Hello, and happy new year! Welcome again to another Weekly Roundup. In the Weekly Roundup, I provide links and summarized information about the crowdfunded projects, creator opportunities, and resources that have caught my eye over the week. I hope you enjoy!
As a note: I am not sponsored by any company, group, or individual listed below or elsewhere on this site unless otherwise listed.
Helping Others
Looking for inspiration or encouragement? Check out the #smallacts hashtag on twitter. Thank you Celeste Ng for encouraging such an awesome movement!
Here is a list of some charities and nonprofits to donate to. Thanks Christina!
Here is a list of inclusive volunteer positions organized by state.
If you are a trans person in need of legal assistance, many people are offering services pro bono. Check the hashtag #TransLawHelp on Twitter or at translawhelp.org.
If you need to talk to someone or otherwise vent, please utilize this list of help hotlines.
Take care and take your time. Your work is more important than ever. Thank you for sharing your originality and openness with the world. You bring light to the days of others, and it is so, so appreciated.
Crowdfunded Projects
Nameless Woman: An Anthology of Fiction by Trans Women of Color is running a Kickstarter to fund the production of the anthology and future works. The anthology will feature new and previously published fiction by trans women of color, paying each $100. Tier options include print and digital copies of Nameless Woman and poetry books by Jamie Berrout. The Kickstarter ends on January 15.
[Super]Natural Attraction is running a Kickstarter to fund the production of the digital comic. The story focuses on college student Persephone, who is killed in a hit-and-run and then revived by her med student room mate. Once revived, she can see the supernatural creatures on her campus and uses her newfound skill to assist a local monster hunter. Tier options include wallpapers, tutorials, concept art, commissions, cameos, and additional comics. The Kickstarter ends January 17.
Wicked Love, an otome visual novel/dating sim game, is running a Kickstarter to fund additional artwork, storylines, and character designs for the game. Wicked Love has over 21 different endings determined by your choices and puzzle-solving abilities within the game. Tier options include digital wallpapers, printable valentines, vinyl stickers, coloring page sets, character pillows, and the game itself! The Kickstarter ends February 2.
Serving Pride: The Queer History Dinner Party Handbook is running a Kickstarter to fund its production. To quote the Kickstarter: “In the model of the Passover Haggadah, Serving Pride will guide a group of dinner guests through a ritual meal where history is retold through readings, songs, games, recipes, and artwork.” Tier options include physical and digital copies of the final product, posters, and hardcover copies. The Kickstarter ends February 3.
Monster Pop! Volume 2 is running a Kickstarter to fund the production of its second volume. Monster Pop! follows the adventures of George Tinsley, a student cyclops radio broadcaster in college. The story is a slice of life romantic comedy with shoujo manga influences and a cast full of LGBTQA+ characters. Tier options include postcards, video tutorials, iron-on patches, enamel pins, prints, charms, commissions, the book itself in print or digital form, and more. The Kickstarter ends February 6.
Creative Opportunities
General
Check the Lemma Soft Forums for paid work related to visual novel and game development, including project management, illustration, voice acting work, animation, sprite creation, writing, coding, and more.
Thank you, Tanya D., for this awesome list of POC, LGBTQIA+, nonbinary, trans, woman-identifying, or otherwise marginalized creators! If you’re a marginalized creator, sign yourself up here!
Animation
Here is a survey for Women Professionals in Animation. If you work in animation and identify as a woman, please submit your anonymous information to this survey to inform and assist current and future animators.
You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com! Companies like DHX Media, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and others have a number of open full-time, part-time, and freelance positions available, including social media, editing, and teaching.
Comics, Illustration, and More
State of the Union, an upcoming digital zine featuring black and white color illustrations, comics, prose, poetry, and more, is accepting submissions until January 13. The zine will be available for free online. Donated proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Johnny Aleksi is hosting a Valentine’s Day Art Trade for creators on Tapastic! Sign up by January 13 to have your character paired up with another for a blind date.
Drawn and Quarterly is hiring for an entry level position in their editorial production department. Today is the last day to submit your application so be sure to turn it in if you are a Canadian citizen or already have a work visa!
Applications are open for 愛 (ai), a Yuri on Ice Fanzine that will focus on the 6 different aspects of Greek love and the relationships between the Yuri on Ice characters. Applications close on January 15.
Lights, Camera, Action! A Samurai Flamenco Fanzine is accepting applications for artists until January 15. All contributors will be given a copy of the zine. The remaining issues will be sold with proceeds donated to a yet-to-be-decided LGBTQ+ charity. Apply here.
Little, Brown’s Emerging Artist Award is accepting entries until January 15. Submitted mockups should invoke the diversity and rich cultural experiences in America. Potential prizes include $2500 in American Express gift cards, round trip travel to New York City, and a one-day mentorship with the Little, Brown book design and editorial team and Jerry Pinkney.
The Yuri on Ice Ensemble Zine is accepting submissions of fic and fanart until January 15. Content is to focus on familial friendships of the characters, though romantic relationships can be shown. Proceeds will be donated to charity.
Light Grey Art Lab is accepting submissions to their show Tobeyou until January 16. Create art that is important to you, your identity, your dreams, and your experience. Any medium is accepted.
Threadless is accepting entries to their Tiki-themed t-shirt art contest until January 16th. They also have a contest for designing a new emoji open until January 23. You can submit any theme anytime here.
Unapologetic, passionate, and bold female Muslim artists of all concentrations are welcome to apply by January 20 for an exhibition opportunity. Click the link for more details.
Light Grey Art Lab has extended its call for submissions for its show The Lost Isle of Kismet: A Choose Your Own Adventure Exhibit. Artists will be grouped into teams that will each help create the immerse world for this unique and interactive gallery show. Submit by January 20 to be considered. Final artwork will be due March 1, 2017.
My Heroine Academia, a digital zine celebrating the female relationships of My Hero Academia, is accepting submissions until January 25.
Who Runs The World: A Fan Zine for Lesser Known, Obscure, and Forgotten Magical Girls has applications open until January 25. Profits will be donated to Direct Relief.
The Werewolves vs. Space Zine is accepting applications until January 27. Here are the terms of submission, and here is more info on this volume’s theme of space.
The Multiship Voltron Fan Zine has applications open for PG-13 and lower fic and fanart until January 30. The zine will be available with proceeds donated to an undecided charity. Unpaid.
Nature and Humans: A Comic Anthology is accepting comic submissions until January 30. Final submissions will need to be between 4-8 pages and in full color. Payment for art to be determined be funds raised through crowdfunded after the book is printed and shipped.
Another Closet, a collection of poetry, fiction, comics, and essays by queer + trans folks and/or survivors living with addiction, is accepting submissions until January 31. Anonymity can be requested.
Applications for the Cartoonist Studio Prize is open until January 31. Comics published in print and/or online in 2016 are eligible to enter.
Level-8 Comics is hosting a Design a Character competition for creators ages 5-15 until January 31. Design one hero and one villain to be drawn and featured in issue 1 of Late Knights: A Sense of Steel.
Draw Your Own Hero and to @PREVIEWSworld with hashtag #PREVIEWShero for a chance to win a series of How to Draw books and an appearance in a future appearance of PREVIEWS. Submit by January 31.
The Studio Trigger Fan Zine has a call for artists open until January 31.
Webcomic Love Not Found is hosting a fanart contest with the theme “jolly”. Submissions are due by January 31.
Dardishi is accepting writing, art, film, and photography from Arab people who do not identify as men. Submit by February 1 to be considered for their current issue about food. Reviews of books by Arab women are also welcome.
Gothic Tales of Haunted Love is accepting applications until February 1. About 10 applications will be accepted into the anthology, to be paid $50 per page with potential bonuses. Final submissions should be gothic romance comics 1-10 pages in length.
The Indigenous Love Comic Collection is accepting submissions of completed art, comics, essays, and poems for inclusion in an anthology published by Native Realities Press by February 1.
SpiderForest will open applications to join their comic collective from February 1 to February 18! Comic collectives are a great way for webcomic creators to support each other, so if you feel like it’s a fit, please apply!
Swan Song is accepting submissions for their music-themed anthology until February 1. Submissions must be in full color and contributors must have previously lived in or currently live in British Columbia. Submissions should be up to 9 pages in length, and contributors will be paid $50/page.
The Society of Illustrators Annual Student Competition is accepting submissions until February 6. Undergraduate department chairs and administrators must submit the work of their students.
The Silent Manga Audition is holding an “extra” round titled Kumamoto Round 2017. The theme is “to bring as much smiles and laughter” to the people of Kumamoto, an island affected by the earthquakes in April 2016. submit a 5-17 page comic by February 15 for the chance to win a trip to Japan, workshops, and a SEJ011 watch.
The Oakland Public Library is hosting a library card art contest with entries due February 17.
Hellcat Press is accepting applications for their upcoming Tales from the Public Domain anthology until February 28. Creative teams will be paid $20 for up to ten pages of black and white work and will retain copyright of their work.
The Silent Manga Audition announced its seventh run of its worldwide dialogue-free comic competition. The theme is “unforgettable taste.” Entries are due by March 31.
The Trans Lifeline Benefit Anthology is accepting submissions of writing and illustration. Stories must be fanwork for a work in the public domain and have a hopeful or happy ending. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Trans Lifeline. Submissions are due by March 31.
Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic that previously published Raina Telgemeier’s Smile, Jeff Smith’s Bone, and Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet, is accepting submissions for graphic novelists creating works for children and teens. Visit their site for more information. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Submissions for 2017’s If Anthology are open. The theme is “crime” and the soft deadline is May 1. Contributors will be compensated with 1 book per page.
Aaron Sullivan is looking for webcomic titles to review for Comic Crusaders. Link your work here to be considered.
Amazon is looking for a digital editor for Comixology in New York.
Bobby Chiu is looking for an assistant in the Toronto area.
Facebook Stickers is looking for artists to create more stickers for their messenger. Thank you Cole!
The Fair Page Rates annual survey is live! If you’ve worked professionally as a comic artist this year, fill out the survey to help inform yourself and other artists in the future.
Klutz, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc., is looking for an Associate Art Director in New York.
Iron Circus Comics will be hiring in the new year. Sign up to receive more information when the positions become available. They also have submissions open, so consider pitching!
Jerry’s Art-A-Rama is hosting a number of art contests, some ongoing and some requiring specific materials. Check what’s open and see if you can qualify. I encourage you to enter this contest by describing why you use Jerry’s Art-A-Rama.
Passion Fruit Anthology, a queer erotica anthology to be released by Beyond Press, will begin accepting submissions starting February 6th. More information can be found here.
The Yaoi Army is hiring 1-3 main artists for their 2017 projects. Email your portfolio to theyaoiarmy [at] gmail.com.
Check out Arts for LA or College Art Opportunities for more exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities. See Find Anthologies for a list of anthologies with open submissions and to submit anthologies of your own.
Conventions and Events
The 2016 Convention Artist Survey is live until January 15. If you participated in an artist alley in 2016, be sure to add in your information to help future artist alley participants!
Con or Bust has free tickets available for people of color for a number of upcoming conventions, including StokerCon and MidSouthCon.
GeekGirlCon is looking for volunteers to help plan next year’s convention. Check the site for open positions, or sign up for the mailing list to hear more!
A Party!!! On Ice is happening in Toronto on January 28 at Canlon York University Rink. Check this document or this twitter account for more information.
San Jose Zine Con is accepting vendor applications and volunteer applications for their February 12 event. If you’re in the area, check it out and support indie comics!
The Maine Comics Arts Festival (MeCAF) is accepting exhibitor applications until February 15.
Clexacon is accepting applications for their artist alley.
Rose City Comic Con is accepting applications for their artist alley.
Design
Abrams Books is looking for a freelance Graphic Designer in New York.
AmazonGo is hiring a Graphic Designer in Seattle. Amazon is hiring a Visual Designer in Seattle, too, to work on creative content for customer service.
Amazon is looking for a Visual Designer to work in Japan creating social media marketing content.
Day One is looking for a visual designer in Seattle.
Hachette Book Group is hiring a Production Associate in New York to coordinate design and composition services for adult trade print and ebook titles.
Penguin Young Readers is hiring a Senior Designer in New York to design book packaging and interiors.
PsyOp is looking for a designer to join their team in New York.
ThinkProgress is looking for a fulltime Graphic Designer to work in their offices in Washington, DC.
Vox Media is hiring a Graphic Designer in New York for their branch Racked, which focuses on how and why we shop.
The Yaoi Army is hiring a Main Illustrator and Graphic Designer for an upcoming RPG bishounen card game. Email your portfolio to theyaoiarmy [at] gmail.com.
Mentorships
The Representation Matters Mentorship Program is accepting applications from self-identified people of color interested in the publishing industry. Mentorships will last 6 months, with a minimum of one session every two months.
Music
@JkaplanAW is searching for a composer for a future yuri visual novel project. Ideally the composer would be comfortable creating music stylistically somewhere between jazz and classical, making use of acoustic guitar and piano.
Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops
The VCCA is accepting applications for their fellowships and residencies until January 15. The residencies seek to provide a space for LGBTQ people, veterans, American citizens of Lation and/or African descent, and people from the mid-Atlantic states working in a variety of disciplines of the arts. Check the VCCA’s Special Programs page for more information on each of the fellowships.
Telltale Games is hosting a Creative Workshop for those interested in the Design or Writing programs at Telltale Games. Apply by January 23 for the opportunity to attend.
Lambda Literary is accepting applications to its Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices until January 30. Writers of fiction, nonfiction, young adult fiction, poetry, or playwriting may apply.
Check out Arts for LA or College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
Scholarships
Here’s a list of 102 college and graduate scholarships available for women of color!
The Different Games Collective is accepting applications for their Ambassador Program, which includes all-access passes to the 2017 Game Developers Conference (GDC) and access to the GDC Vault for those fostering diversity and inclusivity in games. Apply by January 2 to be be considered.
The Application for 2017-2018 Point Foundation Scholarship is open until January 31. The scholarship is for students in the Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New York City areas who identify as “out” members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Teaching
Columbus College of Art and Design is hiring a Comics Illustration Assistant Professor, among other faculty and staff positions.
Sign up to teach at Skillshare to earn royalties based on the premium member students in your class. See here for additional information.
Typesetting
Tapas is looking for typesetters to clean up and letter comics with provided English translations.
Voice Acting
Check the Casting Call Club and Voice Acting Alliance for more voice acting and audio opportunities.
Writing and Editing
State of the Union, an upcoming digital zine featuring black and white color illustrations, comics, prose, poetry, and more, is accepting submissions until January 13. The zine will be available for free online. Donated proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Sinister Wisdom is accepting written submissions from “womyn who self-identify as black lesbians.” Editors are particularly interested in work that discusses the diversity of black lesbian experiences. Submit by January 21 for consideration.
The Fandom Zine is accepting submissions until January 22. Write essays or collaboratively debate on the topic of “tropes” as they relate to fandom.
Lambda Literary Writer’s Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is accepting applications until January 30. 12 students per workshop spend a week attending intensive classes, workshops, and lectures featuring reknowned voices in modern queer storytelling, such as Malinda Lo and Phillip Howze, and other publishing industry professionals.
Another Closet, a collection of poetry, fiction, comics, and essays by queer + trans folks and/or survivors living with addiction, is accepting submissions until January 31. Anonymity can be requested.
The Good Men Project is accepting poetry submissions on the topics of xenophobia and immigration. Submissions are due January 31.
On She Goes is looking for pitches from women of color for their Spring 2017 issue. The theme is “We Belong Here” and should involve the experience of traveling as a woman of color. Apply by January 31 for consideration for this paid opportunity.
Between January 31 and February 7, Tapas will accept written pitch submissions. 3 will be published, and one writer will receive a $500 advance.
Dardishi is accepting writing, art, film, and photography from Arab people who do not identify as men. Submit by February 1 to be considered for their current issue about food. Reviews of books by Arab women are also welcome.
WisCon is seeking academic proposals for the convention’s academic programming. Submit by February 23 for consideration.
Impossible Archetype is accepting international submissions of poetry in English for their inaugural issue. Submissions close March 1. See guidelines here.
Arsenika is open for fiction, poetry, and artwork submissions through March 15. Payment for accepted submissions is $0.01 per word, with a minimum of $5. Read here for more information.
Best Gay Stories 2017 and Wilde Life 2017 are seeking submissions of fiction featuring men and transmen who identify as gay. Stories must have been previously published in 2016. Please submit stories that are 12,000 words or less. Submit by March 15 for consideration.
Built on Strange Ground is accepting pitches consisting of creepy, eerie, and strange nonfiction personal accounts. Submit by March 15 or consideration.
WisCon 41 is seeking submissions for its Souvenir Book. Submit essays of 500 to 1000 words describing topics both historic and current that are relevant to the WisCon community. Writers will be paid $20 upon publication. Submit by March 15.
NineStar Press is seeking submissions for a lesbian paranormal – werewolves, vampires, mythical creatures – anthology. Submissions are due by March 31. NineStar Press also has ongoing submissions open for LGBTQA+ romance fiction, literary novels, and erotica shorts.
Queer Pack is seeking submissions of positive queer stories between 5000 and 6000 words for their Queerly Loving Anthology. Stories by cis men are not accepted. Submit by March 31 for consideration.
The Trans Lifeline Benefit Anthology is accepting submissions of writing and illustration. Stories must be fanwork for a work in the public domain and have a hopeful or happy ending. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Trans Lifeline. Submissions are due by March 31.
Anime Feminist is looking for contributors in the upcoming year. Read here for more information. Article writers will generally be paid $50 per article.
The newly launched Argot Magazine is seeking submissions about queer and marginalized experiences. Click here for more on their mission as well as their pay rates.
Beyond the Binary is seeking non-binary contributors, prioritizing people of color, low income people, and disabled people.
Online monthly magazine The Dark is accepting submissions from 2000 to 6000 words in length. Encouraged genres include horror and dark fantasy, but graphic, violent horror is not desired. Payment is $0.03/word for up to 6000 words. Republishing payment is $0.01/word.
Everyday Feminism is looking for an Editor for a remote position.
The Gay YA is seeking submissions for its Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week featuring commentary and insight on aromantic representation in young adult fiction. Please submit by February 1 for consideration.
Hello Equality is seeking trans and POC writers for their website. Speak on issues related to LGBTQ+ people, feminism, or pop culture topics.
Homeschoolers Anonymous is accepting submissions for their blog’s Gender Rainbow series featuring stories from trans, non-binary, or gender nonconforming people who are currently or have been homeschooled. The series will begin posting January 16 and will continue throughout the month.
Random House’s digital-only imprint Hydra has open submissions for completed works in the science fiction, fantasy, and horror categories. There is no word count limit for submissions, but full-length works of 40,000 words or more are preferred. Accepted writers will be assigned to a Random House editor, marketer, and publicist. Response time is usually 2-4 weeks.
Kotaku is hiring a Senior Writer and a Staff Writer for full-time, remote positions.
Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group is seeking an Editor, a Digital Marketing Coordinator, a Designer, and a Front End Developer and Graphic Designer in New York. They’re also looking to fill other positions.
The Mary Sue is looking for new contributors, particularly those with opinions on the current sociopolitical climate.
NerdyPOC is looking for new writers for commentary on pop culture. Expected submission is once every one or two weeks.
The Offing is accepting submissions in many area of writing, including science, personal essays, and poetry.
Pink Narcissus Press is seeking complete novel and novella manuscripts of 50,000 words or more. They are interested in well-written but non-mainstream speculative fiction with strong elements of sci-fi or fantasy.
Sky Pony Press is accepting submissions for picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction.
Slack is looking for a brand copywriter, designers, and design interns in San Francisco.
StArt Faire Magazine is seeking interviewers, reviews, tutorials, and prose for their monthly e-magazine.
ThinkProgress is accepting pitches from freelance writers on topics such as climate policy, economy, reproductive rights, refugees, diverse perspectives, and more. Read here for guidelines on how to pitch.
Videodame is seeking contributors for their monthly guest residency. Contributors will be paid $50 for 1-4 pieces about or inspired by games and gaming culture.
Vox.com’s video team is looking for a story editor to edit video scripts, perform research, and generate video story ideas.
Women Write About Comics is looking for female and nonbinary contributors in the new year. If you’d like to offer in-depth and nuanced critique of comics and related pop culture, please apply.
Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!
Resources
A number of Animation Resources have been uploaded to Flickr. Historical collections of walk cycles, reference sheets, and more are available for study.
Becca Hillburn of Nattosoup uploaded a blog post with information on watercolor glazing techniques as well as a video on modifying a Jinhao x750 to use a Brause rose nib.
Becca Hillburn is not only a provider of extensive, honest, and high-quality product reviews and tutorials, she’s a full-time comic artist and illustrator passionate about children’s lit and helping others. Check out her store, her book, or her Patreon and send her a “thank you” message if you can!
The Center for Cartoon Studies has a One-Week Cartooning Workout available to you for free through email sign up.
Color Supply is an in-browser color palette creator! Pretty handy. Thanks Yamino!
Check out Comics Club, a new blog that highlights and connects comics clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators. Comics Club is currently hoping to hear from teachers and other educators, existing comics clubs, or members of the community with insight to offer or events to share.
Also check out Comic Ops for opportunities specifically comic creators!
The Creative Market offers new free resources each week. Sign up via email to be alerted each Monday!
The Famous Artists Cartoon Course is now available in the public domain.
Jetpens released guides on ergonomic pens and pencil cases, pouches, and rolls.
Jessica Hische has created and shared a tool to help generate emails between creators and their clients.
Here’s a guide for Scripting Comics by Kevin Cullen.
Deals
Now through January 16, Barnes and Noble is having a buy 2 get 1 free sale on Viz manga.
DigiCel Flipbook is having a 70% off sale on their 2D animation software using code “HappyNewYear” at checkout.
Jerry’s Art-A-Rama is having a sale with hundreds of art supplies on sale for $1 and $2. Check it out!
Kodansha has the first volumes of a number of digital manga series available for $0.99. Check out the options here. Sale ends January 16.
Liz Staley’s Manga Studio/Clip Studio Paint Video Tutorials are on sale for 50% off. So are the other Clip Studio Paint add-ons.
Remember to check Dick Blick, Jerry’s Art-A-Rama, Joann, and Michael’s for their weekly ads, coupons, and specials.
Giveaways
Scholarpitch is giving away 2 passes to the upcoming BookExpo 2017. Apply here by January 15 if you are a PoC, Native American, or LGBTQIAP+ book blogger. Travel expenses not included.
Everyone Is Gay is offering a free holiday e-care package Where the Love Light Gleams. Submit your email to receive it for free!
Follow cetriya and comment in this journal for a free advance reader copy of Axiom: A Parallax.
Goodreads constantly offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres.
That’s it for this week! Look out for another post next week with these categories and possibly more. Is there something you’d like to see more of? Something you know about but don’t see here? Comments and suggestions as this year comes to a close and a new one begins? Let me know!
If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my Patreon or through Paypal.
Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – January 5, 2017
paper cat press 