Landing Your Dream: A Guide to Character Design Internships
The world of character design is a vibrant and competitive field, and landing an internship can be a crucial step in launching a successful career. Character design internships offer invaluable opportunities to learn from industry professionals, build a strong portfolio, and gain hands-on experience in a real-world studio environment. This article will guide you through the landscape of character design internships, highlighting key opportunities and providing tips for securing your dream role.
The Allure of Character Design Internships
Character design internships provide emerging talent with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of animation. These programs offer a range of exciting and immersive experiences, allowing interns to deepen their skills while learning about the unique filmmaking process. Interns have the opportunity to collaborate with art and technology teams, complete hands-on projects, and attend special studio events.
Former interns often speak glowingly of their experiences. One DreamWorks intern noted that their internship was an "integral part of building a future for myself not only at the studio, but as a creative and a person." They further emphasized the role of the early careers team in preparing them for success and encouraging them to chase their dreams. Another intern highlighted the supportive environment that encouraged growth and exploration of interests.
Key Players in Character Design Internships
Several major animation studios offer character design internships, each with its own unique focus and culture. Here are a few notable examples:
Walt Disney Animation Studios: Disney Animation Studios offers an immersive summer internship program focused on character simulation (cloth, hair, muscles, and more). The program dives into the artistry, technology, craft, and operations behind animated films, developing interns' skills and connecting them with industry mentors. Interns learn what it means to be part of a collaborative team and how their unique talents can grow within the studio. The internship is based in Burbank, California, and typically runs from June to August.
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Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar's internship and residency programs provide emerging talent with an opportunity to dive into the world of animation from a uniquely Pixar perspective. These programs offer a range of exciting and immersive internship opportunities. Technology interns participate in projects based on a team’s focus area. Over the course of a residency, interns collaborate directly with Pixar employees on studio projects as an integral part of the team. While working at the studio, interns are part of Pixar’s vibrant community and gain access to a wide range of company events, initiatives, and amenities to learn and grow-personally and professionally. Residencies are deeply immersive, and programs can last for up to one year.
DreamWorks Animation: DreamWorks offers students and recent grads the opportunity to work alongside artists and storytellers in TV and Feature Animation. Interns take a deep dive into real productions, learn the 2D & CG pipeline, and get a taste for what it is like to work in a creative environment. Internships are offered annually, three times a year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Internships are paid, 10 weeks long, and are offered remotely and/or on a hybrid basis, depending on the department. DreamWorks also offers the LAUNCH Fellowship Program, an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage with the studio virtually, without the need for relocation.
What to Expect in a Character Design Internship
Character design internships typically involve a combination of hands-on projects, mentorship, and educational opportunities. Interns may be tasked with:
- Contributing to real productions: Interns often work directly on actual productions, gaining hands-on experience and learning from award-winning artists.
- Developing animation skills: Interns may participate in comprehensive curricula and complete assignments that focus on building their animation skills.
- Receiving mentorship: Interns are often paired with mentors who provide guidance and feedback on their work.
- Building a portfolio: Internships are designed to be educational, immersive, and portfolio-building, allowing interns to showcase their skills and experience.
- Analyzing character arcs: Some internships may involve analyzing character arcs, pacing, tone, and theme. Interns may also be asked to provide notes and constructive feedback on drafts.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To be eligible for a character design internship, applicants typically need to meet certain requirements, such as:
- Age: Be 18 years or older.
- Enrollment: Be enrolled in a post-secondary educational program (such as a community college, college, university, graduate school, trade school, or accredited online program), or have graduated within six months of the internship program start date.
- Availability: Be fully available for the duration of the internship assignment.
The application process for character design internships typically involves submitting a resume, portfolio, and cover letter (if required). Here are some tips for preparing your application:
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- Resume: Highlight your work experience, community involvement, and student leadership experience.
- Portfolio: Showcase a strong design foundation of perspective, composition, painting, lighting, and color theory. Include personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects. For story portfolios, include strong storyboard samples with sketches, character poses, facial expressions, and designs.
- Cover Letter: If required, pay close attention to the job description. The cover letter does not need to be addressed to anyone in specific.
For Disney Animation internships focusing on Character Simulation, applicants must upload a resume and a single reel of no longer than 2 minutes that demonstrates their understanding or passion for Anatomy, Tailoring, Cloth in Motion, Hair in Motion, Simulation reel breakdown (if a breakdown is applicable).
The Benefits Beyond the Internship
The benefits of a character design internship extend far beyond the duration of the program. Internships provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing interns to connect with industry professionals and build relationships that can lead to future job opportunities. Many interns successfully convert into full-time roles at the studio after completing their internship.
Furthermore, internships provide interns with a deeper understanding of the animation industry, helping them to refine their skills and gain confidence in their abilities. The experiences and knowledge gained during an internship can be invaluable in launching a successful career in character design.
Navigating the Application Process
Securing a character design internship requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips for navigating the application process:
- Research: Thoroughly research different internship programs to find the best fit for your skills and interests.
- Portfolio: Focus on creating a strong portfolio that showcases your best work and demonstrates your understanding of character design principles.
- Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific internship program, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
- Network: Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field to learn about internship opportunities and gain valuable insights.
- Persistence: Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep applying and refining your application materials until you find the right opportunity.
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