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Character Designer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Zang International

Multimedia Designer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a versatile and creative Multimedia Designer to join our content ... Develop animated assets, icons, and character elements aligned with brand guidelines * Visually ...

ShelfGenie

Closet & Custom Storage Designer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

Closet & Custom Storage Designer Location: Phoenix / Scottsdale / East Valley, Arizona Company ... We believe character, communication skills, design aptitude, accountability, and client presence ...

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All JobsCharacter Designer JobsCharacter Designer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Character Designer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$17

$28

$42

How much do character designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for character designer in Phoenix, AZ is $28.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.01 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character designer?

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 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.

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 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.

How to get a job as a character designer?

To become a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your drawing and conceptual skills, often using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Gaining experience through internships, freelance work, or art courses can improve your chances, and understanding the specific style or genre of the industry you want to work in is beneficial.

What qualifications do I need to be a character designer?

To become a character designer, a strong portfolio demonstrating artistic skills and creativity is essential. A background in art, illustration, or animation, often supported by a degree in fine arts or related fields, is common. Proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character anatomy and storytelling are also important.
More about Character Designer jobs

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For Character Designer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Character Designer jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Character Designer job openings:

Character Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Designer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,455 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Make Up Artist

Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Makeup Artist (Seasonal)

Step into the excitement of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the nation’s leader in immersive, story-driven live events and haunted attractions. As part of our seasonal team, you’ll help create unforgettable experiences that thrill and delight guests—from heart-pounding haunted houses to innovative special events. With a legacy of pushing the boundaries of themed entertainment and a culture fueled by creativity, collaboration, and fun, you’ll join a passionate community that brings world-class scares and smiles to life.

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.

Job Summary

As a Makeup Artist, you will play a pivotal role in bringing our haunted attraction’s most chilling visions to life. You will be responsible for applying advanced makeup, prosthetics, and special effects to transform performers into unforgettable characters that captivate and haunt our guests. Working in a fast-paced, creative environment, you will collaborate closely with a talented team of artists and performers to ensure every look is both innovative and immersive.

This position requires a passion for the haunt makeup, strong technical skills in special effects makeup, and the ability to thrive under tight deadlines. Your artistry will be integral to the overall guest experience, making you the creative force behind the magic—and the nightmares—of our attraction.

Key Responsibilities

Transformative Makeup Artistry

  • Craft striking, professional-grade makeup looks for actors based on look books and character designs.

  • Employ a variety of techniques—including airbrushing, hand-painting, and prosthetic application—to bring characters to life.

  • Execute established designs faithfully while incorporating creative flair when appropriate.

  • Ensure every look is durable and performance-ready for long, high-energy shows.

Masterful Time Management

  • Work efficiently under tight time constraints to complete complex looks.

  • Manage multiple actors simultaneously, handling touch-ups and reapplications throughout the night.

Impeccable Station Management

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace at all times.

  • Care for and organize tools and supplies, reporting inventory needs promptly.

  • Adapt your setup seamlessly to accommodate varying spaces or quick turnarounds.

Collaborative Creativity

  • Partner with costume and production teams to ensure cohesive character presentation.

  • Communicate clearly with actors about makeup applications, comfort, and removal.

  • Collaborate with other artists to maintain a consistent creative aesthetic across all characters.

Agile Adaptability

  • Respond quickly to unexpected challenges, character changes, or last-minute needs.

  • Troubleshoot makeup issues in demanding conditions such as low light or outdoor environments.

Continuous Learning and Professionalism

  • Participate in pre-season training to master character designs and develop new techniques.

  • Stay updated with the latest products and trends in SFX and character makeup.

  • Maintain professionalism, composure, and respect for performers’ comfort in high-pressure settings.

Job Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of hire.

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified through EVerify.

  • Must be available evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

  • Comfortable standing and moving throughout the event area for extended periods.

  • Prior experience in special effects, theatrical, film, or haunt makeup required (portfolio or work samples strongly preferred).

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to handle challenges with professionalism and poise.

This is a seasonal position tied to events produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Employment is at will, and there is no guarantee of continued or repeat employment in future seasons or events.

Apply