Land Your Dream Animation Internship: Tips & Techniques

Published on 1 August 2023 9 min read

Identify the Right Animation Internship for You
Build a Strong Portfolio
Write a Compelling Cover Letter
Prepare for the Interview
Network with Industry Professionals
Expand Your Animation Skills
Follow Up After the Interview
Leverage Social Media
Stay Current with Industry Trends
Be Persistent

If you've been dreaming of working in the animation industry, getting an internship is a brilliant first step. It isn't always easy to know how to find animation internships, but with the right plan in place, you can make it happen. Let's jump right in and explore some practical tips and techniques to land your dream animation internship.

Identify the Right Animation Internship for You

Before anything else, you need to figure out what type of animation internship suits you best. There's a wide variety of animation internships out there, and the trick is to find the one that aligns with your career goals. Here are some steps to help you:

Know your specialization: Animation is a broad field—there's 3D animation, 2D animation, storyboard artists, and more. Recognize what you are passionate about and aim for internships in that specific area.
Research studios: Spend quality time researching different animation studios. Studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Studio Ghibli each have their unique styles and projects. Find the ones whose work resonates with you the most.
Consider the studio's location: Some internships might require you to relocate. If you're open to moving, that's great! But if you can't, look for internships in your city or remote internships.
Study the internship details: Pay close attention to what the internship offers. Will you be working on actual projects or just doing administrative tasks? Remember, the objective is to learn and grow your animation skills.

Identifying the right animation internship is a critical step in learning how to find animation internships. So take your time, do your research, and find the perfect fit for your career goals.

Build a Strong Portfolio

Next up on your journey to find an animation internship is building a strong portfolio. Your portfolio is like your visual resume—it showcases your skills and talents to potential employers. Here's how you can create a standout portfolio:

Include your best work: Aim for quality over quantity. Include your best pieces that showcase your unique animation style and skills.
Show process work: Employers love to see how you arrived at the final product. Include sketches, storyboards, or character designs that led to your finished animation.
Make it accessible: Consider creating a digital portfolio. Websites like Behance or Dribbble are popular platforms where you can upload your work.
Keep it updated: As you continue to refine your skills and create new work, make sure to update your portfolio. This way, potential employers can see your growth and current abilities.

Remember, your portfolio is often the first impression potential employers have of you, so make it count! An impressive portfolio can be the key to unlocking how to find animation internships that are perfect for you.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Now that you have a strong portfolio, it's time to pair it with a compelling cover letter. This is your chance to communicate directly with potential employers and convince them that you're the right fit for their animation internship. Let's see how to craft that winning cover letter:

Get personal: Start off your cover letter by addressing the person who's hiring. If you're unsure who that is, a bit of research can usually turn up a name. A personal touch can help your letter stand out from the crowd.
Tell your story: Explain your passion for animation and why you're interested in their company. This is a good opportunity to show that you've done your homework about the company. Remember, they're not just looking for a great animator; they're looking for someone who truly wants to be a part of their team.
Highlight your skills: Make sure to highlight your animation skills and how they align with what the internship requires. This is where you can mention specific projects from your portfolio that demonstrate these skills.
End on a positive note: Wrap up your cover letter with a positive and enthusiastic conclusion. Express your excitement about the possibility of joining their team and learning from their expertise.

With your compelling cover letter ready, you're one step closer to landing that dream animation internship. Remember, it's not just about how to find animation internships—it's also about how to make them find you!

Prepare for the Interview

Great news! Your cover letter and portfolio caught someone's eye and you've landed an interview. You're probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves right now, which is perfectly normal. But remember, a job interview is not something you should fear—it's an opportunity to showcase your skills and personality. Here's how to ace it:

Brush up on your skills: You can expect to be asked questions about your animation skills, so be ready to discuss specific techniques or software you've used. If you're rusty on any details, now's the time to hit the books (or the Internet).
Know the company: You've probably already done some research on the company for your cover letter, but you should dig a bit deeper now. Understanding their work style, company culture and the type of projects they handle can give you a competitive edge.
Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions. It's also a good idea to have some questions of your own ready. This shows that you're interested and engaged.
Stay calm and confident: Yes, it's easier said than done. But remember, they're interested in you—that's why you got the interview in the first place. So, breathe, stay positive, and let your passion for animation shine through.

With these tips in hand, you're ready to knock that interview out of the park. And remember, learning how to find animation internships is just the beginning. The real fun starts when you get to show them what you're made of. Good luck!

Network with Industry Professionals

"It's not what you know, it's who you know." You've probably heard that saying before, and when you're looking for an animation internship, it's often true. Networking is a key part of learning how to find animation internships. Here's how to get started:

Attend industry events: Animation expos, film festivals, and workshops are all great places to meet people who are already working in the industry. Not only can you learn a lot from them, but they might also know about internship opportunities that aren't advertised elsewhere.
Join online communities: Websites and forums like CGSociety and Animation World Network are filled with animators and industry insiders. Join the conversation, ask questions, and share your own insights. You never know who might notice your passion and talent.
Reach out to professionals: If there's an animator or studio you admire, don't be shy about reaching out to them. They might not have an internship available, but they could offer valuable advice or even become a mentor.
Stay in touch: Networking isn't just about meeting new people—it's also about maintaining relationships. Stay in touch with the contacts you make, even if they can't help you right now. You never know what opportunities might come up in the future.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. It's not just about what others can do for you. Be genuinely interested in the people you meet and find ways to help them too. That's how you build a strong, supportive network.

Expand Your Animation Skills

When it comes to landing your dream animation internship, one thing is crystal clear — your skills matter. So, how do you ensure your animation skills are up to scratch?

Practice, practice, and practice some more: Animation is a craft, and like any craft, it takes practice to master. Spend time each day working on your animation skills. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
Learn from the pros: There are plenty of online courses and tutorials available that can help you learn new animation techniques. Websites like Lynda and Skillshare offer classes taught by industry professionals.
Experiment with different styles: Don't limit yourself to one style of animation. By experimenting with different techniques, you'll broaden your skill set and make yourself more marketable.
Work on personal projects: Personal projects allow you to showcase your creativity and passion. They can also demonstrate your ability to complete a project from start to finish, which is a highly valuable skill in the animation industry.

Remember, employers don't just want to see that you can animate — they want to see that you're committed to learning and growing. By constantly expanding your animation skills, you're showing potential employers that you're serious about your craft and eager to succeed.

Follow Up After the Interview

So, you've nailed the interview for that animation internship you've been eyeing. What's next? The answer lies in two simple words — follow up. But how to do it right? Let's figure it out.

Send a thank-you note: A quick 'thank you' email can make a big difference. It shows you appreciate the time they took to meet with you. Keep it short and sweet. Mention something specific from the interview that stood out to you.
Give them a reminder: Waited a week and haven't heard anything back? Don't be afraid to reach out again. Remind them of your interest in the position and inquire about the next steps. Remember, there's a thin line between being persistent and being a pest. So tread carefully!
Stay active on professional platforms: While you're waiting, keep yourself visible on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Share articles, comment on posts related to animation. It keeps you in the radar.
Keep your options open: Yes, you might be super excited about this one opportunity, but remember, there are many animation internships out there. Apply to multiple places. You never know what opportunities might come your way.

Follow-ups are more than just a courtesy. They're also a way to show your enthusiasm for the role, your professionalism, and your attention to detail. So, keep your head up, stay patient, and remember — the ball game's not over till it’s over.

Ever wondered how to find animation internships using social media? It's not just for funny cat videos or sharing vacation pictures anymore. It's a powerful tool to help you land that dream internship. Here's how:

LinkedIn: It's more than a digital resume. Use it to connect with professionals in the animation industry. Join groups, participate in discussions, share your works. It's a great way to learn and network.
Twitter: Follow animation studios and professionals. They often post job and internship openings. Plus, it's a goldmine for industry news and trends.
Instagram: Got a portfolio? Share your work! Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Follow industry players and engage with their posts. Remember, your next employer could be just a hashtag away.

Don't forget to keep your profiles professional and clean. Your potential employer might check them out!

So, next time you scroll through your social media feeds, remember they can be more than just a source of entertainment. They can be the stepping stones to your dream animation internship.

Stay Current with Industry Trends

When looking for how to find animation internships, staying up-to-date with industry trends can give you the edge. Animators, just like fashion designers or tech gurus, need to keep their fingers on the pulse of the industry. But how do you do that? Here are a few ways:

Read Blogs and Magazines: Publications such as Animation Magazine and Cartoon Brew are fantastic sources of industry news, interviews, and trend analysis. Remember to read widely, you never know where you'll find your next big idea or inspiration!
Attend Animation Festivals and Conferences: Events like the Annecy International Animation Film Festival or the SIGGRAPH conference are great opportunities to see what's new, meet industry players, and network. Plus, they can be a lot of fun!
Follow Industry Leaders: Follow the works of leading animators and studios. This can help you understand what's popular, what techniques are being used, and where the industry is heading.

Staying informed about industry trends can boost your chances when looking for animation internships. It shows that you're passionate, engaged, and ready to bring fresh ideas to the table. So, grab your favorite cup of coffee and start exploring!

Be Persistent

Let's be real—finding the perfect animation internship can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It can be tough, and you might face a fair share of rejection. But here's a little secret: persistence pays off!

Don't Give Up: If you don't succeed at first, don't be disheartened. Remember, every 'no' is one step closer to a 'yes'. Keep applying, and remember to learn from each experience. Maybe your portfolio needs a tweak or your interview skills need a little polish. It's all part of the journey.
Keep Improving: Use your time wisely. While you're on the hunt for that dream internship, why not take a short course? Or try a new animation technique? Every new skill you pick up makes you more attractive to potential employers.
Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude. Yes, job hunting can be stressful. Yes, rejection can sting. But remember, you're chasing your dream here! Stay focused on that goal, and don't let the bumps along the way get you down.

So, how to find animation internships? Be persistent. Keep pushing, keep improving, and most importantly—keep believing in yourself! Your dream internship is out there waiting for you, and with a little persistence, you'll find it.

If you're looking to land your dream animation internship, Michy's workshop 'How Do I Get Into Animation?' is a must-attend. This workshop will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you break into the animation industry and secure the internship you've always wanted.