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 || General || 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
- Paper Cat Press’s “Links” pages is currently offline as it undergoes construction. Thank you for your patience!
- Many credit card payments were rejected by Patreon at the start of the month, when payments are collected by creators. You may need to call your bank and retry your payment. If you’re on Patreon, be sure to check your pledges and your billing history to confirm that your payments were processed. Otherwise you may miss out on content, and your creators will miss out on vital payment!
- Koyama Press will be closing in 2021. Annie Koyama, its founder, plans to focus on direct patronage. This article was really enlightening, and I now have a new hero. Here’s to supporting artists and helping them get what they need!
- StArt Faire’s last issue has been released. Thank you to Draco, Rebel, and all of its contributors for helping StArt Faire be an amazing monthly webcomic magazine!
- Project Wonderful has closed. Thank you for the accessible advertising opportunities you provided for webcomic creators!
Social Resources
- Need information on elections, candidates, and public policy in the US? Check out Ballotpedia.
- Need to contact your government officials? Let Resist Bot and 5calls help you out.
- The Crash Override Network has resources on what to do if you’re a victim of online harassment and/or doxxing and how to protect yourself.
- 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.
Remember to rest, eat, and drink water when you can. Take care of yourself the best that you can. You, your presence, and your work have an incredible impact on the people around you. You should be here.
Awards
The ADCAN Awards are accepting submissions from animators and filmmakers through August 15. Winners will be flown to LA for mentorship and workshop opportunities.
The Mike Wieringo Comic Book Industry Awards (also known as the Ringo Awards) are open for voting by professional comics creators through August 31.
The Oregon Book Awards are accepting applications through September 10. Books by Oregon authors with an original publication date between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018 are eligible for awards in a number of categories.
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
Mary Safro is currently raising funds for the production of Drugs & Wires Volume 1: Down in a Hole. Drugs & Wires is an ongoing cyberpunk webcomic set in the 90s that follows Dan, a recovering VR junkie, as he lives out his life in the Republic of Stradania. This first volume would collect the first four chapters into a 136-page full color paperback comic. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the volume, digital copies of supplemental comic stories related to Drugs & Wires, postcards, prints, stickers, an enamel pin, a t-shirt, a floppy disk, and original artwork. The Kickstarter ends on August 4.
Sweaty Palms is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce its second volume. The second volume of Sweaty Palms features over 320 pages of autobiographical comics regarding mental health and anxiety from 45 indie creators. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, postcards, stickers, an mp3, a pin, a poster, and original artwork. The Kickstarter ends on August 4.
Magical Warrior Diamond Heart, a visual novel otome game, is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to assist its production. The game features up to 7 romantic options with male, female, and nonbinary love interests, 2 friendship options, high-quality voice acting, and an ethnically diverse cast of characters. Tier options include a digital copy of the deluxe version of the game, digital wallpapers, the soundtrack, the artbook, buttons, character sketches, stickers, acrylic charms, a cameo in the game, and more. The Kickstarter ends on August 6.
Invisible Illness: Anxiety is currently raising funds on Kickstarter for its production. The comic anthology features over 90 pages of comics, illustrations, and sequential art from over 30 artists that address their experiences with anxiety. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, digital wallpapers, digital stickers for Telegram and Discord, stickers, magnets, and original artwork. The Kickstarter ends on August 7.
Dirty Diamonds is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce its ninth volume of work, Being. The all-girl comic anthology features 224 pages of work by 65 creators whose comics explore the concept of “being” and what it means to exist as a fallible living being. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, a behind-the-scenes PDF, bookmarks, an enamel pin, a keychain, a signed bookplate, original artwork, previous Dirty Diamonds anthologies, and more. The Kickstarter ends on August 8.
The Starlight City Project is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce R:ILPERSONA Volume 1: The Etheric Mastery Edition. To quote the Kickstarter page, “R:ILPERSONA takes place in a post-apocalyptic world 693 years after the world as we know it was destroyed” and follows the character Rade, a teenage assassin who awakes mid-mission with no memories. This volume will collect the first 3 chapters into a 136-page comic book as well as a new prequel chapter. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, a digital indie comic bundle, stickers, prints, and the series soundtrack. The Kickstarter ends on August 9.
Comic creator Mildred Louis is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to print the second volume of her series Agents of the Realm and reprint the first volume. The series follows four college freshmen who must contend with maintaining their daily lives while also being magical guardians of their realm. Tier options include digital and physical copies of either and/or both volumes, digital wallpapers, stickers, postcards, prints, an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, and more. The Kickstarter ends on August 15.
The Nib, a daily comics publication that shares political cartoons, journalistic comics, and memoir comics, is running a Kickstarter to produce The Nib Magazine. The quarterly magazine’s first four issues are planned to be over 100 pages each, with the first one, themed around “death,” ready to send to print. Tier options include phone backgrounds, digital and physical copies of the first four issues, a 20-page activity book, a subscription to In These Times, an Inkwell membership, a tote bag, a coffee mug, additional contributor books, and more. The Kickstarter ends on August 15.
Artist Heikala and 3dTotal Publishing are currently raising funds on Kickstarter to produce an artbook of her illustrations and creative process. The hardcover book will feature a comprehensive collection of Heikala’s works as well as insight on her success as a professional artist and tutorials on watercolor painting and product design. Tier options include the physical hardcover book, digital video tutorials, fabric patches, and prints. The Kickstarter ends on August 16.
Draw the Line, a comics anthology addressing contemporary politics, is currently crowdfunding on Unbound. The 144-page hardback anthology featuring work by 114 artists encourages proactive responses to injustice and offers non-partisan guides for political actions and dissent. Tier options include digital and hardback copies of Draw the Line, prints, a bookplate, comics by David Blumenstein, commissions, and more. All proceeds following book production and shipping costs will be given to helprefugees.org.
Reimena Yee is currently raising funds on Unbound to produce a hardcover edition of the first volume of her Eisner-nominated webcomic The Carpet Merchant of Konstantiniyya. The Carpet Merchant is set in 17th-century Istanbul and centers a carpet merchant who must contend with his home, his relationships, and his faith after he is killed by a vampire. Tier options include digital and physical copies of Volume 1, bookmarks, an exclusive print by strangelykatie, postcards, an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, and a commission.
General
Did you or will you table in an artist alley in the US this year? Take the 2018 Artist Alley Convention Survey here. The results of the 2017 survey are available 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!
JiMi Agency’s Summer Group Order is now open. Final art files are due August 7.
Kymera Press is seeking a social media/PR professional to run social media accounts, write press releases, and mail out books for review.
Lion Forge Comics is hiring a number of positions, including HR Manager, Publishing Operations Assistant, Social Media and Community Manager, and more.
The Comic-Con Professional Application Period for San Diego Comic-Con and Wondercon in Anaheim, CA are accepting applications for 2019 until August 16, 2018. If you make comics or work professionally in an adjacent field, you may receive a complimentary badge!
The results of the Webcomics/Indie Comics Reader Survey have been released. Thank you, RebelVampire!
Animation
- The Color Stylists of IATSE Local 839 ask for your support in seeking pay equity. Sign their petition to improve rates for color stylists in the animation industry.
- The ADCAN Awards are accepting submissions from animators and filmmakers through August 15. Winners will be flown to LA for mentorship and workshop opportunities.
- (Burbank, CA) Cartoon Network Studios is seeking a Production Manager.
- (Kilkenny, Ireland) Cartoon Saloon is looking for a compositing supervisor, FX supervisor, storyboard supervisor, and technical lead.
- (Canada) DHX has job openings for key animators, lighting artists, storyboard artists, and more in Halifax, Toronto, and Vancouver.
- (Burbank, California) Disney TV Animation is seeking an art director, a location designer, and a storyboard artist. Be sure to check their website for both creative and office positions with Disney!
- (Glendale, California) Dreamworks is hiring an Animator, a CFX Artist, a CG Generalist, a Color Stylist, a Modeler, a Visual Development Artist, and much more.
- Grace Fong shared this informative thread on working in the animation industry. Thank you Grace!
- Laura Price shared tips for applying to animation studios.
- (Burbank, California) Nickelodeon is hiring a background painter, a storyboard director, storyboard artists (1) (2) (3), a storyboard revisionist, and more! They’re also accepting applications for internships for Spring 2019.
- Titmouse is looking for an After Effects compositor and line producer in Los Angeles, CA. They’re also seeking a 2D animator, a background layout artist, a storyboard revisionist, and a lead designer in Vancouver, Canada.
- The Tokyo Anime Award Festival is accepting entries through October 31 for Short Animation (30 minutes or shorter) and November 10 for Feature Animation (60 minutes or longer). Award recipients may receive up to 500,000 yen.
- Toniko Pantoja made a video with tips on making a strong story portfolio for tv and feature animation.
- (Toronto, Canada) Ubisoft is hiring artists, programmers, office workers, and more.
- (Burbank, California) Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring an environment designer and a story artist.
You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com.
Comics, Illustration, and More
- Threadless is accepting artwork for the following design challenges: Shred, due August 3; and Primary Colors, due August 10; and Culture Jamming, due August 17.
- Dezeen x Samsung’s Ambient Mode Design Competition is accepting submissions through today, August 3. Design a static or animated ambient mode for Samsung’s QLED TVs for a chance to win up to €8,000, with €5,000 or €3,000 awarded to the remaining 14 runners-up.
- Jenn Arledge is accepting pitches for their upcoming comic anthology My Kingdom for a Panel, inspired by Shakespearean works, through August 10. Accepted contributors will receive $20/page upon Kickstarter success. Proposed comics should be between 2 and 10 pages and in black and white or grayscale.
- The 2018 Encircle Love Louder Art Benefit is accepting pieces from artists for an art sale benefitting the Encircle LGBTQ+ Family & Youth Resource Centers. Artwork must be submitted by August 15. Artists must agree to donate at least 40% proceeds to Encircle, but may donate more, or keep the rest.
- DOT Art is seeking artists for their Barrier Beautification Project through August 17.
- Space Between Entertainment is looking for sequential artists for upcoming projects. Email them with samples of your work by August 20.
- The Nib’s upcoming quarterly magazine is seeking submissions for its issue themed “Empire.” Pitches for “Empire” are due August 30, and pitches for the next issue on “Scams” are due November 30.
- The Little Hakka International Picture Book Award is accepting submissions through August 31. Work must have been created or published between January 2015 and August 2018 and should include at least 10 images. There is no fee to enter, and prize winners may receive up to 30,000 RMB.
- The Nami Island International Picture Book Illustration Concours is accepting entries from illustrators worldwide through August 31. Award recipients may receive up to $10,000, plaques, and features in exhibitions.
- Lee & Low books are accepting submissions for their New Visions Award through August 31. Cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a middle grade or young adult novel (including graphic novels) by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.
- NASA’s Project Mars competition is accepting films and posters regarding space travel to Mars through August 31. Film producers may win up to $10,000 and poster creators may win up to $1500.
- The Art Zine Prize for 2018 is accepting submissions through September 1. Artwork can be submitted as figurative art, abstract art, and urban art, and a people’s choice award will be given to a fourth prize recipient.
- Elements Anthology is accepting applications from people of color for its newest anthology, “Earth,” through September 2. Contributors will be paid $50/page upon Kickstarter success and will receive 5 softcover copies of the anthology.
- LINE Webtoon is hosting a “Discover Creator” comic contest with cash prizes of up to $80,000. Submit your comic between June 11 and September 13 for a chance to win. See the rules for details on categories and amount and length of episodes required for qualification.
- The Asexual is accepting submissions of art and writing for A(gender): An Anthology through September 15.
- Broken Pencil is accepting submissions of international zines for exhibition at the Canzine festivals through September 20.
- Local Haunts: A Spooky Comic Anthology is accepting applications through September 25. Comics should be between 1-5 pages when completed. Contributors will receive $50 per page if sales goals are met.
- The Bennett Prize is accepting submissions from women fine art figurative painters through September 28. There is an entry fee of $50.
- Upcoming anthology Boricua en la Luna is accepting applications from Puerto Rican writers, illustrators, and comic artists through September 30. Selected contributors will receive a copy of the anthology; otherwise, proceeds will go to the Hispanic Federation.
- The Silent Manga Audition is accepting comic submissions of 31 pages or less for its 10th contest through September 30. Comics should have the theme(s) of friendship, effort, and/or victory. Cash, Wacom, and Clip Studio Paint prizes will be awarded to winners.
- Cloudscape Comics’ Life Finds A Way comic anthology project is accepting submissions of proposals and completed scripts through September 30. Accepted contributors will receive $50/page pending Kickstarter success. Proposed comics should be up to 12 pages long and in full color.
- The Embracing Our Differences 2018 Art Contest is accepting submissions from artists at all career stages through October 15. Three prizes of $1000 each will be given to selected entrants, whose works will be featured in a gallery show in early 2019.
- The PAVE 2018 Student Design Competition is accepting submissions from college-level students studying retail planning, design, visual merchandising, and branding programs. Submit by November 1 for a chance at cash prizes.
- Lilies Anthology is accepting submissions to their 7th volume “Lily Bulb” through January 22, 2019. The theme of the anthology will be the environment and should represent female/lesbian romance, relationships, and/or sexuality. They’re also currently seeking countdown artists!
- ABRAMS Calendars is seeking an Associate Art Director and an Editorial Assistant for children’s books, YA books, and graphic novels.
- Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences.
- The Asexual is accepting general submissions from marginalized voices in the queer community.
- Asexual Artists is always seeking creative asexual interviewees.
- Black Girls Create is looking for submissions of written, drawn, filmed, photographed, or any other expression of creative work from black creators showing what their time at Hogwarts would’ve looked like! They are also seeking black women creators and pop culture critique and commentary from black women creators.
- The Brave Some is seeking submissions of short stories, prose, essays, reviews, and visual art by black and/or brown women and femmes.
- Carnation Books is accepting submissions of queer genre fiction and welcomes fanfiction writers seeking to transition into publishing original writing content. They are actively seeking submissions with asexual or aromantic main characters. They are also seeking cover artists and plot and style editors.
- ComicsMNT is seeking pitches for features. They are also seeking to interview comic artists on their process and comic retailers.
- Creator Resource is looking for “people to help compile more databases, information, blogs, and more.”
- (Glendale, CA) Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media is seeking a lead artist.
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- (San Diego, CA) IDW is seeking an Editor.
- (Chicago, IL) Jackbox Games is seeking a lead artist.
- Jerry’s Art-A-Rama hosts a number of art contests, some ongoing and some requiring specific materials.
- (Brooklyn, NY) Kickstarter is seeking an Art Director.
- Do you have a webcomic with LGBTQ characters and themes? LGBTQ Webcomics is looking to add more queer webcomics to their database on Tagpacker!
- (Los Angeles, CA) Line Webtoon is seeking an Editor.
- Lion Forge is seeking a Senior Editor for children’s books. Editors may work remotely or in the St. Louis, MO office.
- Longreads is accepting portfolio submissions from illustrators.
- Lore Lush Publishing is seeking Cover Artists.
- Are you a comic artist, memoir graphic novelist, or illustrated gift book-maker looking for an agent? Kate McKean is reopening for queries on August 15.
- You can send samples of your work along with pitches to thenib@firstlook.org to be considered by The Nib.
- The New Southern Fugitives is seeking submissions of fiction, book reviews, essays, poetry, photography, and visual art from creators in the South.
- Pink Narcissus Press is seeking cover artwork for SF/F speculative fiction.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- Pusheen Corp is looking for a Senior Art Director and a Senior Artist/Illustrator.
- (Nottingham, UK) Room 17 Games is seeking a new in-house Artist/Illustrator.
- Sally of Hand Over Your Fairy Cakes is accepting submissions for “Thanks, Random Man, Your Opinion is Noted,” a zine sharing unsolicited business advice given by clueless men.
- (New York, NY) Scholastic Corporation is seeking a Senior Editor to join their imprint Graphix to work on graphic novels for elementary and middle grade readers.
- The Webcomic Library is a new resource that hopes to serve as a comprehensive list of webcomics. Submit your webcomic using this form.
- Are a fan of webcomics? The Webcomic Whisperer is looking for guest posts!
- Zine-O-Matic, a zine subscription service, is open for zine submissions!
Check out Arts for LA, Call for Entry, College Art Opportunities, Graphic Competitions, or Hey, Art Friends 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 Chris Arrant’s #ComicJobs hashtag on Twitter. 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 WorldCon 76, Nine Worlds, GeekGirlCon, the 2019 SFWA Nebula Conference, and more. You may request assistance now through August 10.
Conosaurus is LIVE! Browse cons by location, date, and other variables! Check it out and support their Patreon! Here’s their Weekly Digest #63!
In partnership with Kickstarter, FlameCon is offering free professional headshots to as many cartoonists at the show as possible. Sign up here by August 10 to be added to the list.
- ClexaCon is currently accepting applications from artists and exhibitors.
- Indigenous Comic Con is accepting vendors.
- Nerdtino Expo in Philadelphia, PA is accepting exhibitors.
- The Boston Art Book Faire is accepting applications through today, August 3.
- TCAF is accepting applications to its 2019 show through October 12.
Here’s a list of international zine fests brought to you by ZINES!
Designers
- (New York, NY) Bloomsbury Publishing is seeking a Marketing Designer.
- Chronicle Books is seeking a Designer for Children’s Publishing.
- (Glendale, CA) Disney Corporate Creative Resources is seeking a Graphic Designer.
- Geeks of Color is looking for a graphic designer.
- (New York, NY) Harper Collins is seeking a Senior Designer and an Assistant Designer.
- Knovva Academy is looking for freelance graphic designer that specializes in document layouts (information organization) and icon designs.
- Latinx in Publishing is seeking a paid marketing and publicity intern.
- (New York, NY) Little Brown is seeking a Designer/Senior Designer and a Junior Designer.
- (New York, NY) Penguin Young Readers is seeking a Designer. Penguin Teen is seeking an Associate Manager of Digital Marketing.
- (New York, NY) Random House Graphic is seeking a Designer.
- (San Francisco, CA) Room to Read is seeking a Design and Production Associate who is “looking to understand and influence developing publishing industries around the world.”
- (New York, NY) Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. is seeking a Children’s Designer. They’re also seeking editors to work in their Children Editorial department.
- (San Francisco, CA) Viz Media is seeking a Designer.
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing Co. is seeking a Junior Designer in their Children’s Department, a Production Editor, and a Senior Graphic Designer.
Fan Zines
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 2018 CCF Fellowship for Visual Arts is accepting applications from Los Angeles County Residents through August 31. Applications must be over 25, have at least 5 years of professional experience, and must have been a Los Angeles county resident for at least 5 years.
- The Hodder Arts Fellowship is accepting applications from “artists and writers of exceptional promise” through September 18. Recipients will receive an $82,000 stipend and will have the academic year at Princeton University to pursue independent projects.
- The Princeton Arts Fellowship is accepting applications from early-career artists through September 18. Fellows are expected to stay for two consecutive academic years at Princeton University, teach one course per semester, and will receive an $81,000 stipend per year.
- The Asian American Writers’ workshop is accepting applications from Asian American writers age 30 or under and based in New York City to its 2019 Margins Fellowship. Four selected applicants will receive $5,000, residency time at the Millay Colony for the Arts, mentorship, access to the AAWW writing space, and publication opportunities in online magazine The Margins. Applications must be submitted by September 12 for consideration.
- 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
- The Center for Cartoon Studies is accepting applications for their Cornish CCS Fellowship Residency through August 15.
- (Atlanta, GA) Sulphur Studios is accepting applications for three different four-week residency periods in the fall. Apply by August 15 for consideration. Accepted artists receive 24-hour access to the studio space for free, but must place a $100 deposit upon arrival, to be returned at the end of the residency. There is a $25 application fee.
- Red Bull Arts Detroit is accepting applications for their 3-month residency program through August 24.
- (Breckenridge, CO) The 2019 Artist-in-Residence Program at Breckenridge Creative Arts is accepting applications from visiting, local, and exhibiting artists through August 31. Visiting artists will be reimbursed up to $500 for travel and will receive a stipend of $200 per week. They will be expected to mentor a local artist, facilitate a weekly class, take part in a public showcase, and host a final presentation with a local collaborator.
Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants
- The Washington Award is accepting applications from artists in the fields of dance, music, or the visual arts through today, August 3. Recipients will receive $10,000 with a chance to win an additional $5000.
- GLAAD is accepting applications for its 2018 Rising Stars Grant through August 22. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old and use social media, digital media, and/or technology to enhance the experience of LGBTQ people in their communities. Grant recipients will receive $2500 and be honored at the GLAAD Gala in San Francisco, with travel and accommodations paid for.
- The Author Accelerator Diverse Voices Scholarship is accepting applications from unagented writers of color through August 31. Three recipients will be selected to receive two back-to-back Manuscript Accelerator Coaching programs and career mentorship beginning in January 2019.
- The Comics for Community, Compassion, and Culture, or C4C3, Grant is open for applications from teachers, librarians, and educators who use comics to teach through August 31.
- The Sustainable Arts Foundation is offering 20 grants of $5000 each to artists and writers from anywhere in the world with children under 18. Apply by August 31 for consideration.
- The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC) is accepting grant applications from Latinx artists, art organizations, mentors, or ensembles through September 6.
- Arte Público Press is seeking bilingual (Spanish/English) children’s book manuscripts to be considered for the inaugural Salinas de Alba Award for Latino Children’s Literature. Recipients will be published, receive royalties, and will be awarded $5000. Submit your work by December 31 for consideration.
- A number of micro grants are available for marginalized writers.
- The Awesome Foundation offers $1000 grants on a rolling basis.
- Melanie Gillman shared this list of Grants, Fellowships, and Residencies for Cartoonists! Thanks, Melanie!
- Canadian artists and cultural connectors are welcome to apply for grant funds through the Professional Development for Arts Professionals of Supporting Artistic Practice. Details on how and when you can apply are available on the page.
- Are you a professional freelancer experiencing financial duress? The Haven Foundation offers grants and assistance to applicants with chronic illness or injury or other career-threatening emergencies.
- The Spare Change Grant Program offers one grant of $25 each month to a person of color and/or gender minority to be used for covering application costs for residencies and calls for submissions. Apply by the 25th of each month for a chance at the award.
- Springboard for the arts offers an Emergency Relief Fund for personal and community disasters. Artists in Minnesota affected by the Roberts’ Shoes Building fire are invited to apply.
Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, 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.
Voice Acting
Check the Casting Call Club and Voice Acting Space for more voice acting and audio opportunities.
Writing and Editing
- The NHMC Television Writers’ Program is accepting applications from scriptwriters for a five-week workshop preparing Latinos for writing jobs on television shows through August 5. The program will take place in Burbank, CA from October 8 to November 9. A $250/week stipend will be provided for participants.
- Brain Mill Press is accepting essay pitches on windows and mirrors in media for marginalized identities for upcoming anthology Made of Stories through August 10. They’re also seeking pitches for their monthly column “Makers on Making.”
- Fireside Fiction is open for submissions of novels or novellas of any genre through August 31.
- Lee & Low books are accepting submissions for their New Voices Award and New Visions Award through August 31. For the New Voices Award, cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer. For the New Visions Award, cash prizes and a standard publication contract will be given for a middle grade or young adult novel (including graphic novels) by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.
- Bedside Press is accepting pitches from Indigenous (particularly two-spirit/queer) writers for Love After the End. Pitches will be accepted through September 1.
- Foreshadow: A Serial YA Anthology is accepting submissions of YA fiction through September 1. Contributors will be paid $250 per accepted submission.
- The Asexual is accepting submissions of art and writing for A(gender): An Anthology through September 15.
- Upcoming anthology Boricua en la Luna is accepting applications from Puerto Rican writers, illustrators, and comic artists through September 30. Selected contributors will receive a copy of the anthology; otherwise, proceeds will go to the Hispanic Federation.
- Less Than Three Press is seeking apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic/pastoral apocalyptic LGBTQIA+ stories between 8000 and 15,000 words by September 30 for their upcoming anthology Life After All. They are also open to general submissions.
- The Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival 2019 Short Fiction Contest is accepting submissions from authors through October 1. Work must be based on the theme “Saints and Sinners.” There is a $20 entry fee.
- ABRAMS Books is seeking an Executive Editor for Childrens’ Books and an Editorial Assistant for children’s books, YA books, and graphic novels.
- The American Greetings Alternative Writing Studio is accepting applications for freelance card writers.
- Anathema is seeking fiction and nonfiction from queer nonwhite writers.
- Anime Feminist is looking for contributors in the upcoming year. Read here for more information. Article writers will generally be paid $50 per article.
- Anime News Network is looking for Freelance Editorial Contributors and Convention Correspondents.
- Argot Magazine is seeking written and illustrated submissions about queer and marginalized experiences.
- The Asian American Writers’ Workshop is accepting creative nonfiction, cultural criticism, and essay submissions for their magazine The Margins.
- Black Girls Create is looking for submissions of creative work from black creators showing what their time at Hogwarts would’ve looked like! They are also seeking black women creators and pop culture critique and commentary from black women creators.
- The Brave Some is seeking submissions of short stories, prose, essays, reviews, and visual art by creators who identify as black and/or brown women and femmes.
- Carnation Books is accepting submissions of queer genre fiction and welcomes fanfiction writers seeking to transition into publishing their original writing content. They are actively seeking submissions with asexual or aromantic main characters. They are also seeking cover artists and plot and style editors.
- CBR is seeking experienced writers to write on comic book news, analyses, and movie and tv show casting news.
- Choice of Games is hiring writers for their new line of interactive romance games.
- Clarksworld Magazine is looking for nonfiction contributors and pays up to $0.10 per word.
- 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 $0.06/word for up to 6000 words. Republishing payment is $0.01/word.
- Geeks of Color is looking for news reporters, writers, and music bloggers.
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- (New York, NY) Scholastic Corporation is seeking a Senior Editor to join their imprint Graphix to work on graphic novels for elementary and middle grade readers.
- (New York, NY) HarperCollins Publishing is seeking an Assistant Editor for the William Morrow and Harper Voyager imprints.
- (New York, NY) Hooked is looking for a full time Assistant Editor.
- (San Diego, CA) IDW is seeking an Editor.
- Latinx Publishing is seeking more mentors for its 2018 Writer/Mentor program.
- Lillium Publishing is accepting fiction manuscripts, either for standalone books or series.
- (St. Louis, Missouri) Lion Forge is seeking an Editorial Assistant for Children’s educational books and an Editorial Assistant for Children’s Books.
- Longreads is seeking pitches for personal essays, interviews, reading lists, and more.
- Lore Lush Publishing is accepting manuscript submissions in a number of genres. Diverse and inclusive works are prioritized. They’re also hiring Editors, a Publishing Assistant, and a Publicist.
- (New York, NY) Melcher Media is seeking a Book Editor for illustrated books.
- The New Southern Fugitives is seeking submissions of fiction, book reviews, essays, poetry, photography, and visual art from creators in the South.
- NineStar Press is seeking submissions of romance, erotica, and literary novels.
- (New York, NY) New York University Press is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- Panel Patter is looking for contributors, particularly from writers interested in manga and webcomics!
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House US is seeking an Associate Production Editor.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- ReadySet is looking for an Assistant Editor. Remote is okay, with applicants local to Los Angeles preferred.
- (New York, NY) Sourcebooks Fire is seeking a Senior Editor for teen fiction.
- (New York, NY) Sterling Publishing is seeking editors to work in its Children Editorial department.
- Three-Lobed Burning Eye is seeking original speculative short stories and flash fiction for their Fall issue. Accepted authors of short stories will receive $100 and for flash fiction authors will receive $30.
- Unearth Women is seeking a part-time digital editor and part-time staff writers.
- 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.
- Are a fan of webcomics? The Webcomic Whisperer is looking for guest posts!
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing Co. is seeking a Children’s Editorial Assistant and a Production Editor.
Check out writingcareer.com for a list of calls for submission!
Youth
- Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.
- The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is accepting submissions from artists ages 5-19 for the World Food Day 2018 Poster Contest through November 9. Create a poster that illustrates the idea of “Zero Hunger” for a chance to win a Certificate of Recognition, a gift bag, and the opportunity to be featured in an exhibit.
- (Portland, OR) Miss Anthology is hosting free comic workshops this summer in for youth ages 9-18.
- 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
- This goal of getting 100 Rejections really inspired some friends and I.
- The 2018 Artist Alley Convention Survey is open for responses! Here are past survey results. Find out which conventions were rated highest by engagement, sales, amenities, and other information, all in easy-to-understand charts and simply written information. Thank you Kiriska for putting this together!
- Barbie gave out some good advice on the sorry reflex. Thanks Barbie!! It takes practice to unlearn the sorry reflex, but it’s worth it for your mental health and also for those around you.
- Becca Hillburn of Nattosoup shared a post on Budget Watercolor Recommendations and a guest blog from Kabocha on Foiling with a Laminator. Be sure to check Becca’s Youtube channel for new video interviews with independent artists, walkthroughs with dip pen nibs, tutorials, and more.
- Catapult shared advice on finding agents and pitching your books.
- Clara Fernandez-Vara shared this list of tools to make narrative games.
- The Creative Independent shared A Study on the Financial State of Visual Artists Today. The results were not promising, and indicate that most visual artists subsist either below the poverty line or with the help of family or support networks.
- Creator Resource is a new website looking to share resources for comic book creators, writers, and editors. Check it out!
- Author Debbie Ohi shared free templates, resources, and how-to guides for Creating Children’s Books.
- Sign up for Draw This to receive free reference photos in your email each week. Join the free life drawing livestream every Friday at 4PM PST!
- Erin Roseberry shared some great info on getting your work into your local library! Thanks, Erin!
- The Etherington Brothers shared 100 of their “How to Think When you Draw” tutorials.
- Fai wrote a comprehensive Zine Organizing Guide. Thanks, Fai!
- The Freelancer’s Union posted The Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Paid on Time. Check it out!
- Jen Bartel shared great tips and things to keep in mind when approaching artists at conventions for portfolio advice.
- Jesse Hamm shared 10 ways to save time while making comics! These are incredible tips, and as the “slowest artist ever,” I look forward to using them. Thanks Jesse!
- Kabocha added new Clip Studio Paint brushes to their site along with new Photoshop patterns and watercolor papers on Gumroad.
- Brushes by Kyle T. Webster are available on Adobe’s website. Apparently they work on older, non-CC versions of Photoshop. Test it out and see if it can work for you!
- Nilah Magruder created (and recently updated) this awesome list of literary agents who represent illustrators. Niki Smith also has a list of agents who represent creators of graphic novels. Thank you Nilah and Niki!
- Riana Dorsey gave some great tips on lighting and shading! Thank you, Riana!
- Ever had your work stolen? RitheGuardian created a free DMCA takedown template!
- Shay shared these great tips on selecting zines to participate in (I follow these too!). They also created this incredible spreadsheet for zine templates… wow! Thank you, Shay!
- Strangely Katie shared this great list of ways to develop a creative project outside of drawing or otherwise directly making! Thanks, Katie!
- The Toronto Comics Anthology shared their process for organizing anthology projects.
- The Void Academy shared this guide on How to Ask for What You Need as a freelance creative.
- The results of the Webcomics/Indie Comics Reader Survey have been released. Thank you, RebelVampire!
- Yoshi Yoshitani shared a great thread on pricing commissions!
Deals
- The entire Adobe Creative Suite is on sale for $30/month for the first 12 months. It’s usually $53/month for that plan, so this is an incredible deal.
- Bodies in Motion has its subscriptions available for 50% off.
- Every Monday, Barnes and Noble offers deals on manga. They are also having a Buy 2 Get 1 Free sale on Viz manga titles through August 4! Be sure to check it out!
- Daiya Manga lists great deals for manga and anime!
- Schoolism is offering $100 off an annual subscription through today, August 3.
Remember to check ComiXology, Dick Blick, Jerry’s Art-A-Rama, Joann, Michael’s, and RightStuf for their weekly ads, coupons, and specials on comics and art supplies.
Giveaways
- Goodreads constantly offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres. Check out these giveaways for comics and graphic novels, like this one for Hocus & Pocus: The Legend of Grimm’s Woods and Tillie Walden’s On A Sunbeam.
- Seven Seas has a survey for July. Fill out the survey to be entered into a raffle to win a copy of any book Seven Seas has published so far in 2018!
- SMAC, the Silent Manga Audition, has a survey open for manga readers. Fill it out by August 5 for a chance to win a Playstation 4, original artwork from Jun Tomizawa, copics, Japanese snacks, and more.
- Sparkler Monthly is hosting a survey for June. Fill it out for a chance to win a Sparkler paperback of your choice!
- Unbound Worlds, in partnership with Threadless, Thrilist, and Shudder, is giving away a trip for two to New York Comic Con, along with a $1000 travel stipend and other gifts. The giveaway closes on August 15.
- It’s not a “true” giveaway, but: The Comic Con Museum is accepting donations starting at $10 and in exchange is offering the chance to win yourself and a friend 4-day passes to San Diego Comic-Con with preview night, reserved seating in Hall H, and complimentary travel and stay. Donate by October 18 for a chance to win.
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 Atla, comicops, and Toronto Comix for sharing Paper Cat! And hello to the new followers out there – I hope this resource helps you!
Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – July 27, 2018
paper cat press 