Character Sketcher/Designer

Job Description:

The role of a Character Designer is to visualize and develop the look of animated characters for film, television, and video games. They work from the script or storyline to turn descriptions into images, to give form to personality and characteristics. Breathing life into abstract ideas is the primary focus of a Character Designer. They excel at creating fun and iconic characters that will animate well and will resonate with players and audiences. Drawing ability is key, and personal style will factor heavily in the execution of concept art.

Salary: $59736 a year

Occupational Outlook:

Special effects artists and animators: 16% employment growth
Craft and fine artists: 14% employment growth
Graphic designers: 3% employment growth

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

Most character designers earn a formal degree in a field such as art, illustration, animation or graphic design. Consider pursuing an associate, bachelor's or master's degree in one of these fields. As an undergraduate student, you may study drawing, character design and illustration. Graduate programs involve advanced study with topics like visual storytelling and cartoon software.

Andrew's University

Address: Berrian Springs, MI

Website: https://www.andrews.edu/

Information on the Major: The art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.

Pratt Institute School of Art

Address: Brooklyn, NY

Website: https://www.pratt.edu/art/

Information on the Major: Through the graphic design and illustration associate’s degree program, students gain the skills they need to begin a career from their art. They can either take the training directly into the job market or transfer to complete a four-year degree.

Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts

Address: Syracuse, NY

Website: https://vpa.syr.edu/

Information on the Major: Approaching illustration as a form of storytelling, the degree teaches students how to find the right mode of expression for whatever situation they face. With these skills, students can go on to work in everything from advertising and newspapers to video games and animation.

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Creativity: This skill helps character designers create new, unique and innovative designs. Creativity ensures they can continue to make characters with different styles and looks.
Drawing: Character designers use their drawing abilities to make sketches of the characters they create. Their drawings provide a framework they can use to develop their characters even further.
Communication: Communication skills help character designers describe their artistic vision to other individuals, such as scriptwriters and concept artists. Clear verbal communication helps them receive feedback on their work that they can use to improve their drawings.
Collaboration: While character designers often work alone, this field requires plenty of teamwork and collaboration. As a character designer, you can expect to work alongside an art director and other designers on various projects.
Computer software: A character designer uses various design, photo and illustration software to digitize their sketches. This helps them create the final version of their character designs.

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Image editing software (Adobe Photoshop)

3D modelling, sculpting and painting software (Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush, Substance Designer, Quixel)

2D animation software (TVPaint, ToonBoom Harmony, CelAction)

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

1. Can Benefit from Social Sites

2. Can Freelance

3. Can Work from Home

4. Get to be Creative at Work

5. High Earning Potential

6. Receive Applause for your Work

7. Use Analytical and Creative Brain

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

1. A Degree is Required

2. Could Feel Lonely

3. Demanding and Critical Clients

4. Highly Competitive Career

5. Jobs Could be Outsourced

6. Results Take Time

7. Work All Day on a Computer

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Character designers often work in an office environment at an animation or design studio. They typically have full-time schedules, working at least 40 hours per week. Other character designers may work on a freelance or project-by-project basis.