Weekly Roundup: February 2, 2018

Welcome to Paper Cat Press’s 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!

WARNING! Some content below may feature NSFW content. Links will be marked NSFW! when the content identifies itself as adult material.

As a note: I am not sponsored by any company, group, or individual listed below or elsewhere on this site unless otherwise listed.

Want to jump to a specific section? Use the links below:
News || Helping Others || Awards || Recent Webcomic Debuts || Crowdfunded Projects || Animation || Comics, Illustration, and More || Conventions and Events || Designers || Fan Zines || Mentorships & Fellowships || Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops || Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants || Teaching || Typesetting || Voice Acting || Writing and Editing || Youth || Resources || Deals || Giveaways


News

Only 10% of your followers on Instagram see your new posts initially, according to reports on Instagram’s algorithm changes for January. The visibility of posts are decreased further if you don’t respond to comments within the first hour after a post goes live.

The Youtube Partner Program (YPP) has changed its rules of acceptance. To qualify after February 20, you will need to have received 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time over the past year. Those who were previously accepted to YPP but do not meet new requirements will be removed from the program.

Helping Others

Need to contact your government officials? Let Resist Bot and 5calls help you out.

If you are a trans person in need of legal assistance, check translawhelp.org for pro bono services in your state.

Here’s a list of free or low-cost mental health resources. Thank you so much for compiling this list, Tiffany!

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

The DiNKy Awards are now accepting submissions from creators through February 12.

Lambda Literary’s Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers is accepting submissions from queer authors with at least one but no more than two published books through February 20. Two recipients will receive $1000 each.

Lambda Literary’s Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian Nonfiction is accepting submissions from emerging nonfiction writers who cover the depth and complexity of lesbian life through February 23. The recipient will be awarded $2500.

The Dwayne McDuffie Awards for Kids’ Comics is accepting submissions for consideration until March 1.

The winners of StArt Faire’s 2017 Excellence in Webcomics Awards were announced! Congratulations to all of the winners! There’s still time to vote for the People’s Choice Award. Submit your favorite webcomic before January 19.


Recent Webcomic Debuts

Check out this list of 2017 Webcomic Debuts and find a new series to read!

Looking for more webcomics? Check out Michael Kinyon’s ongoing and ever-growing list of creators!

Crowdfunded Projects

wendigo

Kelci D. Crawford is running a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the printing and fulfillment of The Case of the Wendigo, a webcomic that follows Charlie and Clow as they protect their city from a wendigo. The book will feature 70 pages of comics, development sketches, character bios, and more. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, digital copies of other books in the Charlie & Clow series, and commissions. The Kickstarter ends on February 8.


littlesucculentdragons

Meredith Dillman is running a “Make 100” Kickstarter for her Little Succulent Dragon prints. Giclee prints of the Little Succulent Dragon will be printed on 8″ x 8″ heavy archival paper. Tier options include the limited edition giclee print, a dragon coloring book, and a mini print set. The Kickstarter ends on February 8.


tavarsia

Tavarsia’s final volume is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter to raise funds for its printing and fulfillment. Tavarsia follows witches Gaea and Veda as they travel to the world of Tavarsia to try and stop a great evil from being unleashed. The book will feature 62 full color pages of comics and additional artwork. Tier options include digital and physical copies of Tavarsia volume 4 as well as volumes 1, 2, and 3. The Kickstarter ends on February 9.


valor

Valor Anthology: Volume 2 is an all-ages, LGBTQA-friendly comic anthology project featuring adapted, reimagined, or invented fairy tales currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The book will feature approximately 200 pages of full color comics and illustrations along with prose stories. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, digital and physical copies of Volume 1, digital wallpapers, enamel pins, stickers, prints, postcards, and bookmarks. The Kickstarter ends on February 10.


exploringcomics

Tim McLaughlin Jr. is raising funds to pay for editing services for his podcast Exploring Comics. Exploring Podcasts is a weekly podcast that interviews members of the artist community and holds discussions on important topics in web and indie comics. Tier options include advertising opportunities, extended podcast episodes, and a shoutout on the podcast. The Kickstarter ends on February 12.


blossom

Steve Ahn is crowdfunding on Kickstarter to fund the production of Blossom Detective Holmes: The Animated Mini-Series Project. The series aims to utilize anime aesthetics to bring crime, murder, and drama to American animation appealing to the young adult audience. The first episode of this project, Selfie with a Strange Intruder, follows detectives Skylar Holmes and Jamie as they investigate a suspicious robbery from their client. Stretch goals reached beyond the first funding goal will help fund future episodes. Tier options include digital dowloads and Blu-Ray copies of the episode, art book downloads, the soundtrack, enamel pins, acrylic stands, t-shirts, posters, prints, and more. The Kickstarter ends on March 2.


General

Did you or will you table in an artist alley in the US this year? Take the 2017 Artist Alley Convention Survey here.

The Comic Tea Party is a weekly book club for webcomics. Participate in the Discord chat weekly on Thursdays at 5pm to 7pm PST. Sign your comic up for a chance to have it read and discussed in the group!

If you’re an artist who uses the internet to further your career, fill out this survey!

Are you a comic critic or journalist? Take this survey!

Animation

You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com and updated listings at The Animation Guild.


Comics, Illustration, and More

  • Kitfox Games is hiring a background artist for their game Boyfriend Dungeon. Apply by February 4 for consideration!
  • Kuti #47 is accepting submissions of comics up to 8 pages long through February 8.
  • Family Style Zine: An AAPI Food Anthology is seeking Asian, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander contributors to illustrate a dish or ingredient from their culture, accompanied by an abridged history of that food. Accepted illustrators will be paid $150 for their piece. Submissions are due by February 12.
  • Volume 5 of the Lilies Anthology: Tiger Lily is accepting comics about self-love through February 14.
  • Red Stylo is accepting queries for its horror anthology “A SOUL DIVIDED/ CAGED IN FLESH” inspired by The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde through February 15. As noted on the website, send a query before submitting a pitch.
  • INK BRICK no. 9 is accepting submissions of comics poetry consisting of 6 pages or fewer through February 18. Selected contributors will receive two copies of the final book and $25.
  • Bedside Press is seeking pin-up artists and interior artists for their upcoming book Work for A Million. Apply by February 28 for consideration.
  • Hellcat Press is accepting pitches for horror anthology Screams Heard ‘Round the World through February 28. Accepted entrants will receive $20 and a free copy of the final book.
  • The Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition is accepting applications from artists and writers who have not yet published a complete graphic novel. Applications close February 28.
  • Transcendant Transgressions: Dark Visions of Trans Artists is accepting applications from transgender, non-binary and intersex visual artists, illustrators, writers and poets, musicians and filmmakers whose works emphasize dark surrealism through February 28. Proceeds will be donated to Trans Lifeline.
  • The Oneshi Press Quarterly Anthology accepts progressive comic and illustration work on a quarterly basis. Their next due date is March 1. Contributors are paid through quarterly royalties and surrender first right of publication and right of first refusal after publication.
  • 24 Panels is accepting submissions of 24 panels or less from comic artists through March 31. They’re also seeking a comics editor! Proceeds will be donated to the mental health care of survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire.
  • GJB Publishing is accepting applications from illustrators who live with mental health issues for Colours of the Mind through March 31.
  • The Silent Manga Audition‘s 9th competition event is accepting submissions through March 31. This SMA has a limit of 16 pages or less and a choice of three themes to select from. Comic submissions should be silent and without dialogue.
  • The 2018 IF Anthology is accepting completed submissions (not pitches) of horror comics through May 1. Edits for accepted works will be accepted through June 1.


Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, or Graphic Competitions 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. Chris Arrant regularly shares location-based jobs in comics (mostly editorial, office, or design work). Check the #ComicJobs hashtag! Check Comic Ops to see opportunities specifically for comic creators. Zine Submissions and Zine Scene have great lists of zines, too!


Conventions and Events

Con or Bust has free tickets available for people of color for a number of upcoming conventions, including the SFWA Nebua Conference, the Locus Awards weekend, and WorldCon 76!

Conosaurus is LIVE! Browse cons by location, date, and other variables! Check it out and support their Patreon! Here’s their Weekly Digest #45! Need convention advice? Join #ConTalkTues every Tuesday at 8PM EST!

Here’s a list of international zine fests brought to you by ZINES!


Designers

Geeks of Color is looking for a graphic designer.

Kickstarter is seeking a Visual Design Lead.

I created a document where people who have skills in web design and are willing and able to assist comic creators in creating their own websites can list themselves. Feel free to add your name, examples, and prices!


Fan Zines

  • The Rocket Queen: A Zine about Fareeha (Pharah) Amari is open for applications from writers and artists through February 3. Profits will be split evenly between contributors, with 10% going to the organizer.
  • Dungeonwatch, a D&D-themed Overwatch fanzine, is accepting applications from artists and writers through February 5. Profits will be split evenly between contributors, with 5% of funds raised paid to the zine organizer.
  • Musicwatch, a music-themed Overwatch fanzine, is accepting applications from artists through February 5. Profits will be split evenly between contributors.
  • Rain and Flowers, an Animal Crossing fanbook, has applications open for artists and writers through February 14. The zine will not be for profit and will be shared in a digital format only.
  • The No. 6 Fanzine will be accepting applications from artists and writers through February 15. The PDF will be available for free, and any profits generated will be donated to charity.
  • Giant Size zine, an X-Men fan zine, is accepting submissions from artists of all skill levels through February 18. Proceeds will go to LOFT, a organization supporting LGBTQ people in Westchester County.
  • Relaxare: A Devilman Crybaby Fan Zine is accepting submissions from artists and writers through February 20 (applications will close sooner if 150 artist applications or 50 writer applications are received).
  • A fanzine to celebrate the Ronin Warriors/Yoroiden Samurai Troopers 30th Anniversary is accepting submissions from artists and writers through April 1. No profit will be generated from this free zine.

Looking for more fan zines to submit to? Check out Find Anthologies and ZineAppCalls for more! Have a finished zine project you want to advertise? Check out Zine RTer!


Mentorships & Fellowships

The Editor – Writer Mentorship for Diverse Writers is accepting applications from unpublished, underrepresented writers through January 21.

The Tulsa Artist Fellowship is accepting applications through March 1. Each year, between 5 and 15 recipients will be selected to receive a $20,000 stipend. Selected visual artists will receive free housing and studio space for visual artists, and literary artists will receive free co-working space in Tulsa, OK.

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

(Seattle, WA) Densho is seeking a digital media artist in residence to explore the history of incarceration in World War II and how it impacts contemporary injustices. Applications are due January 31.

Check out the Alliance of Art CommunitiesArts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.


 Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants

  • The TDC Beatrice Warde Scholarship is accepting applications from matriculating female (by birth or identified as such) bachelor’s degree students currently enrolled in their junior undergraduate year through February 23. The scholarship awards $5000 towards the tuition of a student studying typography, design, or a related field.
  • The National Endowment for the Arts is accepting applications from prose and poetry writers for their Creative Writing grants through March 7.
  • The 2018 Writing Excuses Retreat is accepting applications for their scholarships through March 12. Two Out of Excuses scholarships will be awarded to those in financial need and two Carl Brandon Society scholarships will be awarded to writers of color.
  • Western Washington primary and secondary school educators and librarians are invited to apply for the C4C3 Grant to bring more graphic novels and comics into the educational process.
  • The Creators for Creators Grant for $30,000 is accepting applications from single artists or writer/artist duos to support the creation of original comics work. Applications will be accepted through March 31.

Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, this list by Donathin Frye, or this list by ProFellow for grant opportunities.


 Teaching

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 seeking typesetters to adapt webcomic and webnovels from Korean and Chinese into English.


 Voice Acting

Heavy Thought Studios is looking for voice actors!

Check the Casting Call Club and Voice Acting Space for more voice acting and audio opportunities.


Writing and Editing


Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!


 Youth

Ms. magazine is seeking pitches from 14-19 year old girl-identifying teens focusing on issues facing teen girls and the activism of teen girls working to solve the issue. Selected contributors will be paid $100 for their published articles.

Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.

Natalie “Tally” Nourigat offers advice & resources for young cartoonists ages 14-18 (although this is good advice for creators at any age)!

The NewPages Young Writers Guide for artists and writers shares publications seeking applications from youth contributors.


 Resources


 Deals

Remember to check ComiXologyDick Blick, Jerry’s Art-A-Rama, JoannMichael’s, and RightStuf for their weekly ads, coupons, and specials on comics and art supplies.


 Giveaways



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? Let me know!

If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my Paypal or Ko-Fi. Thank you to E. Ross Ura and AnitaComics for your tips! And thank you to Patrons A.D. Birch, Abdiwak, Alakotila, Amber, Ash, Becca, Candace, Elaine, Emm, Heidi, Jasmine, KaiJu, Kiwi, Kristina, Nika, Sam, and the.evergreen.burrow for your support!

Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – January 19, 2018

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