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Character Design Intern information

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$36

How much do character design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for character design intern in the United States is $19.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
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Character Design Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design Intern job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Internship, 40% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Adventure Ted Creative Board Intern Creative Internship (Graphic Design, Apparel, Animation)

Childhood Cancer Society

Toledo, OH

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Internship

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Childhood Cancer Society

Childhood Cancer Society (CCS) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric cancer, providing financial assistance, emotional support, and unforgettable wish grant experiences.

At the heart of our mission is Adventure Ted, our superhero spokes-bear and the central character behind our brand. Adventure Ted represents courage, kindness, and resilience, and serves as the face of our storytelling, campaigns, and creative identity across all initiatives.

We are currently preparing for major initiatives including a high-level charity golf outing and a fundraising dinner event with the Mayor of Saddle River, NJ.

Role Overview

We are assembling a select group of creatives to join the Adventure Ted Creative Board, a performance-driven team responsible for shaping and executing the visual identity of CCS across campaigns, events, and media.

Members will work directly with the Founder and Chief Media Officer, contributing to real-world creative tied to high-visibility initiatives. This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ownership, quality, and creative impact.

Creative Tracks

Applicants may focus on one primary area:

  • Graphic Design & Branding

    Event materials, social assets, sponsor decks, brand consistency

  • Apparel Design

    Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design

  • Animation / Motion

    Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted

Core Responsibilities

  • Design and execute creative assets across print, digital, and event environments

  • Contribute to the visual evolution of the Adventure Ted brand

  • Collaborate with Communications & Partnerships on campaigns and events

  • Work with manufacturing partners to help design items such as clothing, toys, and other products used in fundraising initiatives

  • Participate in structured execution sessions with fast turnaround timelines

  • Maintain high creative standards across all work

What Makes This Different

  • Direct collaboration with the Founder and executive leadership

  • Ownership of real-world creative tied to live events and campaigns

  • Portfolio-building work with real visibility and real-world application

  • A selective, performance-based creative environment

Growth & Advancement Opportunities

  • Top-performing interns may be invited to continue beyond the initial term as Associates within the organization.

  • Advancement is based on execution, consistency, and demonstrated creative ability.

This role is eligible for internship credit in Graphic Design, Media, Animation, Marketing, and related programs, depending on your school’s requirements.

Ideal Candidate

  • Strong design or creative foundation

  • High attention to detail and visual taste

  • Ability to execute quickly without sacrificing quality

  • Self-starter with strong ownership mentality

  • Passionate about meaningful, mission-driven work

Apply