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Character Artist Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Tech Art Intern

Cary, NC · On-site

ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire. TECH ART INTERN What You'll Do We are ...

Epic Games

Level Design Intern

Cary, NC · On-site

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... Work closely with level designers and environment artists to learn what makes successful landmarks ...

Epic Games

Game Design Intern

Cary, NC · On-site

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... You will gain invaluable experiences working alongside Artists, Engineers, Designers, Producers ...

The Salvation Army

Ministry Discovery Intern

Warren, MI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Participate in and coordinate the development of corps programming, worship arts, music programs ... That would include activities such as VBS, Day Camp, Character Building, leadership training and ...

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Character Artist Intern information

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$5

$13

$19

How much do character artist intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for character artist intern in the United States is $13.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a character artist intern do?

A Character Artist Intern assists in the creation and development of 3D or 2D characters for video games, films, animation, or other media projects. Their responsibilities often include modeling, texturing, and sometimes rigging characters according to the art direction and technical requirements of the project. Interns typically work under the supervision of senior character artists and collaborate with other team members such as animators and designers. This role is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build a portfolio, and learn industry-standard tools and workflows.

What types of projects and team collaborations can a character artist intern expect during their internship?

As a Character Artist Intern, you can expect to work closely with senior artists, animators, and game designers on creating and refining character models, textures, and sometimes basic rigging for projects in development. Interns often contribute to both concept art and 3D modeling, participating in feedback sessions and team meetings to ensure their work aligns with the project's artistic direction. It's common to receive mentorship and constructive feedback, helping you develop your skills while experiencing the collaborative workflow typical of professional game or animation studios. This role provides exposure to industry-standard tools and pipelines, offering valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities within the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a character artist intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Artist Intern, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, digital sculpting, and 3D modeling, often supported by coursework or a portfolio demonstrating your artistic abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, ZBrush, and Photoshop, as well as version control systems like Perforce, is typically expected. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can create high-quality character assets, collaborate effectively with teams, and grow quickly in a professional art environment.

What is the difference between Character Artist Intern vs Character Modeler?

AspectCharacter Artist InternCharacter Modeler
Required CredentialsPortfolio, basic 3D skills, relevant courseworkAdvanced 3D modeling skills, portfolio, sometimes degree
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, collaborative teams, entry-level tasksProfessional studio, focused on modeling, production environment
Employer & Industry UsageGame studios, animation companies, often as entry-levelGame, film, or animation studios, specialized in character modeling
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship roles, entry-level opportunitiesSpecialized modeling skills, career progression

The main difference between a Character Artist Intern and a Character Modeler lies in experience and scope. Interns are typically students or entry-level candidates gaining industry exposure, while Character Modelers are experienced professionals focused on creating detailed character models. Internships serve as stepping stones, whereas Character Modelers are responsible for producing high-quality assets in professional projects.

How do I become a character artist?

To become a character artist, develop strong skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and anatomy, often using tools like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush. Building a portfolio showcasing your best work and gaining experience through internships or personal projects are essential steps in entering the field.

How much do character artist interns make?

Character artist interns typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the company, location, and their skill level. Internships often provide valuable experience with tools like Photoshop, ZBrush, or Maya and may be paid or unpaid based on the program.
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Character Artist Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Artist Intern job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $27,073 per year, or $13 per hour.

Senior Technical Artist (Rigger) NBA 2K

California, MO • On-site

Socket.dev
Network Security • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Socket.devexternal

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world’s top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and entrepreneurial. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul, and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and technical innovation, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the smartest and most creative minds in the industry.

The Team:

The NBA Tech Art team is a diverse group of dedicated Technical Artists that perform a wide variety of tasks. We write and maintain tools for the art department, rig the characters, props, and clothing, and do a lot of problem solving.

What We Need:

The Novato team is looking for an expert character rigging artist (temporary) familiar with body and face rigging to work closely with the art team. This role reports to the Lead Technical Artist.

What You Will Do:
  • Update our character rigs to improve deformation and more accurately simulate human anatomy
  • Create math node networks to make new connections for our body and face rigs
  • Implement blendshapes and corrective shapes into our rigs with the support of the character team
  • Create clean skinweight and blendweight maps
  • Write Python code to automate tasks, create procedural setups, and improve workflow efficiency
  • Diagnose, debug, and resolve character rigging related errors across tools and the game
  • Collaborate with a team of other technical artists to support art teams directly
  • Work closely with engineers and collaborate with multiple art departments to address feedback notes and make art asset requests
  • Contribute to documentation, workflows, and pipeline improvements that scale across the team
Who Will Be A Great Fit:
  • Strong expertise in Autodesk Maya
  • Strong understanding of human anatomy and deformation
  • Working knowledge of Scripting in Python/PyMel
  • Familiar with Facial Action Coding System (FACS) based rigs
  • Familiar with joint placement and designing skeleton setups
  • Experience in creating character rigs that are optimized for games
  • Knowledge of good topology and proper edge-flow to create natural deformation
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Love for video games (not just ours!)
Nice To Have:
  • Working with NgSkinTools for weight painting
  • Familiar creating UIs with Qt
  • Experience with version control (Perforce)
  • Experience creating jiggle joints or other dynamic simulation setups
  • Programming using Maya Python API

US (All States except for WA)

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $54 - $75 per hour. The pay range for this position in New York at the start of employment is expected to be between $48 - $68 per hour. The pay range for this position in New Jersey at the start of employment is expected to be between $48 - $68 per hour. The pay range for this position in Maryland at the start of employment is expected to be between $48 - $68 per hour. The pay range for this position in Colorado at the start of employment is expected to be between $48 - $68 per hour. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

US (Washington State)

The pay range for this position in Washington at the start of employment is expected to be between $54 - $75 per hour. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Canada

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between CAD - $47 - $67 per hour. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

To learn more about Visual Concepts and our studio locations, check out our website at www.vcentertainment.com

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