Concept Artist (2D Character Designer)

Childhood Cancer Society; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading organization as a 2D Character Designer, where you'll create original character concepts that inspire hope for children facing cancer. Collaborate with a dedicated team to design imaginative characters for animations and illustrations, ensuring they align with the organization's mission. Your skills in illustration, storytelling, and digital tools will be crucial in bringing these characters to life.

Qualifications

• Strong illustration skills with attention to detail and design clarity.
• Experience animating designs or preparing files for 2D animation.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong character designs is required.

Responsibilities

• Design original 2D characters, creatures, and props from sketches to rendered designs.
• Create environment designs that align with the story and branding.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and Art Department.

Skills

Illustration

Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Storytelling

Creativity

Education

2+ years in Concept Art

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.