Visual Effects Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

A Visual Effects (VFX) Intern assists in creating digital effects for films, TV shows, commercials, or games. They support artists by organizing assets, compositing shots, rotoscoping, or learning software like After Effects, Nuke, or Houdini. Interns may also help with research, quality control, or rendering tasks. This role provides hands-on experience while working under industry professionals to develop technical and artistic skills.

As a Visual Effects Intern, you'll likely assist with a variety of tasks such as creating basic visual effects, rotoscoping, compositing elements, and helping prepare assets for senior artists. You'll work closely with experienced VFX professionals, collaborating on team projects and receiving guidance throughout the production pipeline. Your workload may also involve organizing files, participating in team meetings, and conducting research to support ongoing projects. This hands-on experience offers a valuable opportunity to build your technical skills and gain insight into the industry's workflow, setting a solid foundation for future career growth.

To thrive as a Visual Effects Intern, you need a strong foundational knowledge of visual effects principles, basic animation, and compositing, often gained through coursework in digital media or film. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, or Nuke is typically required, and certifications in these programs can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn and respond to feedback will help you stand out. These skills ensure you can support the VFX team effectively, adapt to fast-paced production environments, and contribute creatively to visual storytelling.