Design a 2D Character with Multiple Profiles & Expressions for Animation (Rhyme Songs & Bedtime Stories)

Project Overview:

We are looking for a talented 2D character designer to create an original and expressive cartoon character for use in animated rhyme songs and bedtime stories targeted at toddlers and young children. The character should be visually appealing, playful, and adaptable for various moods and actions. The final designs will be used in animated videos, so the character must be provided in a format suitable for rigging and smooth animation.

Project Requirements:

1. Character Concept:

Create a lovable, child-friendly character (animal or human-like) with a distinct style that fits a fun, educational, and comforting environment.
The character should appeal to children aged 2–6 years.

2. Profiles:

Front View
Side View
3/4 View

These should be consistent in style and proportions, with clean lines for easy animation.

3. Facial Expressions:
Provide detailed facial expressions including but not limited to:

Happy
Sad
Surprised
Sleepy
Laughing
Scared
Curious
Talking (mouth shapes for basic phonemes if possible)

4. Additional Poses/Elements:

Hand gestures (pointing, waving, clapping)
Walking pose reference
Sleeping pose reference
Accessories (optional, like hats, scarves, or props)

5. Style & Format:

Clean vector (AI, PSD with transparency, or similar formats)
Layered files preferred to assist animators in separating parts.
Use of color palette consistent across all profiles and expressions.
Provide turnaround sheets with measurements and alignment guides.

6. Animation Readiness:

Ensure limbs, eyes, mouth, and facial features are designed to support rigging and smooth transitions
Provide notes or documentation explaining how parts are grouped and how they should be animated

Deliverables:

Character design in 3 profiles (Front, Side, 3/4 view)
At least 8 facial expressions
Hand gestures and action poses
Layered, animation-ready files in required formats
Color palette and style guide
Documentation for animators (optional but preferred)

Ideal Freelancer Skills:

2D character design and illustration
Knowledge of animation workflows and rigging constraints
Ability to create expressive and appealing characters for children
Experience with vector and layered formats for animation
Strong communication and ability to incorporate feedback

Timeline:

Initial sketches: within 1 week of assignment
Final designs: within 2–3 weeks
Documentation: with final files delivery

Budget:

Please quote your rate based on experience and deliverables. Provide separate pricing if you can also assist with animation or rigging.

How to Apply:

Please share:
Portfolio of past character designs
Any examples of animation-ready work
Approach to handling multiple expressions and profiles

We are excited to collaborate with a creative freelancer who can bring this character to life in a way that children will love and parents will trust.