Puppet designer
Also known as: puppet creator, puppet designer and builder, puppet designer/maker, puppet designer & maker, puppet builder, puppet maker
About this occupation
Puppet designers design and create puppets and manipulable objects for performers. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Puppet designers make puppets and manipulable objects out of a variety of materials, and may build robotic elements into them. Puppet designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating outside a performance context.
A specialisation of industrial designer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- monitor developments in technology used for design
- meet deadlines
- perform quality control of design during a run
- update design results during rehearsals
- adapt to artists' creative demands
- research new ideas
- propose improvements to artistic production
- analyse the scenography
- develop design concept
- coach staff for running the performance
- use communication equipment
- develop design ideas cooperatively
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Designers, All Other (O*NET 27-1029.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
US median pay: US$64,950 a year (2025), 9,480 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.