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Character Design Internship information

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$9

$19

$36

How much do character design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for character design internship 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 are some common challenges faced during a Character Design Internship, and how can I overcome them?

One common challenge in a Character Design Internship is balancing creative expression with adhering to existing brand guidelines or client feedback. Interns often need to revise their designs multiple times to align with the artistic vision of a project or studio. Collaboration and open communication with art directors and other team members are essential for success. To overcome these challenges, be receptive to feedback, stay organized, and actively seek mentorship from experienced designers within the team.

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

AspectCharacter Design InternshipCharacter Artist
Required CredentialsPortfolio, relevant coursework or degree, basic software skillsAdvanced portfolio, professional experience, specialized software skills
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, mentorshipFull-time or freelance projects, studio or remote work
Industry UsageInternship programs in animation, gaming, or entertainmentProfessional character creation for games, films, or animation

While both roles involve character creation, a Character Design Internship is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting in character development, often within internship programs. A Character Artist is a professional with more experience, responsible for creating detailed, polished character models for various media. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a full-fledged Character Artist.

What is a Character Design Internship?

A Character Design Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, where you gain hands-on experience creating and developing characters for animation, video games, comics, or other media. Interns typically work alongside professional character designers to learn industry techniques, contribute ideas, and build a portfolio. This role may involve sketching, digital illustration, storyboarding, and collaborating with other departments to bring characters to life. The internship is a valuable stepping stone for those looking to enter the creative industry as a character designer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Design Intern, you need strong drawing and illustration skills, a portfolio showcasing original character concepts, and preferably coursework or a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate is typically expected. Creativity, adaptability, and effective communication help you collaborate with team members and bring unique ideas to life. These skills ensure you can create compelling characters that align with project goals and resonate with audiences.
More about Character Design Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Design Internship jobs? Cities with the most Character Design Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Design jobs? The most popular types of Character Design jobs are:
What states have the most Character Design Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Design Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Character Design Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Design Internship jobs are:
Character Design Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Design Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,304 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Animation & Storytelling Intern

Animation & Storytelling Intern

Safe Passage Project

New York, NY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid) | Applicants must be based in the New York City area.
Out-of-state applicants will not be considered.

Commitment: 10-15/hrs per week, unpaid (academic credit available)

About Safe Passage Project

Safe Passage Project provides free legal representation to immigrant children facing deportation. We believe every child deserves a fair chance to live safely with dignity and hope for the future.

Why This Internship?

Are you a student who loves bringing characters and stories to life through animation? Do you want to use your creativity to make a positive impact? At Safe Passage Project, you'll have the chance to create storytelling videos that highlight the resilience of immigrant youth and support a mission for justice. This internship gives you the opportunity to experiment with your craft, build a standout portfolio, and see your animations drive real campaigns

What You'll Do

Create short character-animated videos that bring powerful stories to life

Use character design, rigging, and animation techniques (2D or 3D) to develop compelling narratives

Edit and prepare animations and video clips for use on social media, campaigns, and events

Add branding elements and polish content to ensure consistency across platforms

Contribute your own creative ideas and artistic style while aligning with Safe Passage Project's brand guidelines

What We're Looking For

Current student or recent graduate in Animation, Media Arts, Film, or related field

Familiarity with animation software such as Adobe Animate, After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, Blender, or similar tools

Passion for animation, design, and creative storytelling (coursework, personal projects, or a small portfolio is great, but professional experience is not required)

Creative problem-solver: self-starter who learns quickly, experiments boldly, and thrives when given creative freedom.

Detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and eager to grow as a designer and animator

What You'll Gain

A portfolio filled with real-world projects that showcase your design and animation skills

The chance to see your work used in campaigns that reach thousands of people

Creative freedom to shape projects, experiment with new ideas, and take the lead on animation projects from concept to final cut

Flexible schedule with the opportunity to earn academic credit and fit the role around your studies

How to Apply:

When applying, please include your resume (highlighting relevant coursework, projects, or experience) as well as a portfolio or reel (such as class projects, personal work, or other animation samples).

Employment Type: PART_TIME

Apply