Character Designer: Shape Distinct Looks & Expressions

sonypicturesanimation; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Sony Pictures Animation, based in Los Angeles, is seeking a Character Designer to explore looks, feelings, and personalities with production leadership. You will iterate designs, ensure alignment with downstream teams, and help shape the visual language across animated features and series.

The role emphasizes artistic versatility, strong draftsmanship, and ability to work both independently and within a team, under a union contract.

Qualifications

• Experience on animated feature film, TV series, or game preferred.
• Ability to articulate creative ideas.
• Excellent draftsmanship and character turnarounds.
• Photoshop knowledge required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with creative leadership to explore character look, feel, and personality.
• Review script for characters needed at episode handout.
• Create multiple iterations of each character, including poses, expressions, and turnarounds.
• Propose design approaches for downstream departments.
• Ensure artwork is backed up, stored, and materials prepared on time.
• Contribute solutions, respond to feedback, and iterate on designs.
• Communicate questions or production concerns to supervisors and production staff.
• Meet production schedules while maintaining high artistic quality.
• Work independently and in a team.

Skills

Draftsmanship

Character posing

Anatomy knowledge

Creative versatility

Communication of ideas

Tools

Photoshop

Job description

Sony Pictures Animation, based in Los Angeles, is seeking a Character Designer to explore looks, feelings, and personalities with production leadership. You will iterate designs, ensure alignment with downstream teams, and help shape the visual language across animated features and series.

The role emphasizes artistic versatility, strong draftsmanship, and ability to work both independently and within a team, under a union contract.