Character Designer

Bardel Entertainment; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in animation seeks a talented Character Designer to join their creative team. This exciting role involves conceptualizing unique characters that resonate with diverse audiences while collaborating closely with production leads. You'll be responsible for maintaining design continuity and mentoring junior artists, all within a flexible work environment that embraces both remote and in-studio collaboration. If you're passionate about storytelling through character design and eager to contribute to award-winning projects, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Flexible work environment

Extended health and wellness benefits

RRSP matching

Qualifications

• Experience as a Character Designer or similar role in animation.
• Diverse portfolio showcasing character designs.

Responsibilities

• Create character designs aligning with project style.
• Collaborate with team members to improve designs.

Skills

Character Design

Storytelling

Communication Skills

Anatomy Understanding

Proficiency in Photoshop

Education

Degree in Fine Arts or Animation

Tools

Maya

Blender

ShotGrid

Job description

OUR STORY

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has led the animation industry through unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation. We are an internationally recognized, Emmy Award-winning studio based in Vancouver and Montreal, known for hits like The Dragon Prince, Rick and Morty, Teen Titans Go!, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

We are seeking a Character Designer for various projects. Working closely with the Studio Head of Visual Development and the project Art Director, you will help establish the look and feel of our characters during the early stages of production. This role is ideal for an artist with strong storytelling instincts and a keen eye for diverse character styles and personalities.

Requirements

What You'll Do

Core Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create character designs that align with the project’s overall look, attitude, and style.
• Maintain creative continuity and consistency across all character designs.
• Prepare and present artwork deliverables for meetings.
• Interpret feedback from leads, supervisors, and directors, and adjust work accordingly.
• Handle additional design tasks as needed, from simple to moderately challenging.

Collaboration & Workflow

• Collaborate with leadership, production, and team members to solve problems and share insights.
• Participate in dailies, rounds, and team discussions to contribute to creative and technical improvements.
• Follow pipeline workflows and technical requirements for seamless integration into production.
• Mentor junior team members by providing constructive feedback, guidance, and support (for senior artists).

Time Management & Communication

• Ensure consistent quality while meeting production deadlines.
• Manage time effectively and coordinate with production to stay on schedule.
• Keep the team informed about progress, challenges, and solutions.

Experience & Skills

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience as a Character Designer or similar role in animation.

Skills & Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for sharing solutions, knowledge, and feedback.
• Familiarity with Maya, Blender, and ShotGrid is a plus.

Portfolio Requirements

Demonstrate:

• A diverse range of character designs showcasing different styles and personalities.
• Strong understanding of anatomy and proficiency in various art styles.
• Proficiency in Photoshop.
• Ability to design characters that translate effectively into 3D.
• Good sense of costume design and visual appeal.
• Storytelling and character development through design.

Benefits

Pay Range: CAD $1,300 - $1,800 per week

This range reflects current expectations; final salary depends on education, experience, skills, location, and business needs.

Benefits include flexible work environment, extended health and wellness from day one, and RRSP matching. For more details, visit our website.

At Bardel, we value flexibility. Our hybrid work model supports accountability and productivity, with options for remote work and in-studio attendance at our Vancouver studio during onboarding and Rush Weeks.

If this opportunity excites you, apply now!