Concept Artist (2D Character Designer)

Childhood Cancer Society; Kansas City (KS); Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading nonprofit organization as a 2D Character Designer, where your creative input will directly impact children and families facing pediatric cancer. Your role involves designing original characters and props, collaborating with a dedicated team, and creating engaging visuals that inspire hope. Bring your artistic skills to life in a meaningful project that combines creativity with mission-driven storytelling.

Qualifications

• Strong illustration skills with attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of composition and visual hierarchy.
• Experience preparing layered files for 2D animation.

Responsibilities

• Design original 2D characters and props from sketches to fully rendered designs.
• Create character turnarounds, pose sheets, and expression sheets.
• Collaborate with the Art Department to align designs with narrative goals.

Skills

Illustration

Composition

Character Performance

Digital Illustration Tools

Collaboration

Animation Preparation

Education

2+ years of experience in concept art or animation

Tools

Photoshop

Procreate

Clip Studio Paint

After Effects

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.