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Internship Animation Character Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International, Inc.

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL

$80 - $120K/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Illustration

Chicago, IL · On-site

Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration within DePaul's nationally ranked Animation Program in the School of Cinematic Arts. Our full-time ...

Kurppa Hosk

Motion Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • PTO

Experience with basic character animation or rigging. * Familiarity with Cinema 4D, Blender, or other 3D tools. * Knowledge of sound design and motion for paid social formats. * Experience working ...

IGT

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with creative direction ... Two to three years of experience in 2D illustration, graphic design, animation, 3D art, or ...

Progressive Gaming

Art Lead

Chicago, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and character designs. * Develop production-ready assets that align with creative direction ... Two to three years of experience in 2D illustration, graphic design, animation, 3D art, or ...

Hasana, Inc.

Set Designer/Builder Volunteer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Please note that this is an unpaid internship. As a set design volunteer you will be responsible ... animation. * Examines dressed set to ensure props and scenery do not interfere with movements of ...

Sweatpals

Product Manager Internship

Aurora, IL · On-site

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Propose and prioritize improvements, then partner with engineering and design to execute them

Sweatpals

Product Manager Internship

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Propose and prioritize improvements, then partner with engineering and design to execute them

Sweatpals

Product Manager Internship

Gary, IN · On-site

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Propose and prioritize improvements, then partner with engineering and design to execute them

Sweatpals

Product Manager Internship

Hammond, IN · On-site

... and Dreamworks Animations, we connect hundreds of thousands of "pals," hosts, and gyms through ... Propose and prioritize improvements, then partner with engineering and design to execute them

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All JobsAnimation Character Design JobsInternship Animation Character Design JobsInternship Animation Character Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Internship Animation Character Design information

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$19

$37

How much do internship animation character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship animation character design in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship animation character design?

Internship animation character designers are students or recent graduates who assist professional character designers in creating and developing the visual look, personality, and style of characters for animated films, series, or games. They typically work under supervision, contributing to brainstorming sessions, sketching character concepts, and refining designs based on feedback. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and workflows, learn how to interpret scripts or briefs, and collaborate with other artists and animators. This role is an entry point into the animation industry and helps interns build their portfolios and professional networks.

What does an animation character design intern do?

As an animation character design intern, you will typically support the design team by creating character sketches, refining model sheets, and helping develop character turnarounds. You may be tasked with researching visual references, assisting with color explorations, and iterating on feedback from senior designers or directors. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as you'll often work closely with animators, story artists, and other departments to ensure characters are visually consistent and fit the narrative. This hands-on experience provides great insight into the animation pipeline and helps you build a diverse portfolio.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation character design intern?

To thrive as an Animation Character Design Intern, you need a strong foundation in drawing, character concept development, and an understanding of anatomy and movement, typically supported by coursework or a portfolio in animation or illustration. Proficiency with industry-standard digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and animation software like Toon Boom or TVPaint is often required. Creativity, openness to feedback, and strong teamwork skills help interns stand out in collaborative studio environments. These abilities ensure that you can produce compelling characters, respond well to direction, and contribute effectively to the animation pipeline.

What is the difference between Internship Animation Character Design vs Animation Character Designer?

AspectInternship Animation Character DesignAnimation Character Designer
QualificationsEnrolled in or recent graduate of relevant art/animation programsProfessional degree or extensive experience in character design
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, supervised settingsFull-time studio or freelance projects, independent work
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in character sketches, learning workflows, supporting senior designersCreating detailed character concepts, final designs, and revisions
Industry UsageUsed as a training position within animation studiosProfessional role in animation, gaming, or film industries

In summary, Internship Animation Character Design is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting, while Animation Character Designer is a professional role involving independent creation and responsibility for character designs in various media projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Internship Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Animation Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Internship Animation Character Design jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Internship Animation Character Design job openings:

Internship Animation Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Animation Character Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 46% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,519 per year, or $20 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty in Illustration

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

385th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs incluuding Film and Television, Animation, Creative Producing, Documentary, and Screenwriting on the Loop campus and at DePaul Cinespace Studios. Find out more about SCA at https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/Pages/School-of-Cinematic-Arts.aspx.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
DePaul's Animation Program offers Illustration courses that include making comics, history of comics, concept art, storyboarding, practical perspective, technical rendering, observational drawing, and color theory. Our comics facilities include a Risograph EZ590. Illustration courses are affiliated with the Storyboarding and Character Design concentration within DePaul's nationally ranked Animation Program in the School of Cinematic Arts. Our full-time faculty includes cartoonists Amy Lockhart, Jacob Ciocci, and Scott Roberts. To learn more about DePaul Animation check out our Animation Zine https://www.cdm.depaul.edu/AnimationZine
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

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