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Motion Graphics Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA

$17.25 - $23/hr

Pitch in on design for social media, websites, or motion graphics * Assist in company social media presence and outreach * Leave with an effusive recommendation and demonstrable work to show future ...

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Pitch in on design for social media, websites, or motion graphics * Assist in company social media presence and outreach * Leave with an effusive recommendation and demonstrable work to show future ...

Communications Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Pitch in on design for social media, websites, or motion graphics * Assist in company social media presence and outreach * Leave with an effusive recommendation and demonstrable work to show future ...

Motion Graphics Intern information

See Washington salary details

$9

$25

$55

How much do motion graphics intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion graphics intern in Washington is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $30.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motion graphics intern?

Motion graphics interns are entry-level team members who assist in creating animated visuals, graphics, and effects for video content, advertisements, or digital media. They typically work under the guidance of senior motion designers, learning industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro. Their responsibilities may include designing assets, animating graphics, editing video, and supporting the overall creative process. This role provides hands-on experience in the field and helps interns build a professional portfolio.

What types of projects and collaboration can a motion graphics intern expect during their internship?

As a Motion Graphics Intern, you can typically expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from promotional videos and social media content to internal presentations and branding assets. You will often collaborate closely with creative directors, video editors, and marketing teams to bring concepts to life through animation and visual effects. This role offers valuable hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like After Effects, and you'll likely receive feedback and mentorship from senior designers. The collaborative environment helps you build both technical skills and communication abilities, laying a strong foundation for a future career in motion graphics or digital media.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion graphics intern?

To thrive as a Motion Graphics Intern, you need a solid understanding of design principles, animation basics, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially After Effects and Premiere Pro), usually supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Cinema 4D or Blender and basic video editing skills are often advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, strong time management, and the ability to take feedback well are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling content that meets project goals and deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Motion Graphics Intern vs Graphic Designer?

AspectMotion Graphics InternGraphic Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education in graphic design or motion graphicsUsually holds a degree or certification in graphic design, visual arts, or related fields
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in advertising, media, or entertainment companiesFull-time or freelance roles in various industries including marketing, publishing, and advertising
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate emerging talent in motion graphicsEstablished role for creating visual content across multiple media platforms

The main difference is that a Motion Graphics Intern is an entry-level position focused on gaining experience in motion graphics, often as part of an internship program. A Graphic Designer is a more established role that involves creating static visual content and may require more experience or credentials. Interns typically work under supervision, while graphic designers have more independence and responsibility in their projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Graphics jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Motion Graphics jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Motion Graphics Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,409 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Motion Graphic Designer Intern

Rising Tide Interactive

Washington, DC • On-site

$17.95 - $17.96/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Rising Tide Interactive is currently accepting Motion Graphic Designer internship applications for our paid Summer/Fall 2026 Internship Program. Our interns will have the opportunity to join us in our work creating digital creative for Democratic campaigns, committees, PACs, and nonprofits to develop and implement the digital strategies that win races and create change. You'll get training, hands-on design opportunities, and mentorship to learn the ins and outs of digital graphic design and video production processes as well as tactics and creative management from a dedicated team of creatives.
What you'll do:
  • Create original graphic assets for cross team design and video projects
  • Assist Video Editors and create original :30 second, :15 second, and :6 second videos from start to finish
  • Produce additional sizes and versions of existing static designs and optimizing motion graphics for online platforms
  • Recommend visuals for RTI's digital videos by finding stock footage and imagery for a variety of projects
  • Watch, organize, and catalog video footage and files
  • Organize assets for the Creative Team, including managing physical video drives (shipping, retrieving, downloading, uploading)
  • Assist the Creative Team with other tasks that align with your skills and goals
  • This internship can be customized to your skills and goals - if you are more interested in the creative and technical aspects of video editing, we'll give you tasks that help you grow those skills, or if you are more interested in backend production process and project management, we'll pivot your tasks that way.

The important stuff:
  • Paid internship? Yep! We pay $17.95/hour
  • This internship is full-time (up to 35 hours/week)
  • Summer/fall internships typically run from May 25th to December 12th, but we're flexible with start/end dates.
  • Location: Washington, DC - this position will be based in our office in Washington, DC on a hybrid work schedule. Our typical schedule is two days a week in the office and three days remotely. Due to the nature of this role, more time in the office may be required on an as-needed basis to support management of physical video drives.
  • We will provide a laptop

Nuts & bolts:
  • Let us know if you're interested in part-time or full-time work (or both) and what your availability is for the semester.
  • Applications will be accepted until the end of the day on Friday, May 1st and must include a cover letter and resume. Final selection decisions will be communicated by Friday, May 15th.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Premiere and After Effects is required for this position.

About Rising Tide Interactive:
Rising Tide Interactive works with Democratic campaigns, committees, PACs, and nonprofits to develop and implement the digital strategies that win races and create change. Since 2011, we've worked with clients like Sens. Tim Kaine and Jacky Rosen, Voto Latino, FWD.us, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. We're ready for our best election cycle yet in 2026.
Excited about this role but not sure if you meet all of the qualifications? We encourage you to apply anyway. We're always looking for talented people of all backgrounds to join our team. We prioritize creating a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone is empowered to do their best work. Candidates from all backgrounds, including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the job application or interview process, please email hr@risingtideinteractive.com with the subject line "Accommodations Request".