ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Character Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Aegis Worldwide

Designer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

**Designer - Knoxville, TN** Contract to hire (6 months on contract before permanent hire) We are partnering with a well-established manufacturing company in the Knoxville, TN area that is looking to ...

Crateandbarrel

Crate and Barrel Designers are passionate about helping customers envision possibilities with the latest home design trends. They build meaningful, long-term relationships by using their knowledge to ...

Closet Factory Knoxville TN

Designer

Alcoa, TN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Our established brand and technique sets us apart from competitors due largely to you, and what our Designers can offer the customer. Greater customization, digital presentations, organic ...

Closet Factory Knoxville TN

Designer

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$130K/yr

Our established brand and technique sets us apart from competitors due largely to you, and what our Designers can offer the customer. Greater customization, digital presentations, organic ...

Closet Factory Knoxville TN

Designer

Alcoa, TN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Our established brand and technique sets us apart from competitors due largely to you, and what our Designers can offer the customer. Greater customization, digital presentations, organic ...

Closet Factory Knoxville TN

Designer

Alcoa, TN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Our established brand and technique sets us apart from competitors due largely to you, and what our Designers can offer the customer. Greater customization, digital presentations, organic ...

Closet Factory Knoxville TN

Designer

Alcoa, TN · Hybrid

$130K/yr

Our established brand and technique sets us apart from competitors due largely to you, and what our Designers can offer the customer. Greater customization, digital presentations, organic ...

Diversified Conveyors Intl

Designer 1

Memphis, TN · On-site

Designers use their experience/knowledge along with computer aided design systems (AutoCAD) to create drawings from concepts for conveyor fabrication and installation. The drawings should contain the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Tennessee

Character Designer information

See Tennessee salary details

$17

$28

$42

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Tennessee is $28.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Character Designers face when collaborating with other departments during production?

Character Designers often collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and directors, which can present challenges such as aligning on the visual style, ensuring designs are animation-friendly, and accommodating technical limitations. Balancing creative vision with practical constraints—like simplifying details for animation or adapting designs based on feedback—requires strong communication and flexibility. Successful Character Designers are proactive in seeking input, open to revision, and skilled at translating character concepts into workable assets that serve the story and production pipeline.

What are character designers?

Character designers are artists who create the visual appearance, style, and personality of characters for animation, video games, comics, films, and other media. Their work involves conceptualizing and illustrating characters based on story requirements, often working closely with writers, directors, and animators. Character designers develop everything from facial expressions and costumes to body shapes and color schemes, ensuring each character is visually appealing and communicates the intended traits or emotions.

What is the difference between Character Designer vs Character Artist?

AspectCharacter DesignerCharacter Artist
Primary FocusCreating original character concepts, designs, and visual stylesRendering and illustrating detailed character artwork based on designs
Skills & ToolsConcept art, illustration, creativity, design software (Photoshop, Illustrator)Digital painting, rendering, shading, software skills (Photoshop, Painter)
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, film, advertisingGame studios, animation, film, freelance projects

While both roles involve working with characters, a Character Designer focuses on creating original character concepts and visual styles, whereas a Character Artist specializes in bringing those designs to life through detailed illustrations and rendering. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

What Does a Character Designer Do?

As a character designer, you create the look and animation of a cartoon character in a film, TV show, or video game. Your responsibilities are to develop physical features, design costumes and clothes, pose characters, and collaborate with team members from concept to production. Your duties include working with mouth charts, expression sheets, shadow and color indications, and marketing artwork. You sketch, draw, illustrate, and animate by hand and through computer software. You also work with different drafts and copies and maintain artwork storage. To be successful in this field, you must be able to balance creativity with the needs and requirements of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Designer, you need strong drawing and illustration skills, a deep understanding of anatomy, color theory, and character development, often supported by a degree in art or design. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and 3D modeling software like ZBrush is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback help designers collaborate effectively and bring unique characters to life. These skills are essential to create compelling, visually distinctive characters that resonate with audiences and fit seamlessly within projects.

How do you become a character designer?

To become a character designer, you typically need a strong foundation in art and design, often gained through a bachelor's degree in illustration, animation, or a related field. Building a portfolio that showcases your ability to create diverse and compelling characters is essential, along with proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships or freelance work can also help establish a professional network and improve your skills.

Is character design a good career?

Character design is a viable career for those with strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. It often involves working in entertainment, gaming, or animation industries, with opportunities for freelance or full-time employment. Success depends on building a strong portfolio, networking, and staying current with industry trends.

How hard is it to get a job in character design?

Securing a job as a character designer can be competitive, requiring a strong portfolio demonstrating creativity and technical skills in drawing and design. Relevant experience, proficiency with industry tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and a good understanding of character development increase job prospects. Building a network and staying updated on industry trends also help in finding opportunities.

What is the job called where you design characters?

A character designer is a professional who creates and develops the visual appearance of characters for video games, animation, comics, or other media. The role involves sketching, concept art, and understanding anatomy, often using tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. Strong artistic skills and a portfolio are essential for this position.
More about Character Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Designer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Character Designer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Designer jobs in Tennessee? For Character Designer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Designer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Character Designer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Character Designer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Character Designer job openings:
Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,736 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Make Up Artist

Make Up Artist

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group

Madison, TN • On-site

Temporary

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Makeup Artist - Seasonal Madison TN 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 Artist, you're the creative force behind the nightmares. Every character that haunts our guests starts in your chair-your artistry, speed, and precision transform performers into unforgettable creatures that make our attraction legendary.
Transformative Makeup Artistry
  • Craft professional-grade special effects looks for actors based on established look books and original character designs
  • Execute a full range of techniques including airbrushing, hand-painting, and prosthetic application to bring characters to life
  • Ensure every application is durable enough to withstand hours of intense performance, movement, and environmental conditions
  • Faithfully execute established designs while contributing your own creative flair where appropriate

Time Management & Show Pacing
  • Work swiftly and efficiently to complete complex looks within tight pre-show windows
  • Manage multiple actors simultaneously, prioritizing touch-ups and reapplications throughout the night to keep every character show-ready

Station Management
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and fully sanitized workspace at all times
  • Monitor inventory, care for all tools and supplies, and report restocking needs proactively
  • Adapt your station setup to varying locations, space limitations, and nightly demands

Collaboration & Communication
  • Partner with the costume department to ensure cohesive, compelling character presentations
  • Communicate clearly with actors about application processes, product use, and aftercare
  • Collaborate with fellow artists to maintain visual consistency and share techniques that elevate the overall aesthetic

Adaptability & Professionalism
  • Respond quickly to last-minute character changes, actor substitutions, or design adjustments mid-show
  • Troubleshoot makeup challenges in demanding conditions-low light, outdoor settings, high humidity
  • Participate in pre-season training to master character designs and expand your technical toolkit
  • Maintain a calm, positive, and professional demeanor that respects every performer's comfort and personal space

What You Bring
  • Demonstrated experience in special effects, theatrical, or character makeup-haunted attraction or live entertainment experience strongly preferred
  • Proficiency in prosthetics, airbrushing, hand-painting, and SFX techniques
  • Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure without sacrificing quality
  • Strong collaborative instincts and clear communication skills with performers and fellow artists
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive about station and inventory management
  • Comfortable standing and moving throughout the event area for the duration of each shift
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and all scheduled event dates-reliable attendance is essential
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Employment Details
Employment Type: Seasonal/Temporary
Expected Season Duration: Late September - Early 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.
E-Verify
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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the hiring process by contacting hr@thirteenthfloor.com.

Apply