Character Design Lead - TV Animation Studio

Disney; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 213,988,000 - 235,393,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Television Animation in Glendale, CA seeks a Character Design Lead to partner with executives and art directors to execute the creative vision of the series on-site. Lead a team, develop character looks, and ensure consistency with the established style across episodes.

The role demands strong leadership, expert character design, and collaboration with vendors and creatives to maintain high-quality storytelling and visual integrity.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production.
• Experience leading a team preferred.
• Ability to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheets and special poses.
• Experience working with oversees vendor studios.
• A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.
• Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony and 3D technology, where applicable.
• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists.
• Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen.

Responsibilities

• Review scripts and storyboards with the Art Director to design characters for episodes.
• Set the visual style of the series with the Executive Producer and Art Director.
• Ensure the show's established high quality and style is achieved.
• Develop look, personality and feel of characters to support storytelling.
• Capture character personality through design and attire.
• Create turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheets and final design passes.
• Oversee the Character Design team, delegating work and scheduling.
• Communicate and solve problems with vendor animation studios.

Skills

Character design

Team leadership

Animation production

Vendor collaboration

Art direction collaboration

Creative storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Harmony

3D technology

Job description

Disney Television Animation in Glendale, CA seeks a Character Design Lead to partner with executives and art directors to execute the creative vision of the series on-site. Lead a team, develop character looks, and ensure consistency with the established style across episodes.

The role demands strong leadership, expert character design, and collaboration with vendors and creatives to maintain high-quality storytelling and visual integrity.