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Character Design Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Intern - Growth

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our ... Help design and run in-person activations, demos, and user experiences * Work closely with ...

TEACHER 2026-27 SY

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$63K - $100K/yr

GENERAL EDUCATION TEACHER OUR MISSION Through academic rigor, character development, and a ... Implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to provide multiple means of engagement ...

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Character Design Intern information

What does a character design intern do?

A Character Design Intern assists professional artists and designers in creating unique and appealing characters for projects like animation, video games, or comics. Their tasks may include sketching concepts, developing character turnarounds, refining designs based on feedback, and preparing digital assets. Interns often collaborate with teams to ensure consistency with the project's visual style and storytelling goals. The position is a valuable opportunity to gain industry experience and build a professional portfolio.

What types of projects and collaborations can a character design intern expect to be involved with during their internship?

As a Character Design Intern, you'll typically work on a variety of projects, ranging from developing concept art for new characters to refining existing designs based on creative direction. You’ll often collaborate closely with senior character designers, animators, and writers to ensure consistency and appeal in the characters. Interns are frequently included in team meetings and brainstorming sessions, providing opportunities to contribute ideas and receive constructive feedback. This hands-on experience helps you build a strong portfolio while learning about industry workflows and the importance of teamwork in a creative environment.

What are the essential skills and qualifications needed to excel as a character design intern, and why do they matter?

To thrive as a Character Design Intern, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of anatomy, and proficiency in fundamental design principles, often supported by a relevant art or design portfolio. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and openness to feedback are important soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to create compelling, original characters that align with project visions and adapt to team and client needs.

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

AspectCharacter Design InternCharacter Artist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in art, design, or related fieldProfessional portfolio, often with formal training or experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-levelFull-time or freelance, production-focused
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, and entertainment companies for entry-level rolesUsed across similar industries for experienced roles
Search & Comparison IntentLooking to start a career in character design or animationSeeking experienced character design or illustration work

The main difference between a Character Design Intern and a Character Artist lies in experience and responsibility. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining foundational skills, while Character Artists are experienced professionals creating detailed character assets. Internships serve as entry points into the industry, whereas Character Artists are responsible for final designs and production work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Character Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Character Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Character Design Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Character Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Character Design Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Intern - Growth

Human Computer Lab

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Internship

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our first robot, LeLamp, explores a new category of consumer robotics where everyday objects become interactive and help us reshape our attachment to technology.
Our goal is to push the frontier of human-robot interaction by making technology more legible, emotionally intuitive, and human-centered. We are building the foundation for a new generation of robots designed for everyday environments.
What to expect:
This role is for someone who wants to shape how LeLamp spreads in the real world through content, communities, events, and partnerships. You'll run creative growth experiments, translate product features into experiences people can see and share, and help bring LeLamp into campuses and early adopter environments. You'll work closely with engineering and product to turn ideas into stories that resonate, test what works, and scale what people respond to.
In this role, you will:
  • Develop and execute creative growth experiments (content, social, events, partnerships)
  • Identify and test new channels to reach users (campuses, communities, niche audiences)
  • Create compelling content that showcases LeLamp in real-life scenarios
  • Help design and run in-person activations, demos, and user experiences
  • Work closely with engineering and product teams to translate features into stories people care about
  • Analyze what works, iterate quickly, and scale successful ideas

You may be a good fit, if you:
  • Are pursuing a degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field
  • Have experience creating content (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
  • Are highly creative and can come up with ideas people actually want to watch or share
  • Understand how products grow through community, not just ads
  • Are comfortable experimenting, failing, and iterating quickly
  • Have strong communication skills and can tell clear, compelling stories

You will be a strong fit, if you:
  • Think like builders, not just marketers
  • Move quickly and take initiative without waiting for direction
  • Are deeply curious about how products spread and gain traction
  • Care about creating experiences that people genuinely enjoy
  • Work well in small, fast-moving teams
  • Think beyond "what works" to "what people will love"

The early team becomes the DNA of the company. We set ourselves and others to a high standard, and we respond with kindness when things get hard but keep everyone accountable. This requires us to be curious, creative, and diverse in our thinking and approach.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria - we don't want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.