INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Motion Design Intern - The Heist (3-Month Contract, Potential for Full-Time)

CompanyThinkingbox
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 2, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Support the motion design team by animating assets for 2D and 3D commercial, social, and digital campaigns. Assist in preparing project files, maintaining clean workflows, and participating in creative reviews and brainstorms.
Internship Type
internship
Company Size
46
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
The Heist is a creative studio specializing in animation, motion design, and live-action storytelling. The Heist blends craft and technology to create emotionally resonant brand content across digital, experiential, and broadcast platforms. A Thinkingbox company.
About the Role

Who We Are
Hi! We’re The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.


We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.


The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Motion Design Intern to join us on a 3-month contract, with the opportunity to transition into a full-time role. We’re looking for someone who’s hungry to learn and ready to jump into real projects.


This role is ideal for someone early in their creative career who is passionate about animation, design systems, digital storytelling, and motion-driven craft. You’ll work alongside experienced designers and directors while building hands-on experience across 2D and 3D pipelines.
This is not a coffee run internship. You’ll be making things.

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What You’ll Be Doing
  • Support the motion design team across 2D and 3D projects for commercial, social, and digital campaigns
  • Assist in animating assets for short-form video, branded content, and broadcast work
  • Help prepare project files, exports, and deliverables across multiple platforms
  • Organize assets and maintain clean project workflows
  • Participate in creative reviews, brainstorms, and internal critiques
  • Take feedback constructively and apply revisions efficiently
  • Stay curious about trends in motion, culture, design, and emerging tools


What You'll Bring
  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Motion Design, Animation, Design, or related program
  • Foundational proficiency in Adobe After Effects
  • Familiarity with Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator
  • Exposure to 3D tools – ideally Cinema 4D and/or Houdini
  • An understanding of basic animation principles including timing, easing, and composition
  • Strong attention to detail and eagerness to grow
  • Ability to manage time and collaborate in a team environment
  • Ability to effectively communicate in written and verbal formats


What You'll Gain
  • Real studio experience across client projects
  • Exposure to professional production and post workflows
  • Mentorship from senior designers and creative leaders
  • A deeper understanding of how motion fits within broader brand systems and campaigns


Bonus Points!
  • Knowledge of basic 3D workflows, lighting, and rendering
  • Curiosity around AI assisted workflows and emerging creative tools
  • A portfolio that shows personality, taste, and an eye for motion
  • Rive, Cavalry, Figma, or other creative platform experience


Additional Info
  • Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
  • Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
  • Consistent culture and team-building events
  • Employee recognition and incentive programs
  • Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year 
  • Office lunches 
  • Branded company swag
  • Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
  • Flex work and travel options
  • Comprehensive extended health benefits
  • 401k matching


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$20 - $20 an hour
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. If your compensation expectations fall outside of this range, we still welcome your application.
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Equal Opportunity
At The Heist, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. Diversity is our creative advantage. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives. Your voice matters here.

 

To Apply
Please submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio. Show us work that reflects your taste, curiosity, and potential.

 

Due to application volume, we are unable to respond to every submission, but all applications are thoughtfully reviewed and considered for future opportunities.

Key Skills
Adobe After EffectsPremiere ProPhotoshopIllustratorCinema 4DHoudiniAnimation principlesTimingEasingComposition2D animation3D animationDigital storytellingDesign systemsProject workflow management
Categories
Creative & MediaArt & DesignTechnology
Benefits
Paid vacationSick daysEmployee recognition programsIncentive programsOffice lunchesBranded company swagIndustry events accessLearning opportunitiesDog-friendly officesUnlimited coffee, drinks, and snacksFlex work optionsTravel optionsExtended health benefits401k matching