US_Berkeley_Character Designer

About the role

Nova Sky Stories is looking for a talented Character Designer to help shape unforgettable stories told in the sky. In this role, you'll create original characters that begin as expressive 2D concepts and evolve into large-scale 3D drone performances viewed by audiences around the world.

Responsibilities

• Translate story ideas, creative briefs, and artistic direction into compelling characters that support narrative, emotion, and audience engagement.
• Develop character turnarounds, expression sheets, pose explorations, silhouettes, and supporting design assets that communicate personality and performance.
• Partner closely with Creative Directors and creative leadership to refine character concepts through collaboration, feedback, and creative iteration.
• Create visual guides and design documentation that enable artists, animators, and technical teams to successfully develop characters into three-dimensional aerial experiences.
• Collaborate across creative and technical disciplines to ensure character designs remain visually compelling while supporting production and technological requirements.
• Explore creative solutions that balance artistic vision with the opportunities and constraints of live drone entertainment.
• Maintain organized production files, documentation, and design assets while meeting project schedules and quality expectations.
• Participate in creative reviews, design discussions, brainstorming sessions, and production meetings to help shape the overall artistic direction of each project.
• Support additional concept development, world-building, and visual design initiatives as needed.

Requirements

Professional experience designing characters for animation, games, feature films, themed entertainment, or comparable visual storytelling environments.

Exceptional drawing, illustration, and concept design skills with a strong understanding of anatomy, gesture, shape language, silhouette, proportion, and character appeal.

Experience creating character turnarounds, expression sheets, pose explorations, technical callouts, and production-ready design packages.

Strong understanding of visual storytelling, design fundamentals, composition, color, and form.

Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and other industry-standard digital illustration tools.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills with the ability to incorporate feedback and iterate efficiently within a multidisciplinary creative team.

Able to manage multiple creative priorities while maintaining exceptional artistic quality and meeting production deadlines.

Curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring how character design can evolve within an emerging storytelling medium that combines art, animation, technology, and live entertainment.

Qualifications

Portfolio demonstrating exceptional character development, including concept sketches, expression sheets, turnarounds, line work, and production-ready designs.

Experience with animation principles, storyboarding, life drawing, sculpture, color styling, or visual development.

Familiarity with creating artwork that transitions from two-dimensional concepts into three-dimensional assets.

Passion for innovation and interest in helping shape the future of immersive live entertainment through creative technology.

Skills

Ability to translate abstract ideas and creative direction into memorable characters that communicate personality, emotion, and story.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Flexible PTO and paid sick leave

Paid parental leave

Company-paid holidays

Equity opportunities for eligible employees

Pay

$115,000–$140,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time