External Art Intern, Characters [Spring 2027]

Crystal Dynamics

4d•$20 - $23•Remote

About The Position

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a remote spring intern to support external character art work on active AAA game projects. The 12-week program offers hands-on project involvement, mentorship from experienced professionals, and collaboration with onsite and remote teams. The internship is scheduled for February 1 through April 23, 2027, and includes the first week onsite at the studio in San Carlos, California for onboarding. Interns must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during core business hours, and be legally eligible to work in the United States. Applicants must have graduated from a college or university program in 2026 in a relevant field and submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio link. The intern will learn and use industry-standard art tools and software, contribute to the review and polishing of incoming character and prop assets, and support artists with asset fixes and other assigned tasks. The position also provides exposure to advanced game development technology, particularly Unreal Engine. Compensation is $20–$23 per hour, based on work location, plus a stipend to help with program expenses. Interns are eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Requirements

Graduated from a college or university program in 2026 (spring, summer, fall, or winter).
Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or a related field.
Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during core business hours for the duration of the program, February 1–April 23, 2027.
Available to work onsite at the San Carlos, California studio during the first week for onboarding.
Legally eligible to work in the United States.
Submit a complete application including a resume, cover letter, and portfolio link.

Nice To Haves

Portfolio demonstrating foundational character art skills, including character examples showing understanding of anatomy, silhouette, or proportion.
Understanding of color theory and physically based rendering (PBR).
Hard-surface experience creating armor, weapons, vehicles, or other cleanly modeled assets.
Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum, such as game jams, personal projects, or contributions to group projects.
Exposure to industry-standard development software, tools, and engines.
Willingness to tackle challenges, learn from feedback, and adapt to new tools or workflows.
Ability to communicate ideas, eagerness to learn, and ability to put feedback into action.

Responsibilities

Learn and use industry-standard tools and software, including Unreal Engine, ZBrush, Maya, Substance Designer, and Substance Painter.
Help review incoming character and prop assets for quality, consistency, and technical compliance.
Support mid-level, senior, and lead artists by polishing external character assets and helping fix issues.
Complete other tasks as assigned.
Develop understanding of advanced game development technology, with a focus on Unreal Engine.