and eye-catching Whether you need a cool caricature, mascot with personality, or character animation full of charm and humor, I combine hand-drawn warmth with clean, modern production. 🔑 Let’s 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 with character and humor! ⭐ WHY TO WORK WITH ME: 💬 Clear communication & fast response time 🧠 Creative problem-solving & Unique approach to each project 🕒 Reliable delivery & High quallity work 💲 Flexible pricing terms - hourly or fixed price 🌟 Top-rated track record with 160+ completed jobs ⚙️ MY TYPICAL DESIGN PROCESS: 🤝 1. Project Kickoff We start with an in-depth discussion to clarify your goals, target audience, and desired style. ✏️ 2. Concept Development I sketch multiple ideas and concepts, then select the strongest direction for your approval. 🔄 3. First Feedback & Iteration You review the concept; I refine and improve it based on your input. 🖌️ 4. Artwork Creation Once the concept is locked, I produce clean line art and add color. 🎁 5. Final Revision & Delivery We polish any last details together, then I prepare and deliver all final files. 🛠️SOFTWARE I USE: 🖌️ Adobe Photoshop ----–----- Digital painting, photo editing, illustration ✏️ Adobe Illustrator ------------- Vector graphics, character design 🎞️ Adobe After Effects ----------Animation, visual effects, motion graphics 🧍 Adobe Character Animator -- Real-time character animation 🎬 Adobe Premiere Pro --------- Video editing and post-production 🎭 Toon Boom Harmony -------- Professional 2D animation (cut-out, frame by frame) 🕹️ Moho (Anime Studio) -------- Rigged animation, vector drawing 🖍️ Krita –-------------------------- Digital painting, concept art 🎥 Dragon Frame ---------------- Stop-motion animation ✅ Ready to get started? 💬 Click the 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 or drop me a 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞. I love new challenges! Tags: caricature artist, 2d character animation, character design, cartoonist, 2D animation, cartoon animation, mascot design, cartoon logo design, caricature drawing, brand character, children’s illustration, explainer video, toon boom harmony, frame-by-frame animation, cut-out animation, comic art, cartoon illustrator, digital drawing, animation for kids, funny cartoon, visual storytelling,
  • Character Design
  • Character Animation
  • Caricature
  • Mascot Logo
  • Cartoon Animation
  • Cartoon Character
  • Cartoon Style
  • Illustration
  • Toon Boom Harmony
  • Animated Cartoon
  • 2D Animation
  • Cutout Animation
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Traditional Animation
Camilo M.

Bogotá, Colombia

$45/hr
5.0
147 jobs
Hi, i'm a confident and collaborative illustrator and designer with over ten years of experience. I have work creating concepts for digital and printing material in corporate identity, editorial design, web layouts, with strong skills on sketch and drawing, that allows me to embrace and concrete infography and illustrations projects, character and space concept design,
  • Character Design
  • Geometric
  • Minimalist
  • Poster Design
  • Logo Design
  • Illustration
  • Vector Art
  • Information Design
  • Packaging Design
  • Infographic
  • Graphic Design
  • Concept Design
  • Design Concept

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How To Hire a Character Designer

Character designers, such as those who design characters for video games, bring imaginary worlds and personas to life. 

Whether you’re developing a video game, creating an animated series, or designing characters for a children’s book, finding the right character designer is key to realizing your vision.

This guide will walk you through hiring a character designer, from understanding their role to crafting an effective job post.

What is a character designer?

A character designer, or character artist, specializes in character design. They combine artistic skills with technical knowledge to develop unique, appealing, and functional character designs for video games, animations, comics, and other visual storytelling mediums.

Character designers often use digital tools like Photoshop for digital illustration, as well as software such as Blender, Maya, or ZBrush for 3D modeling. They may work closely with concept artists, game developers, and art directors to ensure their designs align with the project’s vision and technical requirements.

Many character designers also have skills in 2D animation and 3D animation.

Why should you hire a character designer?

Hiring a character designer offers several benefits, including:

  • Professional expertise in character design and anatomy
  • Character assets ready for production, including model sheets showing characters from different angles
  • Consistency in art style across your project
  • Time savings by delegating specialized design work
  • Access to industry-standard tools and techniques
  • Ability to create characters with distinct facial expressions that convey the character’s personality

How to hire a character designer in 7 steps

To hire a character artist, follow these steps:

  1. Define your project requirements and art style. This first step helps you attract designers who can deliver your desired style, whether it’s anime characters, realistic avatars, or stylized mascots.
  2. Determine the scope of work (e.g., concept art, 3D modeling, character sheets). Outlining the deliverables helps designers understand the project’s complexity and allows for more accurate time and cost estimates.
  3. Set a budget and timeline. Establishing these parameters upfront helps you filter candidates and ensures both parties have realistic expectations for the project.
  4. Create a detailed job post. A comprehensive job description attracts qualified candidates and reduces misunderstandings about the role and project requirements.
  5. Review portfolios and proposals. Assess the designer’s style, skill level, and experience with similar projects and evaluate their proposed approach to your project. Look for examples of good character design that align with your needs.
  6. Conduct interviews and assign test projects. Use interviews to evaluate communication skills and artistic ability. If necessary, assign a small paid test project to assess the designer’s work process and ability to follow directions, such as creating a new character concept.
  7. Finalize the agreement and establish the workflow. Sign a contract outlining clear terms and set up communication channels and feedback processes so the project stays on track.

Writing a character designer job post

To attract the right talent, craft a clear and specific job post. Here’s how:

Job post title

Choose a title that accurately reflects the role you're hiring for. Examples include:

  • 2D character designer for indie game project
  • 3D character designer for animated series
  • Concept artist for fantasy RPG characters

Project description

Provide a brief overview of the project, including the type of media, art style, and any specific requirements. For example:

“We’re seeking a talented character designer for our upcoming mobile RPG. The game features an art style inspired by classic JRPGs. We need designs for 10 main characters and 20 supporting characters over a three-month period.

Experience with 2D concept art and 3D modeling is preferred. Professional designers with experience in character design services are encouraged to apply.”

Job responsibilities

List the key responsibilities, such as:

  • Developing character concepts based on provided briefs
  • Creating high-quality 2D or 3D character models
  • Designing character variations and expressions
  • Collaborating with the art team to maintain a consistent style
  • Iterating on designs based on feedback
  • Optimizing character models for the intended platform
  • Creating storyboards for character animations or cutscenes

Qualifications

Detail the necessary qualifications, such as:

  • Proven experience in character design (3-5 years of experience preferred)
  • Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g., Photoshop, Blender, Maya)
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, and color theory
  • Ability to work within established art styles, including pixel art if required
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Portfolio demonstrating range and quality of work, showcasing their best character designs
  • Relevant degree in fine arts, game design, or a related field (optional)
  • Additional skills in graphic design or logo design (plus)

Essential information before hiring a character designer

The following insights will guide you through the key aspects of character design and its place in the creative process.

What does a character designer do?

Character designers are responsible for bringing characters to life visually. They typically interpret briefs and concept art to create detailed character designs. This process often involves developing character sheets that show multiple angles and expressions, giving a comprehensive view of the character’s appearance and personality.

Character designers create 2D illustrations or 3D models of characters, depending on the project requirements. They also design character variations, outfits, and accessories, allowing for flexibility in the character’s presentation across different scenes or scenarios.

A big part of their role is ensuring characters fit within the project’s art style and technical requirements. This might involve adapting designs to suit specific platforms or optimizing models for game engines. Character designers often collaborate with animators to ensure their designs work well in motion, considering factors like how clothing or hair might move during animations.

2024 hiring demand for character designer

The demand for character designers remains strong, driven by the growing gaming industry, increased use of animation in various media, and the rise of virtual and augmented reality applications.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 8% growth rate for special effects artists and animators, including character designers, from 2022 to 2032.

Common projects

Character designers work on a variety of projects, including:

  • Game art and modeling
  • Comic book and manga character illustrations
  • Mascot designs for brands and organizations
  • Character concept art for various media
  • 3D character models for VR/AR applications

Industries hiring character designers

Character designers are in demand across several industries:

  • Game development
  • Animation studios
  • Film and television production, including VFX
  • Advertising and marketing agencies
  • Publishing (especially for children’s books and comics)
  • Toy and merchandise design

How much does a character designer charge?

The cost of hiring a character designer can vary widely based on experience, project complexity, and location. Generally, hourly rates on Upwork range from $15 to $30 for illustrators, $25 to $40 for 3D artists, and $15 to $22 for manga artists

Character designer FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about hiring and working with character designers.

What’s the difference between a character designer and a concept artist?

While there’s often overlap, character designers typically focus on finalizing and detailing character designs, while concept artists generate initial ideas and explore various design possibilities.

Character designers may create more polished, production-ready assets, while concept artists work on rougher, exploratory sketches.

How long does it take to create a character design?

The time required can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the character, the level of detail required, and the artist’s experience. A simple 2D character concept might take a few hours, while a fully realized 3D character model could take several days or weeks.

What file formats do character designers typically deliver?

Common file formats include:

  • 2D art. PSD (Photoshop), AI (Illustrator), PNG, JPEG
  • 3D models. FBX, OBJ, MAX (3ds Max), MB/MA (Maya)
  • Textures. PSD, PNG, TGA

The specific formats will depend on your project requirements and the software used in your pipeline.

Get started with character designer on Upwork

Ready to bring your characters to life? Upwork connects you with talented character designers from around the world.

Find the right character designer for your project on Upwork today and take the first step toward creating unforgettable characters.

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