You are probably a young, aspiring concept artist or have just finished art school, and you’re wondering what’s next. It can be hard to decide what to do with your character art degree upon graduation. Especially since character art is a specialized job, and most of the companies that employ our industry bigwigs.
If this is you, there is an excellent pathway for you to make it in this path and end up in your choice of a video game, television, or film career: Character Art Internships!
There are many such opportunities in the United States and elsewhere, which not only give you an opportunity to grow but also pay very handsomely.
Generally, an internship is one way to gain work experience even without being fully employed. Depending on the organization, you may gain from other benefits that are attached to internship opportunities.
In this article, you will get a deep insight into what a character art internship is alongside various opportunities available to you. The table of contents below highlights the order in which these questions and more are duly answered.
Table of contents
- What is a Character Art Internship?
- How to get a Character Art Internship in 2023
- 10 Character Internships You Can Apply to in 2023
- #3. Virtual DC Comics Editorial Intern- Summer 2023
- #4. Concept Art Intern – Mobile (Apex Legends) with Electronic Arts
- #5. Remote Graphic Design Co-op (Summer 2023) with Hasbro
- #6. 2D/3D Artist Intern with SAIC
- #7. Animator Intern (Star Wars Team) with Electronic Arts
- #8. Environment Artist Intern with Playstation
- #9. 3D Artist Internship with OSF Healthcare
- #10. Game Designer Internship with Amazon
- Character Art Internship FAQs
- Conclusion
- Recommendation
- REFERENCES
What is a Character Art Internship?
For most of the well-established animation and video game companies such as Rare, Disney, and Hasbro, a robust internship program is one of their hallmarks. This is a system that allows young, less-experienced artists to learn from their masters while gaining valuable experience.
Character Art, while an exciting and rewarding career, is a job that involves a high level of skill and a mastery of several fields other than drawing. Thus, a form of ‘apprenticeship’ is needed for up-and-comers in the industry to properly learn the ropes.
As ArenaNet, a leading character art intern hirer, posits, artists often learn more in their first six months on an internship than in their entire time in art school.
A character art internship does these while also paying you as ‘junior’ staff.
How to get a Character Art Internship in 2023
According to some of the best intern hirers, an ideal character art intern has to meet some important requirements:
- A high level of self-motivation, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and attention to detail.
- A strong background in art, preferably with a degree or certification in animation, illustration, or film.
- Working knowledge of programs such as Adobe Photoshop, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
- Familiarity with the game, animation, and film industries.
- Strong interpersonal skills
Read this: Top 10 Information Technology Internships for International Students In 2023
10 Character Internships You Can Apply to in 2023
If you meet eligibility and satisfy the requirements above, you will now get clear-cut information on where to apply for a character art internship in 2023:
#1. Illustrator/Animator Intern with IdeaMachine Studio,
Located in the bucolic San Francisco, California, this package is ideal for artists interested in Graphics Design, Illustration, and Character Creation.
With an estimated annual salary of $40,000 to $51,000, one-on-one experience with Creative Directors and Art Directors, and lots of work experience, it attracts any young animator. Apply if you have a degree in Art or are attending an art institution before the March 2023 deadline.
Qualifications
- Graduated or attended a four-year institution.
- Working knowledge of After Effects, Illustration, and Graphic Design.
- Experience with business clients.
- General business knowledge.
- Must be interested in the creative industry.
#2. Graphic Design & Illustration Internship with Hallmark
Distance is not a barrier in this hiring opportunity, as this is slated to be purely virtual. However, it is an opportunity for artists with exceptional calligraphy skills, creative skills, organizational skills, and a strong fashion sense. Stay curious and willing to learn; this Kansas opportunity will likely open its doors to you.
Basic Qualifications
The following is required to be considered for this role:
- Currently pursuing a degree with a graduation date of May 2023 (spring semester) or later. You must state your targeted graduation date (month and year) on your resume, or you will not be considered.
- Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign)
Preferred Qualifications
Your resume and portfolio will stand out if you have the following:
- Portfolio images that demonstrate strong conceptual/ design skills, trend-focused color palettes, excellent aesthetic judgment, and use of type,
- Portfolio images that demonstrate hand-drawn lettering, innovative typographic solutions, or hand-drawn fonts as part of strong design solutions.
- An eye for trends, including a strong color and fashion Sense.
- Portfolio images that demonstrate strong illustration skills with a variety of techniques, styles, subject matter, and applications.
- Portfolio images that demonstrate the ability to apply design and illustration to multiple formats and products.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Portfolio images that demonstrate any additional maker skills (such as high-end papercraft, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, using a laser cutter, hand embossing, sewing, etc.
- Self-starter, curious, and willing to learn.
- Portfolio images that demonstrate any additional creative and/or technical skills (interactive design skills, web design skills, 3D design skills, concept sketching skills, etc.).
- Prior internship experience
#3. Virtual DC Comics Editorial Intern- Summer 2023
DC Comics seeks a DC Comics Editorial Intern for Summer 2023. This intern will assist editors on graphic novels by reviewing scripts and art (layouts, inks, color), routing lettering pages, and maintaining weekly deadlines. The pay is a handsome $26,000 – $33,000 a year.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience in an office or library is preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop, and Acrobat skills.
- Familiarity with comic books and comic book history is strongly preferred.
- Must have the ability to pay close attention to detail.
- Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Knowledge of DC characters is a plus.
- Must have the ability to work well under time constraints, meet deadlines and contribute to multiple projects.
- Excellent verbal and writing skills are required.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and self-starter for a virtual internship.
#4. Concept Art Intern – Mobile (Apex Legends) with Electronic Arts
Almost any aspiring young character artist nurses dream of creating epic games like Apex Legends, “I worked on that.” That’s what this internship program offers, with direct access and guidance from Creative Directors with whom you will learn the art of concept development. The pay is between $32,000 and $41,000 per annum.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a college university degree program.
- Available to work full-time hours for 10-12 weeks remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Capable of working quickly; at a quality that can help more senior artists execute the vision. Can provide multiple sketches while adding colorized versions on a daily basis. Comfortable working with Sci-Fi topics.
Check this: 20 Best Internships For College Students in 2023
#5. Remote Graphic Design Co-op (Summer 2023) with Hasbro
If you are strongly interested in evoking the style and qualities of a character through graphics, then this internship with gaming giants Hasbro is for you. With a good knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office, and a great degree of passion, you should land this $31,000 – $41,000 a year internship position.
What you’ll bring…
- Coursework toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design or Fine Arts or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of Mac OSX, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Office.
- A desire to understand characters and stories with the ability to evoke them through graphics.
- High level of creativity, passion, and integrity.
- Organized and able to multitask.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally, visually, and in writing.
- Ability to work with team members in remote locations across the globe.
- Presentation skills
- Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Spring 2023 or earlier graduates are no longer eligible for Hasbro’s internship and co-op opportunities.
#6. 2D/3D Artist Intern with SAIC
If you are currently enrolled in a 3D art-related program or have a high school diploma or an AA degree with a year of experience in graphics design, you should apply for this. A good knowledge of graphics software packages is needed. Apply if you’re willing to work in Los Angeles.
Qualifications
- AA Degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of one (1) year of related experience OR High School Diploma with a minimum of two (2) years of related experience and currently enrolled in the following majors or studies: Software Engineering, Video Game Design, Development and Programming, Interactive Media Design, Computer Animation and Modeling, Graphic Design, Multimedia, Video Editing, Kinetic Motion Design.
- Must be able to provide a portfolio that demonstrates the following:
- Knowledge/proficiency in one or more of the following: Zbrush, 3D Studio Max, Maya, Adobe AfterEffects, Photoshop, and Premiere
- Strong design, modeling, texturing, and animation skills
- Basic skills in backgrounds, characters, rigging, animation, lighting, concept sketches, and illustration skills
- Ability to effectively present concepts & ideas
- Storyboarding
- Creativity
#7. Animator Intern (Star Wars Team) with Electronic Arts
Respawn believes that the essential foundation of a great gaming experience starts with gameplay. Every detail is crafted with purpose, and all the development disciplines contribute towards creating an incredible gameplay experience for game players. Thus, they are looking for an Animation Intern to join an established, high-performance team. The pay is between $35,000 and $40,000 a year.
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a college university degree program.
- Available to work full-time hours for 10-12 weeks remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- A keen eye for performance and entertainment
- Experience with 3D programs/tools and experience in Maya and/or Unreal is a plus.
- Portfolio Requirements
- Provide a link to an online Demo Reel that displays strong character animation with a focus on broad body mechanics.
- Feel free to include any art (traditional or digital media) that you have personally created.
#8. Environment Artist Intern with Playstation
Rated as one of the best hirers, Playstation offers a San Diego-based summer internship for the passionate individual. Strong artistic ability, understanding, and proficiency in software like Maya, Photoshop, and Substance Designer, counts as an added advantage.
Qualifications
- Must have knowledge of Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, and Unreal Engine.
- Must have portfolio samples that demonstrate world-building and 3D prop-building skills. These include a loadable level in Unreal, video, or screenshots that show off untextured, unlit, and final versions. Ideal samples would also have indoor and outdoor areas with some environmental storytelling.
- Samples of various environment pieces include modular walls, props, and vegetation. These should have wireframes and texture breakdowns as well.
- Excellent communication skills
- Self-motivated with an ability to take initiative
- Able and motivated to work with other team members
Also, you can read this: How To Write An Irresistible Art Internship Resume in 2023 | Samples
#9. 3D Artist Internship with OSF Healthcare
For artists who don’t want to tow the traditional gaming or animation path or who have a strong inclination for the medical field, this is a great opportunity to build your portfolio.
Knowledge of Unity 3D, Cinema 4D, and Autodesk 3D Studio Max is essential, and a background in courses like Anatomy and Human Physiology is a plus.
Apply for this if you’re a good team worker and also have the ability to work independently. The pay is a juicy $27,000 to $36,000 a year, and although Illinois residents are preferred, a virtual arrangement can be worked out.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be enrolled in a bachelor’s program for 3D graphics or biomedical visualization.
- Experience with Unity 3D and programs like Cinema 4D, Autodesk 3D Studio Max, or Maya.
- Preferred anatomy, physiology, healthcare education, or related courses are a plus.
- Portfolio or reel demonstrating abilities in a specific area of expertise (environment modeling, character modeling, texture mapping, animation, FX, concept art, tech, generalist)
- Have a working knowledge of Adobe Suite.
- Basic troubleshooting, analytical, and organization skills, and knowledge of various technologies within the area of discipline.
- Experience in other Healthcare related technologies is a plus.
- Interpersonal skills and patience are necessary in order to interact effectively with others. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Provides expertise in 3D and/or 2D animation development, generating content as requested using Blender, Cinema4D, or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Designs and creates graphics and print materials as needed, working with the industry expert to develop and refine each product.
- Responsible for utilizing the project management system to communicate progress, elicit feedback, and perform other work-related communication.
- Communicates professionally with the project team, working to develop creative solutions, openly embracing feedback, and engaging subject-matter expertise where appropriate.
- Works both independently and in collaboration with others.
- EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled Job seekers will be afforded equal opportunity regardless of their race, ethnicity, veteran status, or disability status.
#10. Game Designer Internship with Amazon
Amazon is looking for people who are interested in creating excellent gameplay for their Amazon Games franchise this summer.
With a team of animators and programmers about you, you will have the opportunity to develop great game characters and play-test to see that your visions for your project are as thrilling as you want them to be.
By applying, you get to work in one of Amazon’s prime locations in Seattle, WA; Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Bellevue, WA; Boston, MA; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Herndon, VA; Irvine, CA; New York, NY; Madison, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA. Apply to build your portfolio in a positively high-energy environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience scripting in modern engines (Lumberyard, Unreal, Unity, etc.)
- Animation understanding and fluency
- Experience developing a game mechanic
- Deep understanding of the competitive, multiplayer game landscape
Character Art Internship FAQs
An art intern can do an organization’s clerical, communication, or maintenance-related tasks. Basically, an art intern will be involved in the day-to-day running of an art gallery.
Character art oversees creating and drawing of visual elements of a computer game. These elements usually include characters, environment, vehicles, weapons, and other props.
A character art internship provides a chance for aspiring character artists to gain experience and training in the field before being fully employed.
Read also: 15 High Paying Computer Engineering Internship 2023
Conclusion
There are many great internship opportunities for you to build your portfolio as a college undergraduate, high school graduate, or recently graduated artist. No matter your current level in art, there is always something for you.
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REFERENCES
- Zip Recruiter: Concept Art Internship
- Simply Hired: Character Art Internship
- 3dtotal.com: Vital Soft Skills for Digital Artists
- Creative bloq.com: How to become a better concept artist
