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Character Design Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International, Inc.

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL

$130K - $156K/yr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

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Character Design Artist information

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$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do character design artist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for character design artist in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a character design artist?

To become a character design artist, develop strong drawing skills and a portfolio showcasing original character concepts. Gain proficiency in digital art tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and consider pursuing a degree or courses in art, illustration, or animation. Building industry experience through internships or freelance work can also help establish a professional network and improve your skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Character Design Artist position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Character Design Artist, you need strong drawing skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of anatomy and color theory, often supported by a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Proficiency in industry-standard digital tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D modeling software such as Blender or ZBrush is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to accept and integrate feedback make an artist stand out in collaborative environments. These skills ensure that character concepts not only meet creative briefs but also seamlessly fit within broader visual storytelling projects.

What is a Character Design Artist job?

A Character Design Artist creates the visual appearance of characters for animation, video games, comics, and other media. They develop personalities, costumes, and expressions that align with the story and artistic direction. This role requires strong drawing skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy and design principles. Character Design Artists often collaborate with writers, animators, and directors to bring unique and memorable characters to life.

How much do character design artists make?

Character design artists' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Freelance artists may charge hourly rates ranging from $20 to $100, depending on their skill level and project complexity. Building a strong portfolio and proficiency with tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator can influence earning potential.

What jobs involve character design?

Jobs that involve character design include roles such as character designer, concept artist, and visual development artist in industries like animation, video games, and film. These positions require skills in drawing, digital illustration, and knowledge of character development to create unique and compelling characters for various media projects.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Character Design Artist?

A Character Design Artist typically spends their day sketching and developing concepts, refining character turnarounds, and collaborating with art directors, animators, and writers to ensure designs align with the project's narrative. They may attend team meetings to pitch ideas or receive feedback, revise artwork based on input, and prepare detailed model sheets or style guides for production teams. The role often requires balancing creative exploration with meeting deadlines and design specifications. Working closely with other departments is common, making teamwork and adaptability crucial to the workflow.

Are character designers in demand?

Character designers are in demand in industries such as video games, animation, and film, where strong visual storytelling is essential. The role often requires proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and a strong portfolio, with job growth driven by the expanding entertainment and gaming sectors.
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Character Design Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 49% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Make Up Artist Manager

Make Up Artist Manager

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group

San Jose, CA • On-site

$27/hr

Temporary

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Makeup Manager - Seasona
San Jose CA Seasonal Sept - Nov
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is the nation's leading creator of immersive, story-driven entertainment-and proudly the world's largest operator of Halloween attractions. With eighteen markets spanning Florida to California and millions of guests thrilled each year, we don't just produce events. We redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Denver and powered by a team of fearless creators, we've built a culture where curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless drive to go beyond expectations are the standard-not the exception. When you join Thirteenth Floor, you're not just taking a job. You're stepping into the magic behind the screams.
Returning applicants: If you have worked for Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group in a prior season, please contact your location manager directly regarding rehire status. Do not submit a new application through the online system.
What You'll Do
As our Seasonal Makeup Manager, you're the creative and operational leader of the department that transforms performers into nightmares. You'll balance hands-on artistry with team leadership, keeping every character show-ready, every artist supported, and every night flawlessly executed.
Department Leadership
  • Supervise, train, and mentor a team of makeup artists, providing guidance on technique, character execution, and professional standards
  • Assign artists to specific actors and characters based on skill set and nightly production needs
  • Conduct pre-shift meetings to communicate goals, character updates, and address challenges before doors open

Makeup Design & Quality Control
  • Oversee the design and execution of all character makeup, ensuring consistency and quality across the entire attraction
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to approve and refine makeup concepts throughout the season
  • Step in to personally apply makeup for complex characters or during high-volume peak periods

Scheduling & Time Management
  • Build and manage nightly makeup schedules to ensure all performers are show-ready on time
  • Coordinate with costume and stage management to align preparation timelines across departments
  • Monitor application progress each night, reallocating artists and adjusting workflows to meet deadlines

Inventory & Station Management
  • Maintain inventory of all makeup products, prosthetics, and tools; order supplies proactively to avoid shortages
  • Ensure all stations are clean, organized, and fully compliant with health and sanitation standards
  • Implement and enforce protocols for proper sanitation, product storage, and material handling

Collaboration & Communication
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the makeup team and costume, hair, special effects, and production departments
  • Foster a collaborative, creative environment where artists feel supported and inspired
  • Provide consistent feedback and development opportunities to grow your team's skills throughout the season

Adaptability & Problem Solving
  • Address last-minute character changes, actor substitutions, and product challenges in real time
  • Troubleshoot prosthetic, product, or application issues during live performances without disrupting show flow
  • Remain flexible to work in varying conditions including low light, outdoor environments, and tight prep windows

Training & Professionalism
  • Lead pre-season training sessions covering character designs, techniques, and safety standards
  • Stay current on SFX industry trends and products, sharing knowledge to continuously elevate the team's output
  • Model a calm, positive, and professional demeanor-especially in high-pressure moments-and hold the team to the same standard

What You Bring
  • Proven experience as a lead or supervisory makeup artist in theatrical, film, themed entertainment, or haunted attraction settings
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating advanced special effects, prosthetics, and character design skills
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities with experience managing a creative team
  • Ability to balance hands-on artistry with department-level oversight and scheduling
  • Comfortable working in low light, outdoor, and fast-paced environments for extended shifts
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and all scheduled event dates-mandatory training and pre-show prep included
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Compensation & Employment Details
Hourly Rate: $27.00 hr
Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary
Expected Season Duration: September - November 2026
Work Schedule: Evenings, weekends, and holidays required during operational season
This is a seasonal/temporary position with an anticipated end date. Employment beyond the stated season is not guaranteed.
Pursuant to California SB 1162, the hourly pay rate for this position is listed above. Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will not request or consider salary history in making compensation decisions.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group participates in E-Verify. As required by federal law, we will verify the identity and employment eligibility of all hired individuals.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008). You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the hiring process by contacting hr@thirteenthfloor.com
Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), applicants are entitled to know what personal information is collected during the hiring process and how it is used. To review our Applicant Privacy Notice, visit [link] or contact HR at the email above.
Applicant Privacy Notice - California Residents
In connection with your application for employment, Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group ("TFEG") collects personal information about applicants as permitted and required by law. The categories of personal information we may collect include: identifiers (such as name, address, email, and phone number); professional and employment-related information (such as work history, references, and qualifications); education information; and background check information where applicable and permitted. This information is collected for the purpose of evaluating your candidacy, processing your application, and fulfilling our legal obligations as an employer. We do not sell applicants' personal information. Personal information collected during the hiring process is retained in accordance with applicable law and our internal data retention policies. If you have questions about how your personal information is collected or used, please contact Human Resources at hr@thirteenthfloor.com.

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