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Creative Internships Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$15.75 - $21/hr

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:

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

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:

$15 - $20/hr

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:

$15.75 - $21/hr

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:

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

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:

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

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:

$16 - $21.25/hr

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:

$15 - $19.75/hr

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:

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

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:

$16 - $21.50/hr

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:

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

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:

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Showing results 1-20

Creative Internships information

See California salary details

$18.8K

$33.3K

$36K

How much do creative internships jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative internships in California is $33,275.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $34,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are creative internships?

Creative internships are short-term work experiences designed for students or recent graduates interested in creative fields such as graphic design, advertising, marketing, film, writing, or the arts. These internships provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to real-world projects, helping interns build portfolios and industry connections. Creative internships can be paid or unpaid and are often stepping stones to full-time positions in creative industries.

What projects or tasks do creative interns typically work on, and how do these experiences contribute to professional growth?

Creative interns typically work on a variety of projects such as assisting with graphic design, content creation, social media campaigns, brainstorming sessions, and event planning. These assignments provide hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and foster collaboration with seasoned professionals. Through this exposure, interns gain valuable portfolio pieces, develop problem-solving skills, and build a foundation for future roles in creative industries. Additionally, working closely with experienced team members offers opportunities for mentorship and networking, which are key for long-term career development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a creative internship, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Creative Internship, you need a foundational knowledge of design principles, visual storytelling, and proficiency in creative fields often supported by relevant coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or video editing software is typically expected. Strong communication, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset help interns stand out in fast-paced creative environments. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality work, responding effectively to feedback, and contributing value to creative projects.

What is the difference between Creative Internships vs Graphic Design Internships?

AspectCreative InternshipsGraphic Design Internships
Required SkillsCreativity, communication, basic design knowledgeDesign software proficiency, visual communication
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, media companies, marketing teamsDesign studios, marketing departments, media firms
Typical TasksConcept development, content creation, brainstormingCreating visuals, layouts, branding materials

Creative Internships offer broad exposure to various creative fields, including content, marketing, and media, focusing on idea generation and collaboration. Graphic Design Internships are more specialized, emphasizing technical skills in design software and visual communication. Both roles are valuable entry points in creative industries, but Creative Internships provide a wider range of experiences, while Graphic Design Internships focus on visual design skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Creative Internships jobs in California?

The most popular types of Creative Internships jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Creative Internships jobs?

Cities in California with the most Creative Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Creative Internships job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,275 per year, or $16 per hour.

Documentary Film & Creative Media Intern

Humans Understanding Machinery

Culver City, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Documentary & Creative Media Intern


Humans Understanding Machinery (HUM)

Internship | Flexible / Hybrid & Remote Opportunities


About HUM

Humans Understanding Machinery (HUM) is an interdisciplinary creative studio exploring the systems shaping modern life through documentary film, storytelling, media, technology, design, and impact campaigns.

Founded by award-winning filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Maximina Juson, HUM develops documentary films, educational media, digital experiences, and audience engagement initiatives that transform complex subjects into compelling human stories.

Juson's work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and recognized, presented, or supported by organizations including Columbia Journalism School, the ACLU, the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, New York Classical Theatre, universities across the country, public media organizations, and international film festivals. Her work has reached millions of viewers through national broadcast, educational distribution, public programs, and community partnerships.


About the Internship

HUM is seeking curious, resourceful, and creative interns interested in gaining hands-on experience across documentary filmmaking, creative media, and impact storytelling.

Rather than assigning interns to a single narrowly defined role, HUM works with interns to identify an area of focus based on their interests, skills, academic goals, and the needs of active projects.

Interns contribute to real professional projects while learning how creative work moves from concept and research through production, post-production, distribution, and audience engagement.


Areas of Focus May Include

Documentary Production

  • Assist on documentary shoots
  • Interview and story research
  • Production preparation and logistics
  • Equipment and production support
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Production documentation

Editing & Post-Production

  • Organize footage and media
  • Log interviews and create selects
  • Transcript management
  • Archival organization
  • Editorial research
  • Assist with post-production workflows

Research & Archives

  • Historical and investigative research
  • Fact-checking
  • Interview research
  • Archival research
  • Rights and clearance tracking
  • Source organization

Impact Producing & Audience Engagement

  • Research community and educational partners
  • Screening and event support
  • Impact campaign development
  • Educational outreach
  • Audience engagement
  • Partnership research and coordination

Marketing & Creative Media

  • Social media content
  • Website updates
  • Newsletter development
  • Photography and video
  • Graphic design
  • Presentation and pitch materials
  • Audience analytics

Digital Experience & Emerging Media

  • UX and web projects
  • Digital storytelling
  • Interactive experiences
  • Accessibility
  • AI-assisted research and creative workflows
  • Emerging storytelling technologies


Who We're Looking For

We welcome students and emerging professionals from a wide range of disciplines, including film, journalism, communications, digital media, design, marketing, UX/UI, computer science, history, political science, sociology, anthropology, English, performing arts, and related fields.

Ideal candidates are:

  • Curious, creative, and eager to learn
  • Reliable and organized
  • Strong communicators
  • Comfortable working independently
  • Resourceful problem-solvers
  • Able to take initiative and ask questions when needed
  • Interested in documentary filmmaking, storytelling, arts, culture, technology, or social impact

Experience with filmmaking, editing, photography, design, social media, research, Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Canva, Figma, Wix, or similar tools is helpful but not required.

No prior professional experience is required.


What You'll Learn

Depending on your area of focus, you may gain experience in:

  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Research and story development
  • Production and post-production
  • Impact producing
  • Audience engagement
  • Digital storytelling
  • Creative strategy
  • Professional communication
  • Project management
  • Collaborative creative workflows

Interns receive regular project guidance and constructive feedback while contributing to active professional work.


Academic Credit

Students may be eligible to receive academic credit through their college or university.

If accepted, HUM is happy to complete internship agreements, learning plans, evaluations, and other reasonable documentation required by accredited educational institutions.

Students are responsible for confirming eligibility and academic-credit requirements with their institution.


Schedule & Location

Approximately 10–20 hours per week, with flexibility around academic schedules.

Much of the work may be completed remotely. Hybrid and on-location opportunities, including documentary shoots, may be available depending on current production needs.


Compensation

This is currently an unpaid internship. Academic credit may be available through the intern's college or university.


How to Apply

Please submit:

  • Résumé
  • Brief statement describing your interests and what you hope to learn
  • Your preferred area(s) of focus
  • Portfolio, reel, writing sample, or other work samples, if applicable


HUM values diverse perspectives and welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences.