Stephen Hillenburg

In 1984, while teaching marine biology at the Orange County Ocean Institute, Stephen created “Bob the Sponge,” an early incarnation of the square-pants’d fellow who came along years later. Stephen claims his love for the undersea world can be traced to his childhood, and the films of the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.

Hey, what about a nerdy sponge, kind of like an undersea Jerry Lewis!

– Steve Hillenburg

Rocko’s Modern Way of Easily Applying for Cool Animation Jobs.

Nick Animation Program Writers
Writing Program

Founded in the year 2000, the Nickelodeon Writing Program is a full-time, paid, yearlong development Program for television comedy writers with unique voices and fresh perspectives. Join us at the studio in Burbank for classes and workshops to sharpen your skills, executive mentorship and networking to build your professional relationships, and the opportunity to work in the iconic live-action and animation writers’ rooms at Nick. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dedicate yourself to the craft of writing and build your career from the ground up.

The Nick Writing Program is not a writing contest – It’s a launching pad for emerging creatives. If you bring the unique voice and innovative ideas for kids’ and family content, we’ll help you launch a career with all the tools you’ll need to succeed in the industry for years to come.

We need your talent and perspective, so come tell us your story!

 

Submissions are closed.

 

Please note: all submission and notification dates are subject to change.

Nick Animation Artist Program Icon
Artist Program

We can’t create the most awesome kids’ content in the world without the most awesome artists in the world. 

The Nickelodeon Artist Program is a 6-month, full-time paid talent development program for aspiring pre-production artists. We seek out talented designers, painters, story artists, and CG generalists with diverse voices from underrepresented communities, with the goal of mentoring, developing, and staffing the next generation of inclusive storytellers and content creators. 

The Nick Artist Program is designed to kick-start the journey of career-ready artists! If you’re ready for the SLIME of your life, come join us at the Nick Animation Studio.  

Please note: All dates are subject to change. 

Nick Animation Program Internship
Intern Program

We’re always on the lookout for fresh new perspectives and voices who are also curious to learn…and be a SPONGE! Come join us and make an impact!

2025 Summer NICKtern Applications are coming soon!

Talent Pipeline Programs

There’s oodles of ways to get in the door at Nickelodeon!

Our Talent Pipeline Programs are mentorship-based incubators designed to bring emerging creators from all walks of life into the studio.