Weekly Roundup: January 24, 2020

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 || Games || Mentorships & Fellowships || Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops || Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants || Teaching || Voice Acting || Writing and Editing || Youth and Internships || Resources || Deals || Giveaways


News

  • Paper Cat Press now has an official mailing list! Sign up here and get notified whenever a new Weekly Roundup goes live.
  • Kickstarter United has received several commitments from Kickstarter management indicating a fair process moving forward with union negotiations and has agreed to a media blackout as a show of good faith.
  • Supporters of Kickstarter United can look to this page for ideas on how to show their support. NOTE: Paper Cat Press supports the union and will follow their lead in the use of Kickstarter.
  • SPX has created a legal aid fund in support of 11 indie artists and an indie publisher who are faced with a defamation lawsuit because they spoke out against another creator’s alleged pattern of sexual abuse. Please support their cause and send the message that survivors of sexual assault do not feel afraid to speak out against their abusers and supporters of victims should not pay for an abuser’s crimes.

Social Resources

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 and Prizes

Nilah Magruder shared this Illustration Awards Masterlist. Scroll down to the Resources section to see even more that Nilah has contributed to the community for free. Thank you so much, Nilah!

The Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation Through Adversity is accepting applications from US libraries and staff who overcome adversity and create lasting innovative community service programs that successfully inspire and connect with new readers. A $10,000 cash award will be given to a US library, and four runners-up will receive $1,000 in Penguin Random House books.

The 2020 Cartoonist Studio Prize is accepting submissions until January 31. Eligible comics (including webcomics) must have been published in English in 2019. Two recipients will receive $1,000 each.

The Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic is accepting novel-length books and short fiction by Canadian authors published in 2019 until January 31.

button_new3 The Tomás Rivera Book Prize is accepting submissions of previously unpublished works in prose written primarily in English focused on the Chicanx/Latinx experience in the United States until January 31 (deadline extended). There is a $35 entry fee.

The 2020 Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards is accepting submissions of fiction and nonfiction graphic novels published in 2019 until February 1.

The Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction will announce its winners on February 14. While there is no formal submissions process and judges are tasked with making note of memorable romance fiction, you are welcome to submit your work for consideration.

The SFWA Nebula Awards are accepting nominations from Active, Lifetime Active, and Associate SFWA members in good standing until February 15 at 11:59pm PST.

button_new3 The Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction is accepting submissions from lesbian and lesbian-identified queer authors through February 17. The award winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500.

button_new3 The Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize is accepting submissions from LGBTQ-identified authors who have published multiple novels and show promise to continue publishing high quality work for years to come until February 17.

button_new3 The Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers is accepting submissions from LGBTQ-identified, emerging writers who have published at least one, but not more than two, books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry until February 17. Two award winners will receive a cash prize of $1,000.

The Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition is accepting submissions of graphic novels in process from creators who have not yet published a full-length graphic work until February 28.

button_new3 The 2020 Comedy Women in Print Prize is accepting submissions of published comedy, unpublished comedy, and humorous graphic novels by “female (identified) authors including non-binary” published in the UK and Ireland until March 3. There is no cost for entry, but for shortlisted books, £50 will be required from the publisher and a further £50 for the winning book.

Nominations for the 2020 Hugo Awards, 1945 Retro Hugo Awards, Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, and Astounding Award for Best New Writer are now open until March 13.

The 2020 Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards is accepting entry submissions until March 13.


Crowdfunded Projects

galpals

Fake Geek Girls Like Us is raising funds to produce Gal Pals, a 20-page full-color zine exploring the intimacy of femme relationships. Gal Pals features art, stories, and essays that showcase romance and friendships between original characters and fan favorites. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the zine, stickers, a print, a t-shirt, and commissions. The campaign ends on February 6. (Note: I am an artist in this zine.)


wychwoodch1

button_new3 Ally Rom Colthoff is currently raising funds to publish a physical copy of Wychwood Chapter 1: Discovery. Wychwood is a sci-fi/urban fantasy post-apocalypse story that begins twenty years after the world was invaded by an alien force that left behind strange magic. As the organization Wychwood seeks to maintain its status as an authority on magic, delinquent Tiara must protect herself and stay under the radar. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the 36-page chapter, a sticker, prints, and a complete set of Colthoff’s comic Chirault. The campaign ends on February 12.

dddeath10

button_new3 Dirty Diamonds is raising funds to publish their final volume of Dirty Diamonds: its tenth volume, Death. The 252-page anthology features semi-autobiographical comics from female and femme comic creators based on the theme of Death and how it has impacted their lives. Tier options include digital and physical copies of the book, postcards, bookmarks, a patch, an enamel pin, a signed bookplate, every volume of the Dirty Diamonds series, a candle, and a custom canvas print. The campaign ends on February 14.

General


Animation

Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide that’s updated daily. You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.comSee Entertainment Careers for more listings.


Comics, Illustration, and More

  • DisabledCartoonists.com has launched! Submissions at CartoonistsofColor.com and QueerCartoonists.com have reopened. Thank you Mari Naomi and Cameron for all of your work in creating and maintaining these priceless resources!
  • The results of the Comics Workforce Study is now available. Thank you Sasha Bassett for all of your work in collecting and parsing this data!
  • endingbutton_4 Threadless is accepting artwork for the following challenges: Classic Blue, due January 17; and Clubs, due January 31.
  • endingbutton_4 Cloudscape Comics is accepting pitches to their upcoming anthology Welcome to Mina’s until January 30.
  • The Great Command Meant is accepting comic proposals until January 31. The anthology will be funded through Kickstarter, though the percentages that contributors will receive is not stated.
  • The 13th Silent Manga Audition, in collaboration with UNESCO Asia & Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, is accepting submissions of manga-style comics with the theme “together for peace” until January 31.
  • The 2020 Cartoonist Studio Prize is accepting submissions until January 31. Eligible comics (including webcomics) must have been published in English in 2019. Two recipients will receive $1,000 each.
  • Sam is accepting work from artists who identify as Asian American/Asian/Pacific Islander until January 31. More details can be found here.
  • NSFW! Filthy Figments is currently accepting pitches for new comics until January 31.
  • MediBang is accepting artwork with the theme of “Christmas” until January 31. A grand prize winner will receive 50,000 yen, with other runner-ups receiving 10,000 yen.
  • MediBang Paint’s ARTStreet is hosting a Dog vs. Cat art contest until February 5. The winner will receive 50,000 yen.
  • InQluded is seeking submissions from QTIBIPoC youth (aged 12-30) for their fifth issue with the theme “joy” until February 15.
  • Pictoplasma’s Too Cute to Fail Challenge is accepting entries until February 15. Upload original artwork of one irresistibly cute character to Pictofolio with the tag #2Cute2Fail for a chance to win lifetime licenses of Clip Studio Paint and free registration to the Pictoplasma Berlin Conference 2020.
  • MediBang Paint is hosting a Carole and Tuesday Fanart Contest. Submit fanart of the series by February 28 for an opportunity to win up to 100,000 yen prize money and comments from the judges (Shinichiro Watanabe, Minami Masahiko, and Tsunemori Saito).
  • Red Stylo is holding an open call for its upcoming anthology Bite Me, inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula, until February 15. Red Stylo does not share contract terms with anyone before accepting a submission.
  • Top Cow is hosting a Talent Hunt for previously unpublished writers and artists. Submit by February 28 for consideration. 
  • button_new3 The 2020 Comedy Women in Print Prize is accepting submissions of humorous graphic novels published in the UK and Ireland by “female (identified) authors including non-binary” until March 3. There is no cost for entry, but for shortlisted books, £50 will be required from the publisher and a further £50 for the winning book.
  • MediBang Paint’s ARTStreet is hosting a contest to design a new cover for the mystery fantasy novel “Spinning.” Submit designs by March 9 for a chance at prize money and publication.
  • MediBang Paint’s ARTStreet is hosting a Bessatsu Shonen Manga Award. Submit a manga project by March 12 for a chance at prize money and publication.
  • Clip Studio Paint’s International Manga/Comic Schools Contest is accepting entries of comics and illustrations with the theme “promise” until April 27.



Check out Arts for LA, Call for Entry, College Art Opportunities, or Graphic Competitions for more exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities. Check Chris Arrant’s #ComicJobs hashtag on Twitter.


Conventions and Events

Con or Bust is seeking volunteers to join their Board as a an Interim President and Treasurer, as well as seasonal volunteers. Con or Bust aims to provide free tickets and travel grants to fans of color who want to attend SFF cons.

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


Designers


Fan Zines

Looking for more fan zines to submit to? Check out this spreadsheet created by magicalzombie for more!


Games

  • (Warszawa, Poland) 11 Bit Studios is seeking an engine Programmer, an Expert UI/UX Designer, a Gameplay Programmer, an IT Lead, a Lead Artist, a Lead Game Designer, a Senior Engine Designer, a Senior Gameplay Animator, a Senior Gameplay Programmer, a Senior Producer, a Senior Tools Programmer, and a Senior Tools UX Designer.
  • (Los Angeles, CA) DICE LA is seeking an Animation Director, an Art Director – Presentation/UI, Character Technical Animation Director, a Design Director, a Lead Character Artist, and a UX/UI Design Director. DICE Stockholm has many job openings, as well.

  • itch.io has launched a job board so that studios can post paid positions to the itch.io development team.
  • (Montreal, Canada) KO-OP is hiring a full-time Narrative Designer.
  • (Chicago, Illinois) NetherRealm Studios is seeking an Artist/Animator, a Senior DesignerSenior FX Artist, an FX Artist, and a Senior Technical Artist, Animation.
  • (Irvine, CA) Nexon is seeking an Animator (Contract), Associate Animator (Contract), a Lead Gameplay Engineer, a Lead Sound Designer, a Principal 3D Concept Artist, a Principal Lighting Artist, a Principal VFX Artist, a Senior Animator (Contract), and a Senior Gameplay Engineer.

  • Queerly Represent Me is seeking more pitches for their Game As You Are series. Selected contributors will be paid. They’re also seeking interviewees who are queer and work in games.
  • (London, UK) Roll7 is seeking a 3D Animator, a 3D Character Artist, an Art Director, Character Artist, a Lead Environment Artist, Lead Programmer, a Level Designer, a Narrative Designer, a Quality Assurance Tester, and a Remote Studio Manager.
  • (London, UK) Supersolid Games is seeking a 3D Animator, an Associate Product Manager, a Cinematic Artist, a Data Analyst, a Game Developer, a Senior Game Designer, and a Server Developer.
  • (Manchester, UK) TT Games is seeking an In-Game Animator, a Gameplay Programmer, and a Senior/Lead Gameplay Designer.
  • (Toronto, Canada) Ubisoft is hiring artists, programmers, office workers, and more.
  • WB Games is seeking a Creative Director in Needham, MA; a Staff Game Designer, a Senior Software Engineer – Mobile Games, and a Senior Game Designer in San Francisco, CA; and an Animator and Senior Animator in Montreal, Quebec. They are also seeking gamers in Montreal, San Francisco, and Seattle to test games currently in development.

Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide that’s updated daily. Mitch Dyer shared a doc full of Game Dev jobs.


Mentorships & Fellowships

  • button_new3 The True Colors Fellowship is accepting applications from young people aged 18-24 with former or current experiences of homelessness or unstable housing until February 17. Up to five selected fellows will have the opportunity to execute a six-month project that contributes to a more inclusive world in which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer, and questioning young people are included and affirmed in their identities.
  • VS Books is accepting applications from unpublished writers who are Indigenous, Black or a person of color and who are 50 or older living in Canada until January 4, 2021.


Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops

  • The 2020 San Francisco Redbubble Residency is now accepting applications and creative proposals until January 31. Selected residents will receive $3,000 a month but are responsible for their own moving and housing expenses.
  • Lambda Literary’s 2020 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is accepting applications until February 3. There is an application fee of $25, and total fee of $1,725 (not including travel) with scholarships available.

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


Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants

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 for more voice acting and audio opportunities.


Writing and Editing

  • We Need Diverse Books is looking to fill three contractual team positions this winter: Webmaster for WordPress Site; Assistant Editor for YouTube Content; and Contributing Writers for the blog.
  • Rebuilding Tomorrow is accepting prose submissions that feature disabled and/or chronically ill protagonists rebuilding society and living their life a significant time after an apocalyptic disaster. Submissions are open until January 31.
  • Timeworn Literary Journal is accepting unpublished historical fiction submissions in English between 2,000 and 5,000 words until January 31. Accepted authors will receive $25 and a copy of the saddle-stitched volume.
  • Graywolf Press is accepting submissions of nonfiction manuscripts in process to their nonfiction prize until February 1. The recipient of the prize will receive a $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf Press.
  • The Warner Bros. Television Directors’ Workshop is accepting applications until February 6.
  • Cantina Publishing is accepting submissions for f/f anthology Silk & Steel: An Adventure Anthology of Queer Ladies until February 22. Selected authors will be paid $0.08/word.
  • Bitch Media is seeking pitches for their issue themed “Fantasy” until February 24.
  • Mattilda B Sycamore is accepting submissions for Between Certain Death and a Possible Future: Queer Writing on Growing Up with the AIDS Crisis until March 1 (but earlier is better). Submissions should be under 5,000 words.
  • button_new3 The 2020 Comedy Women in Print Prize is accepting submissions of published and unpublished comedy novels published in the UK and Ireland by “female (identified) authors including non-binary” until March 3. There is no cost for entry, but for shortlisted books, £50 will be required from the publisher and a further £50 for the winning book.
  • Speculative City is seeking  fiction, poetry, and essays with the theme of Afrofuturism written by authors who are specifically of Black and/or African descent until June 1. Submit pieces under 5,500 words to submissions@speculativecity.com.
  • button_new3 Nerve Endings: Smut and Nerve Endings: Romance are accepting submissions of short fiction addressing trans and non-binary experiences of sex, sexuality, and relationships. Submissions for Smut are due by July 5, and submissions for Romance are due by July 5, 2021.

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


Youth & Internships

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! 

pcpat

Thank you to Steven, April, Chromophage, Indira, Nathan, SAWHAND, Elle, Geneva, Amanda, Andi, Annie, BlackHairedDemon, Catherine, Farid, Grey, Lara, Laura, Maaike, Metouji, Michi, Myfanwy, and Ravi for your Patronage!

If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my PatreonPaypalor Ko-Fi.

Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup – January 17, 2019

 

 

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