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Design + Production Internships

With a MousePaw Media internship, your creative ideas matter! Stretch your limits, expand your skills, and make your mark on a meaningful project.

This program is currently closed to applications. Please check back later.

Learning Goals

The purpose of the MousePaw Media Design+Production Internship is to cultivate the skills and character traits required to succeed as a professional in the animation and design industry.

  • Learn effective design techniques and practices.
  • Build communication skills through collaboration with co-workers.
  • Learn animation production techniques.
  • Expand design and production skills through research and on-the-job practice.
  • Visual and audio design.

Requirements

In addition to the general requirements, applicants should be able to meet the following criteria:

  • Proficient at drawing by hand on paper.
  • Willing to learn a wide range of software application.

Design + Production Internship Questions

(Click a question to view the answer.)

What art style are you looking for?

Our character and game animation will be in 2D cartoon animation. Backgrounds and environments will be designed in 3D.

Why do I need to be able to draw on paper?

At every major animation studio, for both 2D and 3D, work always starts on paper. We follow these same industry standards. Storyboarding, character design, and concept art all ultimately begin on paper before computer-based work begins.

What software do you use?

We always start on paper, and use Phabricator Pholio for reviewing and discussing design work. For 3D work, we use Blender. For 2D work, we'll be using our own in-house animation studio software, Lightrift. Additional artwork is created using Glimpse, Inkscape, and Krita.

Why don't you use [INSERT SOFTWARE]?

First, we use Linux for all our work, so the software must work on that operating system. Second, we use exclusively open source software, both for ethical and budgetary reasons. Third, we have to make sure our animation is compatible with the rest of the technology in our game engine. Fourth, the ability to learn and adapt to new software is a vital industry skill for any artist or animator.

What kind of computer and equipment do I need?

Design + Production interns must have private, administrator access to a computer with the following minimum specifications.

  • Debian-based Linux (at minimum, based on Debian Jessie or Ubuntu 16.04). We can help with setup.
  • RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB or more recommended.
  • Processor: 2GHz speed or better.
  • Hard Drive: 250GB free space minimum (or 200GB minimum after Linux installation.)
  • Display: 1024x768 minimum.
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection.
  • External mouse with scroll wheel.
  • Keyboard with separate numpad.
  • Webcam.
  • Microphone.

We also recommend the following:

  • Second display, 1024x768 or better.
  • Wacom graphics tablet.

I don't like/know Linux. Can I just use [INSERT OS]?

No. We have many reasons for using Linux at MousePaw Media: compatibility, support, maintainability, expense, and privacy being five big reasons. It is also highly beneficial for any modern professional to learn. Don't worry - we'll help you set it up and learn it. You'll be amazed at how friendly and easy to use it can be!

Will you consider me if I don't yet know how to animate?

Yes, as long as you demonstrate a proficiency for drawing on paper, and are willing to learn new techniques and styles.

Will you teach me how to draw?

While we can provide guidance and resources for expanding your drawing skills, you must already by reasonably proficient.

Will you teach me how to animate?

We can certainly show you the ropes and provide resources for learning more. Our management staff knows how the process works, but since it isn't our primary skill, you'll need to bring your own artistic talent and vision to the table to make it really sparkle.

Why aren't you animating the whole game in 3D?

We use 3D (Blender) to create background images for our game locations. However, we have decided not to animate the characters or design the actual game in 3D. This is first a technical decision, since 3D games require more powerful computers than many of our clients have. Second, due to the complexity of the style, it is a lot harder to get 3D right, and we need quality!

More questions?

We're here to help! Contact us at and we'll happily answer any questions you have.

Ready To Apply?

This program is currently closed to applications. Please check back later.