3D Character Illustrator + Animator

3D Character Illustrator + Animator

Project-Based Contract | Remote | Wellness Brand

We are seeking a skilled 3D Character Illustrator + Animator to design and animate a stylized human character for a stress-regulation video series.

This is not a fitness project.
This is not yoga branding.
This is nervous-system education through calm, slow, emotionally safe movement.

The aesthetic is soft realism (Pixar-inspired warmth, not cartoon), minimal, grounded, and regulation-focused.

This character will become a long-term intellectual property asset used across digital products, training materials, and licensed content.

About the Brand

Stressed Pizza™ creates science-informed stress-reduction tools that are practical, approachable, and emotionally safe. We combine nervous-system education with simple, accessible practices.

This project will support a 30-day micro-stretch series focused on gentle regulation — not performance, flexibility, or athletic goals.

Project ScopePhase 1: Character Development

• Design one original 3D stylized human character
• Neutral, average body type (non-athletic, non-exaggerated)
• Soft realism aesthetic
• Simple relaxed clothing
• Warm, minimal environment design
• Fully rigged for smooth, natural movement

Phase 2: Animation Package

• 12–15 foundational stretch animations (to be reused across 30 micro videos)
• Slow, subtle movement pacing
• Breathing loops
• Gentle posture transitions
• Natural shoulder, neck, and hip articulation
• 5-minute video segments per animation

Deliverables must include:

• Fully editable source files (.blend, .ma, or equivalent)
• Rigged character file
• Render-ready environment file
• Exported MP4 files
• Transparent background versions (if applicable)

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in 3D character modeling and animation
• Demonstrated portfolio of stylized human character work
• Proficiency in Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D, or similar software
• Experience rigging human characters for realistic articulation
• Ability to create smooth, slow, non-athletic movement
• Strong lighting and rendering skills for warm, minimalist environments
• Ability to deliver fully editable source files
• Willingness to assign full commercial rights to final assets
• Strong communication skills and ability to follow brand direction

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wellness, education, or mental health content
• Experience creating subtle micro-movements (breathing, posture shifts)
• Understanding of anatomy sufficient for natural but non-exaggerated movement
• Experience designing long-term brand character assets

Important Notes

This project focuses on:

• Calm, slow, emotionally safe movement
• Neutral body representation
• Soft realism aesthetic
• Non-performance-based motion

We are not looking for:

• High-energy animation
• Fitness demo style characters
• Gaming-style characters
• Exaggerated cartoon anatomy

Licensing & IP

This project requires:

• Full commercial rights transfer
• Exclusive use of the character within the stress-regulation category
• Ownership of all source files and animation assets

Artist may retain portfolio display rights.

Compensation

Project-based contract. Preference for milestone-based pricing within this range.

Total project hours estimated at 60-100 depending on workflow efficiency.

Please submit your preferred pricing model (flat rate or milestone-based) along with your portfolio.

Expected budget range:
$4,000–$7,000 depending on experience and scope.

How to Apply

Please include:

• Portfolio link (required)
• Examples of stylized human characters
• Examples of animated human movement
• Estimated project rate
• Estimated timeline
• Confirmation of ability to assign commercial rights

This is an opportunity to build a foundational character asset for a growing digital brand focused on science-informed stress regulation.

We are looking for thoughtful artists who understand that small movements can communicate safety.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $55.00 - $85.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week

Application Question(s):

• Please provide a link to your portfolio showing stylized 3D human characters and animated movement.

☐ Link provided

☐ No link

• Are you able to provide fully editable source files and rigged character files upon completion?

☐ Yes

☐ No

• Are you willing to assign full commercial rights and ownership of the character and animations to the hiring company?

☐ Yes

☐ No

• Which software do you primarily use for character modeling and animation?

Short answer.

• This project focuses on slow, emotionally safe movement for nervous-system regulation — not fitness or performance.

In 3–5 sentences, describe how you would approach animating a gentle neck stretch to feel calm and non-athletic.

• Have you worked on projects related to wellness, education, therapy, or emotionally sensitive content?

☐ Yes (brief description)

☐ No

• What is your estimated timeline for:

Character design

Rigging

12–15 animations

Short answer.

• Please indicate your preferred pricing structure:

☐ Flat project rate (specify)

☐ Milestone-based (describe)

☐ Hourly (include rate and estimated total)

• If instructed to design a character that feels “emotionally safe and non-performative,” what visual elements would you intentionally avoid?

Short answer.

Work Location: Remote