Remote Illustration Internships: Launching Your Animation Career

The animation industry is a vibrant and competitive field, and internships play a crucial role in helping aspiring artists gain the experience and connections they need to succeed. For those seeking to hone their illustration skills and break into the world of animation, remote internships offer a flexible and accessible pathway. This article explores the landscape of remote illustration internships, with a focus on opportunities offered by leading studios like DreamWorks.

DreamWorks: A Gateway to Animation Excellence

DreamWorks Animation is renowned for its commitment to fostering talent and inclusivity within the industry. Through its various early career programs, DreamWorks provides students and recent graduates with invaluable opportunities to learn from industry professionals, work on real productions, and build their portfolios.

Internship Program: A Deep Dive into Production

DreamWorks offers internships annually, three times a year in the Spring, Summer and Fall. These internships are open to students and recent graduates (within six months of graduation) and are paid, 10 weeks long, and offered remotely and/or on a hybrid basis, depending on the department. Interns gain a deep understanding of the 2D & CG pipeline and experience the creative environment of a major animation studio. According to past interns, the program provides a supportive environment that encourages growth and exploration of one's interests. Interns are entrusted with hands-on responsibilities, making them feel like integral members of the team.

Trainee Program: Hands-On Experience and Mentorship

The Trainee Program at DreamWorks offers a more intensive experience, providing hands-on training on a Television or Feature production. Trainees learn from award-winning artists and work directly on actual productions. The program features a strategically tailored, comprehensive curriculum taught by industry and studio professionals, with Directors and Artists mentoring the Trainees. This immersive program allows trainees to refine their skills in a live production environment, experiment, and learn from their mistakes with the support of experienced mentors.

Animator Apprentice Program: Building Animation Skills

Designed for graduates with less than 2 years of work experience in the animation industry, the Animator Apprentice Program is a 12-week intensive training program within Feature Animation. Apprentices receive mentorship from the Program Lead and individually assigned mentors, gaining hands-on experience on a real feature production. The program's curriculum focuses on building animation skills and prepares apprentices for the Cycles Animation Team. Upon successful completion of the training, apprentices may have the opportunity to move into cycles animation and then become Assistant Animators.

LAUNCH Fellowship Program: Fostering Inclusion

DreamWorks' LAUNCH Fellowship Program is a virtual opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to engage with the studio without relocation. LAUNCH Fellows build a professional network, attend workshops, and receive mentorship from seasoned DreamWorks professionals. This program underscores DreamWorks' commitment to fostering inclusion within the animation industry.

DreamWorks Immersion Day: A Behind-the-Scenes Experience

DreamWorks Immersion Day is an annual event aimed at empowering students from communities across Los Angeles and bridging the gap to the animation industry. Participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at the making of feature films and TV shows, interact with talented artists, and network with creative executives.

Summer Speaker Series: Insights from Industry Leaders

Founded in 2020, the Summer Speaker Series is an annual, week-long virtual event that reaches students and professionals worldwide. The series features a variety of topics and provides an inside look into DreamWorks and the creative minds behind its productions.

What to Expect as a Remote Illustration Intern

Remote illustration internships offer a unique experience compared to traditional on-site internships. Here's what you can generally expect:

Remote Collaboration: You'll be working with teams and mentors remotely, utilizing video conferencing, project management tools, and digital communication platforms.

Read also: Landing a Medical Illustration Internship
Project-Based Work: You'll likely be assigned specific tasks and projects that contribute to ongoing productions, allowing you to apply your illustration skills in a practical setting.
Mentorship and Feedback: Mentors will provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout your internship, helping you develop your skills and navigate the industry.
Networking Opportunities: While remote, you'll still have opportunities to connect with other interns, artists, and industry professionals through virtual events, workshops, and online communities.

How to Prepare for a Remote Illustration Internship

Landing a remote illustration internship requires preparation and a strong portfolio. Here are some tips to help you stand out:

Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best illustration work, including personal projects, academic assignments, and any professional experience. An ideal visual development portfolio will showcase a strong design foundation of perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory. An ideal story portfolio will contain strong storyboard samples (the samples can be personal projects, academic projects, or professional projects). Include your story thought process through: sketches, character poses, facial expressions, designs, etc.

Read also: Navigating Scientific Illustration
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant skills and experience, including software proficiency, artistic techniques, and any previous animation or illustration work. In addition to your portfolio, emphasis is also placed on your resume: work experience, community involvement, and student leadership experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: If required, write a cover letter that expresses your passion for animation and illustration, your interest in the specific internship, and how your skills and experience align with the role. When the Internship you are applying for involves heavy writing and communication skills (i.e. Publicity, Digital Marketing, etc.), the cover letter will be highly scrutinized. The cover letter does not need to be addressed to anyone in specific.
Research the Studio: Familiarize yourself with the studio's work, culture, and values. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and tailor your application accordingly.
Practice Your Interview Skills: Be prepared to answer questions about your portfolio, your artistic process, and your career goals. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Depending on the role you are applying for you may be asked to take part in different types of interviews. This may include phone screens, requests for work samples, video or in-person interviews. The recruiter will walk you through each step of the process.

The Application Process

The application process for remote illustration internships typically involves submitting an online application, portfolio, resume, and cover letter (if required). Be sure to carefully review the job description and application requirements before applying. DreamWorks, for example, emphasizes the importance of reviewing their careers site, setting up job alerts, and conducting thorough research.

Benefits of Remote Illustration Internships

Remote illustration internships offer several advantages:

Flexibility: Work from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to balance your internship with other commitments.
Accessibility: Overcome geographical barriers and access opportunities at studios around the world. As DreamWorks' LAUNCH Fellowship Program demonstrates, remote opportunities eliminate the need for relocation.
Cost Savings: Reduce expenses associated with commuting, housing, and relocation. Unfortunately, studios like DreamWorks do not offer housing and relocation assistance, making remote internships a more financially viable option. Interns and Trainees are expected to cover their own relocation, housing, and daily transportation.
Skill Development: Gain practical experience, refine your illustration skills, and build your portfolio under the guidance of industry professionals.
Networking: Connect with other interns, artists, and industry professionals through virtual events and online communities.

Life After the Internship

A remote illustration internship can be a stepping stone to a successful career in animation. Many interns have successfully converted into full-time roles at their respective studios. As one DreamWorks intern shared, the early careers team played a pivotal role in preparing them for success and encouraging them to chase their dreams. The experience helped them build bridges that led to their conversion to a full-time employee at the studio. The early careers program's belief in young talent and dedication to passionate creatives inspired them to pursue a career in animation.

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