Aerial Storytelling Character Designer

SCALIS; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) matching

PTO & sick leave

Parental leave

Holidays

Equity opportunities

Job summary

Nova Sky Stories is seeking a talented Character Designer to shape unforgettable stories in the sky. You will create original characters that evolve from 2D concepts to large-scale drone performances, working with directors and teams to convey emotion and narrative through aerial art.

You’ll design turnarounds, expression sheets, and supporting assets, collaborating across disciplines to ensure cohesive visuals while meeting production requirements for immersive live entertainment.

Qualifications

• Portfolio showing character development and production-ready designs.
• Experience in animation or themed entertainment is preferred.
• Ability to translate briefs into expressive characters.
• Strong anatomy, gesture, silhouette understanding.
• Experience turning 2D concepts into 3D assets.

Responsibilities

• Design original characters from early concept exploration through final production-ready artwork for large-scale drone performances.
• Translate story ideas, briefs, and artistic direction into compelling characters.
• Develop turnarounds, expression sheets, pose explorations, and supporting design assets.
• Collaborate with Creative Directors to refine concepts through feedback.
• Create visual guides and design documentation for production teams.
• Collaborate across creative and technical disciplines to support production needs.
• Explore solutions balancing artistic vision with live drone entertainment constraints.
• Maintain organized production files and meet project schedules.
• Participate in reviews and design sessions to shape artistic direction.
• Support additional concept development and world-building initiatives.

Skills

Character design

Concept art

Animation principles

Storytelling

Adobe Photoshop

Collaboration

3D/2D integration

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Nova Sky Stories is seeking a talented Character Designer to shape unforgettable stories in the sky. You will create original characters that evolve from 2D concepts to large-scale drone performances, working with directors and teams to convey emotion and narrative through aerial art.

You’ll design turnarounds, expression sheets, and supporting assets, collaborating across disciplines to ensure cohesive visuals while meeting production requirements for immersive live entertainment.