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

Remote; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from senior designers

Hybrid in-office + remote Fridays

Flexible time off

Team-building events

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

The Heist, a motion design, live action, and post production studio, invites a Motion Design Intern to join for a 3-month contract with potential for full-time growth. You will collaborate with senior designers on 2D and 3D projects, learning hands-on across campaigns and client work.

This is a hands-on role, not a coffee run, aimed at building real project experience. You’ll gain exposure to motion pipelines, design systems, and creative reviews while developing craft in animation, timing, and

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Motion Design, Animation, or Design program.
• Foundational proficiency in Adobe After Effects.
• Familiarity with Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Exposure to 3D tools like Cinema 4D and/or Houdini.
• Strong understanding of timing, easing, and composition.

Responsibilities

• Support the motion design team on 2D and 3D projects for campaigns.
• Assist in animating assets for short-form video and branded content.
• Prepare project files, exports, and deliverables across platforms.
• Organize assets and maintain clean workflows.
• Participate in creative reviews and critiques.
• Apply feedback efficiently and stay curious about trends in motion.

Skills

Animation principles

Time management

Team collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Motion Design/Animation/Design program

Tools

After Effects

Premiere Pro

Photoshop

Illustrator

Cinema 4D

Houdini

Job description

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.

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

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.