Concept Artist (2D Character Designer)

Childhood Cancer Society; Grand Rapids (MI); Remote; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a 2D Character Designer, where your creativity will help bring stories to life for children facing pediatric cancer. This role involves designing imaginative characters and environments that reflect hope and positivity. Collaborate closely with project managers and the art department to ensure your designs enhance animations and illustrations, all while adhering to brand guidelines. If you're passionate about storytelling and want to make a difference through your art, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in concept art or animation.
• Strong portfolio showcasing character designs and illustrations.
• Ability to apply creative feedback and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design original 2D characters and props for animations.
• Create environment designs that align with the brand's mission.
• Iterate on designs based on feedback and narrative goals.

Skills

Concept Art

Digital Illustration

Character Design

Animation

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Art or Design

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Clip Studio Paint

After Effects

Toon Boom

Job description

As a 2D Character Designer (Concept Artist) at Childhood Cancer Society, you’ll play a key role in developing original character concepts that bring our stories and initiatives to life. You’ll collaborate closely with the Project Manager and the Art Department to design imaginative, expressive characters that enhance animations, illustrations, and branded content—all while reflecting the heart of our mission: inspiring hope, positivity, and adventure for children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Key Responsibilities

• Design original 2D characters, creatures, and props—ranging from rough concept sketches to fully rendered designs.

• Create environment designs for the characters that align with our story, mission, and branding.

• Create concept art specifically for 2D illustration and animation use.

• Develop thoroughly researched mood boards and multiple quick iterative sketches to inspire visual direction and new themes.

• Work closely with the Project Manager and Art Department to align designs with narrative goals and animation functionality.

• Ensure strong composition and placement within design frames, especially for storytelling scenes.

• Apply feedback constructively and revise designs with clarity and intention.

• Available to meet twice weekly via webcam (Mondays & Thursdays, 8:30-9:30pm EST) with an engaged presence.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Strong illustration skills with attention to detail, anatomy, shape language, and design clarity.

• Deep understanding of composition, staging, and visual hierarchy.

• Understanding of character performance, posing, and storytelling through motion.

• Proficiency in digital illustration tools (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint).

• Ability to adhere to Brand Guidelines, Brand Strategy, and Creative Direction.

• Strong collaborative spirit and ability to accept and apply creative feedback.

• Experience animating your own designs or preparing layered files for 2D animation.

• Proficient in creating character turnarounds, pose sheets, and expression sheets to support visual development.

• A portfolio that demonstrates strong character designs.
  
  

Remote: Yes

Skills required:

• 2+ years of experience in concept art, visual development, or animation (student work counts!).

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Highly motivated self-starter with a flexible, can-do attitude and a passion for continuous learning.

• Familiarity with rigging or motion graphics in 2D software (e.g., After Effects, Toon Boom, Procreate Dreams).

• Interest in working on cause-driven or nonprofit storytelling projects.