Character Design Lead - Disney Television Animation

Job Summary:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integral to The Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families’ homes across the globe.

DTVA creates both long-form and short-form content spanning traditional 2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion. We create shows in a broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style. 

By submitting an application for this Character Design Lead role, you may be considered for any Character Design Lead positions that arise until the expiration date provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026. 

What you will do

This is a key leadership role that partners with the Executive Producer, Art Director Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of the series . The Character Design Lead will work directly with the team to ensure a quality and consistency of style throughout the series. 

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Art Director to r eview s cripts and s toryboard s an d for characters that need to be designed for each episode. Flag complexity issues as they arise.

• In collaboration with the Executive Producer and Art Director, set the visual style of the series, creating conceptual and production artwork. 

• Ensure that the high quality and style of show established by the Executive Producer and Art Director is achieved and maintained .

• Further the storytelling process by developing the look, personality and feel of characters .

• Capture the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.

• Create turnarounds, special poses, mouth charts and expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.

• May oversee the Character Design team, delegating work and monitoring their schedules to create and maintain consistency with the design of the project

• Communicate and problem-solve with vendor animation studio.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 5-7 years of experience in artistic animation production .

• Experience leading a team preferred .

• A bility to design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expression sheets and special poses. 

• Experience working with oversees vendor studios .

• A broad knowledge of artistic styles, latest technology and film is essential.

• Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Harmony and 3D technology, where applicable .

• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show .

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists .

• Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.

• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen .

Education

• Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience 

Job Location

• This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $74.68 to $82.15 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: