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Entry Level Artist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals * Opportunity to be ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Culinary Arts or related discipline ...

Career pathing opportunities for both entry level, and experienced individuals. * Opportunity to be ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, Culinary Arts or related discipline ...

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Entry Level Artist information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$22

$36

How much do entry level artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level artist in Tennessee is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level artist?

Entry level artists are individuals who are beginning their professional careers in the art field, often having recently graduated from art school or completed relevant training. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced artists or art directors and may assist with various creative tasks, such as creating illustrations, graphics, or concept art. Entry level artists are expected to have foundational skills in drawing, painting, or digital art, and they often use this period to build their portfolios, gain industry experience, and establish professional connections. This role provides valuable learning opportunities and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions in the art industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Artist, you need a solid understanding of art fundamentals such as drawing, color theory, and composition, often demonstrated through a portfolio or relevant education. Familiarity with industry-standard digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and openness to feedback are vital soft skills that help you grow and adapt within collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are important to produce high-quality work, meet project requirements, and develop professionally in the competitive art industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Artist vs Junior Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level ArtistJunior Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, basic art skillsBachelor's degree in graphic design, art, or related field
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, advertising agencies, freelance projectsDesign firms, marketing departments, advertising agencies
Industry UsageUsed across entertainment, gaming, illustration, and fine artsPrimarily in marketing, branding, and advertising sectors

Entry Level Artists and Junior Graphic Designers often share similar foundational skills and work environments. However, Entry Level Artists typically focus on traditional or digital art creation with a broader scope, while Junior Graphic Designers specialize in visual communication and branding within marketing contexts. Both roles serve as starting points in creative industries, with career progression leading to more specialized or senior positions.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level artists when starting their first professional role?

Entry level artists often encounter challenges such as adapting to tight deadlines, receiving constructive feedback, and learning to balance creative vision with client or project requirements. Navigating industry-standard tools and workflows can also be a learning curve, especially when collaborating with more experienced team members. However, most organizations provide mentorship and training to help new artists grow, and actively seeking feedback can accelerate both skill development and confidence.

How can I get a job as an entry level artist?

The qualifications needed to get a job as an entry-level artist include artistic skills, a portfolio of past work, and a degree or equivalent experience. You can pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in graphic design, illustration, or fine arts. Most degree programs include portfolio-building courses, which can help you showcase your creative abilities to potential employers or clients. Most employers expect you to digitize your artwork using the Adobe Creative Suite or similar software. Internships are available for students and novice artists who want to gain experience in a professional setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Artist jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Artist jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Artist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Artist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Artist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,527 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Creative Arts Therapist (Art)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Memphis, TN • On-site

$61K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Creative Arts therapist (Art) is responsible for developing, organizing, and administering Creative Arts Therapy programs to provide therapeutic treatment to patients in various areas. These areas include General medical and Surgical, Chemical Dependency Center, Acute Psychiatry, Day Treatment Center, and the Spinal Cord Injury Unit. Services are provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings within Memphis VAMC.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(F)
  • Education:The individual must meet at least one of the requirements below:
(1) Master's degree or higher, from an accredited college or university, with a major in Art Therapy approved by the American Art Therapy Association on or before June 30, 2016. If the degree is received after June 30, 2016, a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a major in art therapy, must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Art Therapy Education: a committee of the Commission on Accreditation on Allied Health Education Program.
~OR~
(2) Master's degree in a related field, plus graduate coursework and supervised field experience in Art Therapy. Acceptable related fields include: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, Addictions Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, and Psychiatry, AND must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) approved by the Art Therapy Credentials Board. If hired under this education, the registration cannot be waived.
  • Certification: Must possess a full, current, and unrestricted registration with the ATR. If hired under paragraph 3b(2)(b), registration cannot be waived.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the below qualification requirements must be met at the grade(s) in which you are applying:
GS-9 Creative Arts Therapist (Entry Level)Experience/Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment: Employees at this level serve as a creative arts therapist (art) at the full performance level. They provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for complex patients only. They gather informal art-based assessment of patients' needs, aptitudes, interests, and abilities. The therapist also develops and implements individualized art therapy treatment plans, to include the scope, duration, and frequency of treatment. Treatment goals may include, but are not limited to: emotional regulation, resolving traumatic memories, active meditation, building empathy and a sense of self-worth, and identifying potential risks and the need for adaptive interventions to facilitate improved well-being. Duties may include, but are not limited to developing art therapy programs, interventions, and instructional programs, including typical and atypical materials and resources that are appropriate to the needs, skills, and aptitudes of the patient. The therapist supports engagement in, and reflection of, the art process and product, through an art therapy framework where the engagement develops specific skills attained through art making that may include increased independence, focus to task, sense of self-worth, improved coping skills, self-care, and social skills. They provide a safe environment for patients to understand the symbolic expression of their art product, process, and their experience with the materials as it relates to their recovery and wellness.
GS-11 Creative Arts Therapist (Full Performance Level)Experience: At least one year of creditable experience at the next lower grade level (GS-9). Examples include, but are not limited to: knowledge of their respective discipline and work with direct supervision and guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff. Established treatment procedures are substantially adapted and applied for patients who are acutely ill. Implements and modifies as necessary treatment plan and goals as needed throughout course of treatment to ensure optimum outcome. Maintains timely and appropriate documentation of all consults, initial evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes, patient/family education, workload statistics, QA monitors, patient attendance records and other clinical activities.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to identify current art resources in the community at the time of assessment, for discharge planning purposes.
  • Ability to develop and implement quality improvement systems as related to internal and external regulatory requirements, including patient safety.
  • Knowledge of diagnostic coding and symptoms of diagnoses in the provision of art therapy.
  • Knowledge of the creative process and art media and their effect on the patients' cognitive, sensory, emotional, and physical states.
  • Ability to demonstrate and educate stakeholders on the value of the creative process as a therapeutic tool.
  • Ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with professional boundaries that reflect a trusting, empathetic, and respectful interaction.
  • Skill in collaborating and maintaining liaison with an interdisciplinary team and educating the treatment team on theoretical framework of art therapy interventions.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: Moderate Lifting (15-44 pounds); Moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking; Standing; Climbing (use of legs and arms); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Clear Speech; Emotional and mental stability.Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER