Hello! 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’s a free, open source Resistance Manual.
Are you marching to protest the inauguration and its implications this weekend? Read this thread on tips to stay safe.
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.
Awards
Entries from publishers and creators are now being accepted for the 2017 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Submit by March 24 to be considered!
You can also vote for up to 4 people for the Will Eisner Hall of Fame Awards if you are a qualified voter. Here are the bios and some works of the nominated artists. You may vote until March 10.
The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award is also accepting nominations until April 7! Vote for your favorite comic book retailer to thank them for contributing to the awesome world of comics.
Crowdfunded Projects
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.
Undercities: A Short Story Anthology is running a Kickstarter to fund its printing. Undercities features over 300 pages of written urban fantasy stories from LGBTQIA+ authors and authors of color. Although the Kickstarter has reached goals, stretch goals include additional payment for the creators involved. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, an enamel pin, bookmarks, and prints. The Kickstarter ends February 15.
Chameleon Pens Color Tops is running a Kickstarter to fund the production of its new Color Top line. Chameleon Pens take the guesswork out of blending alcohol markers and the new refillable tops allow you to blend complementary colors and different values of similar hues. Tier options include the new Color Tips, Color Tips refills, Chameleon Pens themselves, blender and detail pens, Color Tones colored pencils, and storage cases. The Kickstarter ends February 17.
Creative Opportunities
General
Capy is hiring a Junior Game Designer in Toronto.
JiMi Agency‘s February Order is open until January 25.
Check the Lemma Soft Forums for paid work related to visual novel and game development, including project management, illustration, voice acting work, animation, music composition, 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
Cleaversoft is looking for an animator to create simple character animations like this one. Email mattahan [at] gmail [dot] com with your samples.
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
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.
Threadless is accepting entries to their contest for designing a new emoji open until January 23. You can submit any theme anytime here.
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.
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.
Power & Magic Press is offering a free hardcover copy of Power and Magic: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology to a person who replies to this tweet by January 31 with their 2017 witchsona.
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.
Pipe Dreams: A Water Charity Zine is accepting applications until February 4. The zine will be sold as a digital PDF, with proceeds donated Water.org.
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.
Dirty Diamonds is accepting submissions to their 8th collection on Sex: Thoughts Behind the Act. Applications are due by February 28.
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.
Taking the Lane #15: True Trans Bike Rebel is accepting submissions of short fiction (500-2500 words), illustrations, and photography until July 1. Payment to be split among contributors after the zine is crowdfunded.
Aaron Sullivan is looking for webcomic titles to review for Comic Crusaders. Link your work here to be considered.
Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences. Click here for more on their mission as well as their pay rates.
Bobby Chiu is looking for an assistant in the Toronto area.
Facebook Stickers is looking for artists to create more stickers for their messenger.
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.
Geekery Magazine is open to featuring work from indie creators and publishers. Just let them know you’d like to be considered!
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 hosts 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.
#WebComicChat is seeking volunteer artists for their weekly Twitter chats. Apply here to be assigned a topic and have your artwork featured!
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. Check Comic Ops to see opportunities specifically for comic creators.
Conventions and Events
Con or Bust has free tickets available for people of color for a number of upcoming conventions, including StokerCon, MidSouthCon, and Norwescon.
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 artist alley applications for their convention in early March.
Women in Comics Con 2017 is accepting vendor applications for their March 25 convention in New York.
ICE CREAM 2017, The Iowa City Expo for Comics and Real Eclectic Alternative Media, is currently accepting applications for table space for the event on April 8.
Follow Con_Calendar on Twitter or download the ConCon app to stay updated on convention schedules!
Mentorships
The Representation Matters Mentorship Program is accepting applications on a rolling basis 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.
Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops
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, Sponsorships, and Grants
Here’s a list of 102 college and graduate scholarships available for women of color!
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.
AbleGamers has partnered with TrainJam to sponsor an independent game developer with disabilities. The gamer will go on a 3-day train trip from Chicago to San Diego, where they will also attend the Game Developer’s Conference. Apply by February 1 to be considered.
The Prism Comics Queer Press Grant is accepting application until March 1. Grants will be awarded to a successful applicant in order to assist in the publication and promotion of LGBTQIA+ comics. The recipient will be announced at a panel at this year’s WonderCon in Anaheim, California.
The Tulsa Artist Fellowship is accepting applications until March 1. Recipients will receive a $20,000 stipend, work space, and housing that they will be required to live in. Fellowships are merit-based, not project grants, with a one-year term for Visual Artists and a two-year term for Writers.
Check out Arts for LA or College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
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
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.
Dreaming Robot Press is accepting submissions of science fiction for middle grade readers between 3000 and 6000 words in length. Please endeavor to include diverse and relatable characters and experiences. Submit by January 31 to be considered.
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.
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.
People of Color Take Over Fantastic Stories, which recently ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, is seeking additional submissions of sci-fi and fantasy stories under 7000 words. Submit by February 15 for consideration.
WisCon is seeking academic proposals for the convention’s academic programming. Submit by February 23 for consideration.
Sapphire Books has an open call for submissions for stories from 1500-5000 words involving lesbians and long distance relationships. Contributors will be paid $50 and will receive a copy of the book. Submit by February 28 for consideration.
Impossible Archetype is accepting international submissions of LGBTQIA+ 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.
Best Lesbian Erotica of the Year Volume 2 is accepting submissions until March 20.
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.
Taking the Lane #15: True Trans Bike Rebel is accepting submissions of short fiction (500-2500 words), illustrations, and photography until July 1. Payment to be split among contributors after the zine is crowdfunded.
Anime Feminist is looking for contributors in the upcoming year. Read here for more information. Article writers will generally be paid $50 per article.
Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences. Click here for more on their mission as well as their pay rates.
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.
Hello Equality is seeking trans and POC writers for their website. Speak on issues related to LGBTQ+ people, feminism, or pop culture topics.
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 and Deadspin are hiring a Senior Writer and a Staff Writer for full-time, remote positions covering esports.
Lillium Publishing is accepting fiction manuscripts, either standalone books or series, in a number of genres, including urban romance and erotica.
The Mary Sue is looking for new contributors, particularly those with opinions on the current sociopolitical climate.
NerdyPOC is looking for experienced writers for commentary on pop culture. Expected submission is once every one or two weeks.
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.
SeiyuuDanshi is looking for writers for homoerotic 18+ scenes.
Sky Pony Press is accepting submissions for picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA fiction and nonfiction.
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.
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!
Youth
The 11th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is accepting submissions from children and youth between ages 4 and 15 until January 31. Winners will have the chance to travel to Tokyo, Japan for the international awards ceremony and other programs.
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.
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 comparing December’s ArtSnacks and Sketchbox bundles and a blog post on Affordable Art Supplies featuring the Crayola SuperTip markers. She also uploaded another video in her Watercolor Basics series showing how to pencil for watercolors, a handlettering trick, and a review of Pen-Art markers.
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.
CharacterDesignReferences.com has amassed and organized a huge volume of work suited for, you guessed it, character design reference. This includes humans, animals, landscapes, and more. Check out the web version here or go straight to Pinterest to check out their boards.
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.
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.
Here are some halftone brush textures for SAI from immuni!
Jetpens released an Introduction to Watercolor Techniques and Guide to Watercolor Supplies.
Jessica Hische has created and shared a tool to help generate emails between creators and their clients.
Parka Blogs offers thousands of reviews on art supplies, books, and technology. Check out his recent post rounding up Pen Display Monitors for Graphic Artists and Designers.
Deals
BookWalker has a 45% off sale on select Kodansha digital titles through January 23. Additionally, you can use code “jan15” to get an additional 15% off at checkout until January 26.
DigiCel Flipbook is having a 70% off sale on their 2D animation software using code “HappyNewYear” at checkout.
Image Comics is celebrating its 25th anniversary by offering its titles at a steep discount through HumbleBundle. Get comics and support charity and Image simultaneously! Avilable through February 1.
Jerry’s Art-A-Rama is having a sale with hundreds of art supplies on sale for $1 and $2. Check it out!
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 ComiXology, Dick Blick, Jerry’s Art-A-Rama, Joann, and Michael’s for their weekly ads, coupons, and specials.
Giveaways
Everyone Is Gay is offering a free holiday e-care package Where the Love Light Gleams. Submit your email to receive it for free!
Goodreads constantly offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres.
Power & Magic Press is offering a free hardcover copy of Power and Magic: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology to a person who replies to this tweet by January 31 with their 2017 witchsona.
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 13, 2017
paper cat press 
Love this! Thank you!
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