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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.
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Learn effective design techniques and practices.
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Build communication skills through collaboration
with co-workers.
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Learn animation production techniques.
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Expand design and production skills through research
and on-the-job practice.
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Visual and audio design.
Requirements
In addition to the
general requirements,
applicants should be able to meet the following criteria:
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Proficient at drawing by hand on paper.
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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.
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Debian-based Linux (at minimum, based on Debian
Jessie or Ubuntu 16.04). We can help with setup.
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RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB or more recommended.
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Processor: 2GHz speed or better.
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Hard Drive: 250GB free space minimum (or 200GB
minimum after Linux installation.)
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Display: 1024x768 minimum.
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Reliable high-speed internet connection.
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External mouse with scroll wheel.
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Keyboard with separate numpad.
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Webcam.
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Microphone.
We also recommend the following:
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Second display, 1024x768 or better.
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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
internships@nullmousepawmedia.com
and we'll happily answer any questions you have.
Ready To Apply?
This program is currently closed to applications. Please
check back later.