Hi, I’m Ella Sykes—a Knoxville-based artist and animator. I thrive on collaboration, quick thinking under pressure, and turning ideas into lively visuals. I’ve spent the past few years painting, sculpting, and creating independent commissions, with a growing focus on animation that guides my current work and degree. I’m pursuing a BFA in 4D Studio Art at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I’ve shown work locally—from The Golden Roast to The Tomato Head—while organizing exhibitions and community events. I love connecting with audiences and fellow creatives, and I’m always excited to take on new projects in illustration, animation, and design. My favorite thing to do and what my style is mainly centered around is creating little characters that represent either people from real experiences in my life, or fictional characters, intended to support short-story punny animations. I have done live caricatures at markets and am often commissioned to make somewhat abstract, cartoon-like representations of individuals, families, and even dogs on large-scale projects.…

Ella Sykes

Hi, I’m Ella Sykes—a Knoxville-based artist and animator. I thrive on collaboration, quick thinking under pressure, and turning ideas into lively visuals. I’ve spent the past few years painting, sculpting, and creating independent commissions, with a growing focus on animation that guides my current work and degree. I’m pursuing a BFA in 4D Studio Art at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I’ve shown work locally—from The Golden Roast to The Tomato Head—while organizing exhibitions and community events. I love connecting with audiences and fellow creatives, and I’m always excited to take on new projects in illustration, animation, and design. My favorite thing to do and what my style is mainly centered around is creating little characters that represent either people from real experiences in my life, or fictional characters, intended to support short-story punny animations. I have done live caricatures at markets and am often commissioned to make somewhat abstract, cartoon-like representations of individuals, families, and even dogs on large-scale projects.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ella Sykes—a Knoxville-based artist and animator. I thrive on collaboration, quick thinking under pressure, and turning ideas into lively visuals. I’ve spent the past few years painting, sculpting, and creating independent commissions, with a growing focus on animation that guides my current work and degree.

I’m pursuing a BFA in 4D Studio Art at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I’ve shown work locally—from The Golden Roast to The Tomato Head—while organizing exhibitions and community events. I love connecting with audiences and fellow creatives, and I’m always excited to take on new projects in illustration, animation, and design.

My favorite thing to do and what my style is mainly centered around is creating little characters that represent either people from real experiences in my life, or fictional characters, intended to support short-story punny animations. I have done live caricatures at markets and am often commissioned to make somewhat abstract, cartoon-like representations of individuals, families, and even dogs on large-scale projects.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Independent Artist at Independent Artist
January 1, 2022 - Present
Create commissioned paintings, custom designs, and prints for private clients; manage client communications, pricing, deadlines, and delivery; develop concepts through initial sketches to final pieces; build and maintain a portfolio and social media presence; sell works at markets and online.
Server at The Tomato Head
January 1, 2024 - Present
Provide friendly, attentive service to customers; take orders, answer questions about menu, process payments, clear tables, and support kitchen staff as needed.
Trainer at The Tomato Head
January 1, 2024 - Present
Train new staff on service standards, product knowledge, POS operation, and customer experience; mentor teammates and coordinate workflow during peak hours.
Head Barista at The Golden Roast
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Led daily barista operations, prepared beverages, managed inventory, and trained staff; provided exceptional customer service and maintained cafe ambiance; contributed to menu development and quality control.
Server/Cashier at Staks Pancakes
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Server and cashier responsible for customer service, order taking, and cash handling.
Hostess at Cafe Eclectic
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Greeted customers, managed seating, answered phones, and assisted with front-of-house operations.
Barista & Host at The Liquor Store Diner
August 1, 2023 - December 1, 2024
Barista and front-of-house host, delivering quality coffee beverages and facilitating guest experience; assisted with shifts and customer relations.
Barista at Bonnaroo Music Festival
June 1, 2023 - August 1, 2024
Seasonal barista during 2023 and 2024 Bonnaroo; prepared beverages, maintained service standards, and contributed to fast-paced festival operations.
Independent Artist at Self-Employed
January 1, 2022 - Present
Created and sold commissioned paintings, custom designs, and prints; developing independent art projects with a focus on animation and mixed media.

Education

High School Diploma at St. George’s Independent School, Collierville, TN
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2021
BFA 4D Studio Art (pending) at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
January 1, 2024 - January 12, 2026
High School Diploma at St. George’s Independent School, Collierville, TN
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2021
BFA 4D Studio Art (pending) at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
January 1, 2024 - January 12, 2026

Qualifications

HOPE Scholarship
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Volunteer Scholarship
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
HOPE Scholarship
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Volunteer Scholarship
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Retail, Travel & Hospitality
    paper Floor 5

    Playful animation that takes place on the 5th floor of an apartment building in a metropolitan area. The animation moves through different rooms on this floor, displaying different moods and personalities dependent on the rooms. The viewer realizes soon how these rooms are connected together, as there is a “Floor 5 Group-chat”. The story ends with a fictional and creative twist.