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The project is an adult animated musical in the character style of the classic 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rankin & Bass special - that handmade Rankin & Bass craft, not as rough as Robot Chicken and not as polished as Nightmare Before Christmas. It's a comedic, adult story, and some characters (the zombies) get darker, but everything needs to feel like it lives in the same world, built by the same hands. We'll send the animatic script so you've got the full picture. What we need: Two principal characters — a Santa elf, and a zombie. full design, turnarounds (front/side/back), and an expression sheet A bluebird — a small supporting design with a few poses. It needs to match the world, but no turnaround or expression sheet. All designs built with 3D in mind — forms that read in the round and translate cleanly to a model later Room for more: There's a strong possibility of additional character designs down the line for the pitch deck, so this could grow into more work for the right collaborator. Have a strong, distinctive character-design sensibility Get the vintage Rankin & Bass look and can hold a cast together across a sweet-to-darker tonal range
Project ID: 40521293
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123 freelancers are bidding on average $350 USD for this job

Hi, I am excited about the opportunity to create distinctive characters for your adult animated musical, especially capturing the vintage Rankin & Bass style with a strong, cohesive cast. With 6+ years of experience in caricature & cartoons, graphic design, and character design, I am well-equipped to deliver detailed turnarounds, expression sheets, and supporting character designs that translate seamlessly into 3D. My approach involves detailed initial sketches, iterative feedback, and ensuring all elements - from the Santa elf to the zombie and supporting bluebird - blend in tone and style. I am confident I can meet your needs for a vintage, handmade look. Could you share more about the tonal nuances you envision for the characters or any specific references that resonate with your aesthetic? What specific stylistic details do you want emphasized to ensure the characters fit the vintage Rankin & Bass look? Thanks, Sahil.
$250 USD in 1 day
8.4
8.4

Hi, I understand you need character designs that capture that handmade vintage stop motion charm, while keeping the elf, zombie, and bluebird in one consistent world for a comedic adult animated musical. I have experience with stylized character design, turnarounds, expression sheets, and designs made with future 3D modeling in mind. I can create the two principal characters with clear front, side, and back views, expressive acting range, and a supporting bluebird that matches the same visual language. You can view my work here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/Humaumair12 I can prepare the first character direction within 5 to 7 days, then complete the full set in phases. Warm Regards, Huma
$692 USD in 7 days
7.7
7.7

As an accomplished Graphic Designer and Vector Illustration Expert with a decade of experience under my belt, I have developed a strong, distinctive character-design sensibility that I believe would be an asset to your project. The fact that you're looking for a vintage Rankin & Bass look resonates deeply with me - I grew up loving those specials and even today, I'm inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship they embody and can ensure that your Santa elf, zombie and bluebird designs match that aesthetic precisely. My Animation, Caricature & Cartoons, Digital Art skills, coupled with my proficiency using industry-standard software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop mean that all the designs I create can be seamlessly translated into the 3D realm. Moreover, my experience in turning ideas into visually compelling designs is well-suited to meet both the sweet-to-darker narrative tonal range of your script as well as any future character design possibilities for pitch decks. Reliable communication and adhering to deadlines are key pillars of my professional foundation. You can trust me to provide top-notch quality work within the agreed timeline. So why choose me? Simple. I bring to the table 10+ years of proven expertise in creating original, high-quality designs that are tailored to individual business goals and needs. I would relish the opportunity to contribute my skills towards making your adult animated musical production a visual success! Ash
$250 USD in 1 day
7.7
7.7

Being a passionate artist and illustrator with a strong inclination towards colorful and distinctive character-designs, I believe my work resonates perfectly with the project description you provided. Over the years, I have honed my skills in various techniques including digital painting, drawing, vector art, watercolor and ink-pen - all of which can be put to use in bringing the whimsical world of your animated musical to life. The fact that your project requires designs that can read well in 3D and translate smoothly to models later sits right within my wheelhouse. I have significant hands-on experience in creating designs that maintain their essence even across different mediums so as not to lose out that painstakingly built world set by Rankin & Bass. Moreover, having worked on projects with tonal diversities ranging from sweet to darker, I assure you I can skillfully navigate through the ebbs and flows of your script while still keeping everything cohesive. Lastly, what excites me most about your project is the possibility of more work and growth. I believe in long-term collaborative relationships and would absolutely relish the opportunity to create yet more impactful characters for your pitch decks or future needs. With my proven proficiency in delivering expressive, detailed character designs rooted deeply in emotions and experiences, I am confident that choosing me as your collaborator will do full justice to all aspects of your vision.
$500 USD in 7 days
7.7
7.7

Hi there, I look through the project details and realize that you are looking for Cartoon Character Design for a brand. Please look into our portfolio link for reviewing similar work. : https://www.freelancer.in/u/thedesignertec.html I will give you Initial creative concepts. Deliverable Final file formats are : .AI, .EPS, .PSD, .PDF, .JPEG, .PNG, Fonts etc. I can deliver the quality design to tight deadlines. Looking forward to hear from you. Regards, Preeti Designertec
$250 USD in 2 days
7.7
7.7

I hope you're doing well! My name is Nawal, and I bring over nine years of experience in Cartoon Character Design. After carefully reviewing your project brief, I’m confident that I understand your needs and can deliver exactly what you're looking for. Here’s what I offer: ✅ Multiple initial drafts within 24 to 48 hours ✅ Unlimited revisions until you're 100% satisfied ✅ Final delivery in all required formats, including the editable master file and full copyright ownership You can check out my profile, portfolio and past work here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/eaglegraphics247 I’d love to discuss your project further and explore how we can make your vision a reality. Let me know a convenient time for a quick chat! Looking forward to working together. Best regards, Nawal Maredia
$250 USD in 1 day
7.3
7.3

Hi There, I’ve gone through your project description carefully and have a clear understanding of your need for “Cartoon Character Design”. I’m Hamza, a professional artist/designer with over 10 years of hands-on experience, focused on producing polished and high-quality creative work. I’ve completed similar projects using skills such as Character Design, Graphic Design, Caricature & Cartoons, Animation, Illustration and Digital Art, following a structured workflow that ensures creativity, precision, and on-time delivery. Please feel free to review my portfolio here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/LionConcepts My workflow for this project includes: • Understanding your exact expectations • Creating an initial concept or draft • Refinements based on your feedback • Final files delivered as required I can deliver this within your expected timeframe, with pricing that reflects both quality and value. Happy to discuss further and start right away. Best regards, Lion Concepts
$250 USD in 1 day
7.4
7.4

As a seasoned designer with over a decade of experience, I am confident in my ability to give your project the iconic Rankin & Bass feel it demands. My forte lies in channeling distinct and compelling character designs that engage the viewer across different tonal ranges, be it sweet or dark. This aligns perfectly with your need for two principal characters - the Santa elf and the zombie. Furthermore, my skills extend beyond traditional illustration into the world of graphic design, giving me a comprehensive understanding of how your brand imagery can extend from character design to broader applications such as print and merchandise. This versatility will ensure that our collaboration is not limited to just creating characters for your musical but potentially opening doors for further partnership on future projects. Lastly, I prioritize client satisfaction above all else. I am committed to delivering unlimited revisions until you're fully satisfied with the end result; this means we won't just stop at meeting your expectations, but exceeding them. With a professional yet conversational approach and an emphasis on timely delivery without compromising quality, I'm ready to bring your unique vision to life in the best possible way!
$300 USD in 1 day
7.4
7.4

As an animation and graphic design specialist, I understand the nuanced needs of your project title. My skills stretch beyond simply illustrating characters: I bring your vision to life by incorporating depth, subtlety, and consistency into each character design. My extensive knowledge of software such as Photoshop and Illustrator allows me to create robust 3D templates that guarantee clean translation from paper to model. What sets me apart is my knack for capturing the essence of different tonal ranges in a single project - sweet to dark - while ensuring a solid thematic tone exists throughout. To this end, my understanding of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rankin & Bass special style is particularly worth mentioning because it exudes exactly the kind of crafty yet professional aesthetic that your project necessitates. By choosing me, you not only secure a collaboration on this exciting adult animated musical project but also gain access to a long-term partner. With possible additional character designs down the line, I offer continuity and reliability that few can compete with. Let's start creating artwork that tells compelling stories together!
$250 USD in 2 days
7.4
7.4

With over a decade of experience in engineering, architectural designs, and 2D/3D modeling, I bring a unique set of skills to the table that could add a new dimension to your animated project. I've honed my talents across multiple software platforms such as AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Zbrush, and many more. As you mentioned needing designs built with 3D in mind that read cleanly and translate well to a model later, my expertise in these areas would be invaluable. A crucial skill for this project is my versatility - my ability to find the sweet spot between "handmade craft" and "clearly scalable." I believe my experience working with 3D printing models would especially be an asset here. As a bonus for choosing me as your collaborator, as you mentioned the possibility of additional character designs down the line for the pitch deck - I'm prepared to invest constant effort into growing with your project and ensuring your complete satisfaction along every step of this creative journey. Let's bring this unique world alive together!
$250 USD in 2 days
7.1
7.1

Hi there, Do you need to create vintage Rankin Bass inspired character designs for adult animated musical with Santa elf zombie bluebird full turnarounds expression sheets and 3D friendly shapes for animation and pitch deck use. You will also get unlimited revisions and the final files in all formats, including AI, PNG, JPEG, EPS, PDF, and PSD. Just click on the given portfolio link. https://www.freelancer.com/u/humartist101 Thanks & Regards, Humayo.
$250 USD in 1 day
6.8
6.8

When it comes to your adult animated musical project, authenticity is key. As a graphic designer with a love for the vintage Rankin & Bass style, I am uniquely suited to bring the characters in your script to life. With 6 years of experience under my belt, I've developed an eye for detail that will ensure your characters - from the Santa Elf and the zombie, to a small supporting character like the bluebird - possess precisely the right tone required to navigate your tonal range. I understand that your animatic script calls for more than just a surface-level replication of a certain style; I can create designs that remain faithful to the classic Rudolph look while layering them with nuance and depth that befits your comedic, darkening narrative. Moreover, my time spent working across branding, digital media, print, and more has given me crucial 3D design skills that will allow my drawing creations translate smoothly into an animatable model. I invite you to review my portfolio here: https://www.freelancer.com/u/Jneutron1237890 I would be happy to discuss your project requirements in detail and provide the most suitable solution for your needs. Budget and project timeline can be discussed through chat based on the scope and complexity of the work. Feel free to contact me at your convenience. I look forward to working with you. Best Regards, Jimmy G.
$250 USD in 1 day
7.0
7.0

As an absolute fan of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Rankin & Bass special, you cannot imagine how thrilled I was to come across your project. The style, tone and world-building you're looking for are right up my alley! My deep understanding of this unique vintage animation aesthetic combined with my love for crafting distinctive characters would make me the ideal collaborator for this project. Over the course of my 8+ year career, I've honed my skills in animation by creating various digital pieces that demand exceptional attention to detail. I'm confident that I can deliver engaging and diverse character designs (from innocent to darker) that perfectly fit within your narrative while maintaining a consistent visual language. Deadline & Cost will be quoted after the discussion Kindly check out my previous work https://www.freelancer.com/u/roger220 1. Multiple rounds of revision 2. 100% Satisfaction So that you will consider me every time for future job whenever you needed. Best Regard Roger P.
$250 USD in 1 day
7.0
7.0

With an extensive background in both Graphic Design and Animation, I am confident in my abilities to deliver the perfect character designs for your adult, animated musical. Although my specialty lies in fashion design, it has equipped me with an eye for aesthetics and a unique sensibility for character design – a skill that would truly bring your vintage Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer world to life! Additionally, I have significant expertise in creating turnarounds and expression sheets that perfectly translate into 3D models – an important aspect of this project. My proficiency in 2D animation and motion graphics also allows me to understand how to best optimize your characters' forms for 3D purposes. Furthermore, as evident from my impressive number of positive client reviews and sustained client relationships, you can count on me for continuous commitment and high-quality work that resonates with your vision. The possibility of expanding the project with additional character designs aligns perfectly with my long-term commitment to client success. Let’s connect and discuss the finer details of bringing this exciting project to fruition. Can't wait to collaborate!
$500 USD in 1 day
6.7
6.7

Hi, you can visit my portfolio, where I have several examples of my work. Let's talk about your project via chat. I have experience developing numerous illustrations with creative concepts, both for printed books and digital media. I do character and creature design. I quickly draw layouts, storyboards, and concept boards. I also do 2D NFT illustration. Furthermore, I can generate illustrations from a literal text because my artistic area is the creation of original comics, and thanks to my dedication, I have the imaginative resources to solve many graphic and narrative questions. Take a look at my portfolio, and you'll be convinced of my work.
$700 USD in 8 days
6.7
6.7

Hello, Your project Cartoon Character Design looks like a great fit for my skills in Graphic Design, Caricature & Cartoons, Animation, Digital Art, Character Design and Illustration. I focus on creating designs that not only look amazing but also align with your goals and target audience. Portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/digidzn You’ll get: Designs built around your brand and vision Fast turnaround and responsive communication Final delivery in all required formats (editable included) Do you want me to suggest multiple design concepts, or focus on one strong direction? Your Sincerely.
$250 USD in 1 day
6.5
6.5

Hello there! As a seasoned graphic design artist, I'm absolutely thrilled about the prospect of creating distinctive character designs for your adult animated musical. Over the years, my specialization in digital illustration has allowed me to cultivate a keen eye for detail and develop an intuitive understanding of the importance of maintaining consistent yet dynamic aesthetics throughout a project. In alignment with your project's requirements, my aptitude for caricature and cartooning will empower me to deliver on the specific kind of classic Rudolph style you're looking for. Furthermore, my experience in both branding and user-experience design guarantees that the characters I create will be more than just visually engaging. They'll effectively translate to 3D models and consistently portray emotions that align with your story - from sweet whimsy in Santa's elf to darker tones for the zombies. Let's transform our ideas into reality ready to chat about the project and bring our vision to life Budget and deadline will be discussed over chat https://www.freelancer.ca/u/Jomsmathews Regards, Joms G.
$250 USD in 1 day
6.7
6.7

With my extensive experience in graphic design and 2D animation, I have honed a versatility that allows me to create distinctive designs that speak to various tones and atmospheres like we see in your project. Channeling the magic of the handcrafted Rankin & Bass style while ensuring characters exist harmoniously is a challenge I'm excited to take on. My understanding of the importance of vintage-looking design that translates well into 3D will be incredibly valuable for your animated series.- Importantly, I have not only versatility but also a commitment to elevating stories through visual elements. As an animated story carries meaning not only through its script but also through its aesthetic, I believe the character designs need to not only be visually appealing but reflect the essence of the narrative world as well. Though my experience lies primarily in 2D, my background in designing for motion graphics has imbued me with a strong sense of how forms read in the round - an asset that will prove beneficial during the 3D translation process of your characters. Please take a moment to explore my portfolio: https://www.freelancer.com/u/sadian4 If my style and expertise align with your vision, I’d love to discuss how I can bring your project to life. Let’s connect — budget and deadline can be finalized during our chat. Best regards, Sadia S.
$250 USD in 1 day
6.9
6.9

Drawing on our 8 years of experience in graphic design and branding, my partner and I have built an exceptional skill set in illustrations and caricatures that is perfectly suited to your project. Our work is characterized by a strong, distinctive design sensibility which we believe strikes the perfect balance for your vision - we can capture the vintage Rankin & Bass aesthetic while simultaneously traversing varying tonal ranges from sweet to darker. Moreover, working with various clients across different industries has honed our ability to not just create visually impactful designs but also effectively tailor them to meet the unique needs of each project. We would bring this keen attention to you, ensuring that every character we design fits seamlessly into your animatic script, ultimately creating a world that feels authentically coherent and 'hand-built.' Additionally, our extensive understanding of 3D design means that our work is always future-ready and capable of being translated cleanly into a model later. Here is the link of my profile you can check relevant portfolio and if there is any question and concerns you can reach out to me. https://www.freelancer.com/u/javeda5 Shoot me a message so we can discuss the project scope, deadline and budget will be discussed over chat Thanks and Regards, Creative Beavers A.
$250 USD in 1 day
6.6
6.6

Hi, This project immediately caught my attention because the challenge isn’t just designing characters—it’s capturing that handcrafted Rankin & Bass charm while making the cast feel cohesive across both the whimsical musical moments and the darker zombie elements. A detail I particularly appreciate is the requirement that everything be built with 3D translation in mind. My first step would be establishing clear shape language, construction volumes, and silhouette rules for the elf and zombie so the turnarounds read cleanly from every angle and can move naturally into modeling later. ✅ Full character design package with front, side, back views and expressive character sheets ✅ Consistent visual language that keeps the bluebird, elf, and zombie feeling like they belong to the same handcrafted world I’m available to start right away and would love to review the animatic script before sketching initial concepts. That context will help ensure the personalities, humor, and tonal balance are reflected in every design from the beginning.
$300 USD in 1 day
6.5
6.5

North Hollywood, United States
Member since Jun 17, 2026
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