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 || 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
Black Lives Matter. Paper Cat Press supports police abolition and accountability for police brutality. Check this page for a list of actions you can take.
- This zine, 12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops, is available for free.
- The Sherwood Forest Zine Library shared a free collection of zines regarding Black history/struggle, privilege, allyship, policing, legal rights, activism, and protest tactics.
News
- Paper Cat Press now has an official mailing list! Sign up here and get notified whenever a new Weekly Roundup goes live.
- In response to COVID–19 and the hardships many creators are facing as a result, WEBTOON is extending the current 100% net ad revenue support for CANVAS creators through the end of 2020, with the final 100% net ad revenue payout happening January 2021 for December revenue.
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 and Prizes
- Submissions for the 2021 Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards are open. Publishers and creators can submit original graphic novels and other graphic literature published during 2020 for consideration in the awards. Publishers or creators may submit their titles for consideration by completing the online submission form and uploading a PDF of the title, or you may arrange your preferred method of file transfer by emailing egls [at] popcultureclassroom.org.
- 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 Sequential Magazine Awards, fan-voted awards that allow Canadian comic fans to show appreciation for their favorite local indie comics and creators as well as discover more great Canadian made comics, is now open for voting.
The Eisner Awards is accepting submissions for consideration until March 15.- Nominations are now open for the 2021 Hugo Awards, the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, and the Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book. Members with an attending or supporting membership for DisCon III or CoNZealand are eligible to nominate. The nomination period closes March 19 at 11:59 p.m., PDT.
- The 2021 Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award is accepting nominations of comic retailers until April 16.
Crowdfunded Projects
Black Josei Press is raising funds to reprint The Saddest, Angriest Black Girl in Town by cartoonist Robyn Smith. The 32-page autobiographical comic recounts Smith’s experience being one of the only Black people in a rural Vermont town and how that affected her mental health. Reward options include either digital or physical copies of the comic. The campaign ends on March 16.
Samn Judge is raising funds to publish COSMIC SUMMER: A Sci-Fi Vacation Anthology. The collection of eight all-ages sci-fi comics and illustrations takes place aboard the intergalactic cruise ship The Alula and features 52+ full-color pages. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the anthology, stickers, postcards, and a patch. The campaign ends on March 17.
Quindrie Press is raising funds to produce and publish its 2021 Comic Collection. Each comic features 44 to 48 pages of comics, with stories of a cursed suit of armor and the knight who dons it; a lovestruck student desperate to impress the professor’s daughter; a young girl tasked with caring for a terrible beast; and a witch working to turn the moon into a new home for humanity. Reward options include digital and print copies of any or all of the four comics, as well as an exclusive set of prints. The campaign ends on April 1.
Iron Shield Press is currently raising funds to publish YOU GAVE ME A HOME: A Collaborative Zine. Celebrating the unexpected connection between a genius-playboy-billionaire-philanthropist and a super-soldier out of time, the transformative anthology collects over 120 pages of art and short stories. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the zine, a bookmark, art prints, acrylic charms, stickers, and a linked enamel pin set. The campaign ends on April 3.
Please check the Comics section on Kickstarter to find even more creative crowdfunding campaigns to support.
General/Misc.
- Check out Paper Cat Press’s Holiday Market! I’ll be listing shops that sell hand-made items, including art or writing commissions, accessories, clothing, crafts, prints, and more. (Sign-up is now closed.)
- Go Komikimok, a collective of SEA creators, is now open. They recently released a series of resources: “The Comic Creator’s Guide to Graphic Novel Pitch Packets” and “The Comic Creator’s Guide to Literary Agents.“
- Abelle, the creator of the #DrawingWhileBlack hashtag, has moved the directory to AirTable. Please add your name if you are a Black artist!
- If you’re a Filipino artist, add your name to the Filipino American Artist Directory!
- ENBY Magazine is accepting pitches and submissions for their double issue, themed Mind & Body, as well as rolling submissions for their digital platform. Click here for their guidelines.
- Kara created the hashtag #SmallArtistFair to help artists with shops and follower counts under 10,000.
- #APIpit is a Twitter pitch event for Asian/Pasifika writers and illustrators during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The inaugural event will be held on May 4. Learn more here.
- The first-ever #PitchDis, a Twitter pitch event for un-agented disabled authors, is coming Tuesday, June 22.
- The Latinx Collective shared a directory of Latina and Latinx small business owners and collectives. Check it out!
- Represent Me is seeking to expand its list of freelance diversity consultants for paid opportunities. Email hello [at] representme.charity for more information.
- WEBTOON will be extending the WEBTOON CANVAS Creator Rewards Program until the end of 2021. The current 100% net ad revenue support for CANVAS creators will continue until the end of June 2021.
Animation
- Elvie Mae Parian shared a Google Sheet with a Directory of Remote Animation Workplaces. Check it out!
The Animation Guild (Local 839) is offering free portfolio reviews for students, recent grads, and union members looking for a promotion or switching disciplines. Submit your portfolio by April 6 to receive a review.- (Vancouver, Canada) Bardel Entertainment is seeking a 2D Compositing Artist, a 2D Flash Animator, a 2D FX Artist, a 2D Harmony Animator, a 2D Lead Animator, a 3D Animator, a 3D FX Artist, a 3D FX Lead, a 3D Production Assistant, a 3D Production Coordinator, an Art Director, a Background Paint Designer, a Builds Artist, a CG Generalist, a Designer, a Digital Matte Painter, a Lead Animator, a Lead Digital Matte Painter, a Lighting and Compositing Artist, a Line Producer, a Modeler, a Motion Graphics Artist, a Production Manager, a Rigging Artist, a Senior Fur Artist, a Senior Production Coordinator, a Storyboard Artist, a Storyboard Revisionist, a Storyboard Supervisor, and a Texturing and Surfacing Artist.
- Bento Box:
- (Burbank, CA) Seeking an Animator, an Associate Producer, a CG Artist, a Design Coordinator, a Design Supervisor, a Harmony Compositor, a Post-Production Coordinator, and a Production Manager.
- (Glendale, CA) Seeking a 2D Harmony Animator, an Assistant to the Supervising Producer, a Script Coordinator, and a Storyboard Artist.
- (North Hollywood, CA) Seeking a 2D Harmony Retake Director, an Assistant Animation Editor, a Harmony Technical Director, a Producer, a Production Manager, a Supervising Animator, and a Supervising Director.
- (Atlanta, GA) Seeking a 2D Animator and an After Effects Compositor/Animator.
- (London, UK) Blue-Zoo Animation is seeking a 2D Background Artist, 3D Character Animator (entry-level and experienced), a 3D Maya Rigger (experienced), an FX Artist, a Harmony Scene Build Artist, a Head of Pipeline, Lighting and Compositing Artists (entry-level and experienced), a 2D Production Assistant, a Production Manager, a ToonBoom Harmony Lead Animator, and ToonBoom Harmony Animators (entry-level and experienced). They’re also accepting speculative applications.
- (Kilkenny, Ireland) Cartoon Saloon is hiring an Animation Supervisor, an Animator, a Compositing Artist, a Harmony Technical Director, a Layout Supervisor, a Posing Artist, a Posing Supervisor, Talent Acquisition, and a Tech Check Artist.
- (Burbank, CA) Disney TV Animation is seeking an Art Director, an Assistant Art Director, a Background Painter, a Character Designer, a Director, a Line Producer, a Location Designer, a Production Associate, a Production Coordinator, and a Storyboard Revisionist.
- (Glendale, CA) DreamWorks Animation is hiring an Animation Pipeline TD, a Compositing Lead, a Director, a Line Producer, a Production Designer, and a Supervising Producer.
- Industrial Light and Magic:
- (London, UK) Seeking a Lead Creature Technical Director, a Lead Generalist, a Lead Layout Artist, a Layout/Match Move Artist, and a Senior Layout Artist.
- (Vancouver, BC) Seeking an Animator, a Junior Generalist, a Layout Supervisor, and a Previs Generalist.
- (San Francisco, CA) Seeking a Character Facial Modeler and a Senior FX Technical Director.
- (Singapore) Seeking a Compositor, a Creature Technical Director, an Effects Technical Director, a Generalist Supervisor, a Groom Artist, a Look Dev Technical Director, and a Senior FX Technical Director.
- (Madrid, Spain) Lightbox Animation Studios is seeking a Matte Painter Supervisor, a Mid Animator, a Senior Animator, a Senior Lighting and Compositing Artist, and a Senior Texture and Surface Artist.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Netflix Animation is hiring a Storyboard Artist, a Post Production Supervisor, and a Visual Development Artist.
- (Burbank, CA) Nickelodeon is seeking a 3D FX Artist, an Art Director, a Background Designer, a Background Painter, a CG Animation Director, a CG Storyboard Artist, a CG Storyboard Revisionist, a Character Designer, a Colorist Designer (Style), a 2D FX Animator, a Lighting and Comp Artist, a Post Production Supervisor, a Pre-Vis Environment Modeler, a Storyboard Director, a Storyboard Artist, a Storyboard Artist with Flash experience, a Feature Line Producer, and a Line Producer.
- (New York, NY) Noggin from Nick Jr. is seeking an Animator and a Compositor.
- (Emeryville, CA) Pixar Animation Studios is hiring a Camera Polish Artist, a Render Pipeline Engineer, a Technical Director, Character Rig/Model, a Technical Director, Character Shading, a Technical Director, Global Technology, a Technical Director, Set Dressing, a Technical Director, Set Extensions, a Technical Director, Set Model, and a Technical Director, Set Shade.
- (Vancouver, BC) Sony Imageworks is hiring Animators, Character FX Technical Directors, Compositors, FX Artists, Layout Artists, Lighters, Matte Painters, Modelers, and more.
- Titmouse:
- (Los Angeles, CA) Seeking an Animation Line Producer, an Animation Post Editor, a Comedy Editor, an Episodic Director, a Production Coordinator, a Production Manager, and a Storyboard Artist.
- (Vancouver, BC) Seeking 2D Animators, a 2D Production Coordinator, a Background Layout Artist, a Compositor (After Effects), and Flash Animators.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Seeking an Animation Line Producer,
- (Burbank, CA) Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring an Animator, an Associate Editor, an Associate Software Engineer: Hair/Cloth Toolsets, an Associate Software Engineer: Lighting & Render Pipeline, a Character Designer, a Character TD: Rigging, a Crowds Artist, a General Technical Director, three Senior Software Engineers, a Character TD: Rigging, and a Story Artist.
- XP-Pen hosted a free 6-Week Animator Incubation program. All of the courses are now available to view for free.
Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide. You can find a directory of currently open animation jobs at animatedjobs.com. See 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 2019 is now available. Thank you Sasha Bassett for all of your work in collecting and parsing this data!
- Threadless is accepting submissions of t-shirt designs with the theme “Smash the Patriarchy” until March 26.
- CODEX OBSCURUS is accepting submissions of artwork exploring the topic of witches and warlocks until March 31. Upon the campaign’s completion, 85% of its profits will be divided among the artists whose entries are chosen to appear in the book
- Oneshi Press is accepting submissions for a comic anthology based on the theme of “Becoming.” Artists or writers may submit individually and later be paired, or submit as a unit. Final works must be 8-page comics. All submissions of comics, scripts, poems, art portfolios, and cover art concepts must be received by April 7.
- Twisting Time, an anthology of speculative comics, is accepting submissions from artists through April 15. Selected contributors will be paid $20/page, to be paid through a Kickstarter campaign.
- Clip Studio Paint is accepting submissions for its International Comic/Manga Schools Contest with the theme “Admiration” until April 29.
- WinC Magazine, the official publication for Women in Comics Collective International (WinC), is accepting submissions for their summer issue through April 30. Comics, prose, and poetry are welcome and creators of accepted submissions will be paid (visit website for pay schedule).
- The Silent Manga Audition is accepting textless comic entries between 5 and 17 pages in length with the theme “moments of fear, joy or love” until July 28.
- Illustrators can take the State of Illustration international survey here.
- Illustrators and literary agents: With the help of Cameron Decker and Houndstooth Designs, the Agents for Illustrators list is now a searchable directory. Search agent listings by genre, location, and agency. Agents can now sign up and log in to control their own listings. Thank you, Nilah Magruder!
- Anathema is open to portfolio submissions from illustrators for new/original and/or reprint cover art.
- Arledge Comics is accepting submissions of all-ages comics on a rolling basis. They’re also accepting applications for flatters.
- Arsenika is accepting portfolio submissions and pays $100 for reprint artwork.
- AZE Journal is accepting general submissions from marginalized voices in the queer community.
- The Comicadia Herald is accepting submissions of news from webcomic creators, including convention appearances, publishing deals, relaunches and hiatus returns, contests, and more.
- Creator Advisor helps creators connect with other creators on paid comic book projects.
- ENBY Magazine is seeking submissions of illustrations, animations, traditional drawings, and artwork from BIPOC non-binary creators for a potential video.
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- (San Diego, CA) IDW Publishing is seeking an experienced Editor.
- Do you have a webcomic with LGBTQ characters and themes? LGBTQ Webcomics is looking to add more queer webcomics to their database on Tagpacker!
- Moonmaker Inc., an artist collective aimed towards networking and building a creative environment for artists who identify as Asian or part of the Asian diaspora, is now open! Check out their website, Discord, and community events to get involved.
- New Naratif welcomes pitches from freelancers in Southeast Asia (or from the Southeast Asian diaspora) about stories and issues that matter to Southeast Asia and Southeast Asians. Submissions may include research, journalism, comics, videos, podcasts, etc..
- The New Southern Fugitives is seeking submissions of fiction, book reviews, essays, poetry, photography, and visual art from creators in the South.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- QueerWebcomics.com has two mailing lists available for sign-up – one for professionals, and a general list for customers.
- Scholastic Canada invites professional illustrators to email sample art and links to an online portfolio to Andrea Casault, Art Director at acasault@scholastic.ca.
- Seven Seas Entertainment is hiring a Manga Letterer.
- Shout Mouse Press, a writing program and publishing house for underheard voices, is seeking illustrators for their 2020 series of Books by Teens. In partnership with Reach Incorporated, Shout Mouse Press coaches 12-15 DC teens to write 4 illustrated children’s books for the students they tutor. The project requires at least 2 on-site visits during the last two weeks of July in Washington, DC, and illustrators are offered a stipend of $1,500 per book with the opportunity for a bonus, plus 5 free copies.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Skybound Entertainment is seeking a Comic Book Editor.
- (San Francisco, CA) Viz Media is seeking an Editor for Original Graphic Novels to identify new creators to develop original graphic novels appropriate for VIZ Media and seeing through the project development from start to finish.
- The Washington Center for the Book invites Washingtonians of all ages to send 1- to 3-page COVID-19 stories to be collected into an anthology zine.
- Submit your webcomic to The Webcomic Library by using this form.
- (Los Angeles, CA) WEBTOON has a wide number of opportunities available.
- Zenescope is seeking a Lead Editor with a minimum of 3 years of editorial experience in the comic book industry. Experience as a Lead or Executive Editor is preferred, but not required. Email jobs [at] zenescope.com with a resume.
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
Many conventions and major events have been cancelled due to travel restrictions, guest cancellations, and preventative responses to the spread of coronavirus. Here is a list of cancelled and postponed conventions. Please check in frequently with any event you have planned through 2021. And, as always, wash your hands.
- Anime Expo has been postponed. An online event will take place on the July 4th weekend.
- CAKE, the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, has been postponed until a proposed date of June 2022.
- Cow House Press is hosting a teen queer webcomic club from February 14 to April 11.
- The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) will take place December 10-12 in 2021.
- Emerald City Comic Con has rescheduled its event for December 2-5, 2021.
- FIYAH Con will take place September 16-September 19. They are accepting sponsors, non-tax deductible donations, programming pitches, and volunteer applications.
- Black speculative fiction writers can email events [at] sfwa.org for instructions on how to claim a free registration for the 2021 Nebula Conference Online.
- Sakura-Con 2021 has been cancelled. Memberships for 2021 will be forwarded to 2022.
- San Diego Comic-Con has postponed its in-person event. Instead, the online event Comic-Con@Home will take place July 23-25.
- Short Run Comix and Arts Festival has been postponed. The Short Run Dash Grant is now on hold.
- The in-person WonderCon has been cancelled, but a WonderCon@Home virtual event will take place on March 26-27.
Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide. Mitch Dyer shared a doc full of Game Dev jobs. Work With Indies lists game dev jobs with independent studios.
Designers
- (New York, NY) The Walt Disney Company is seeking an Associate Designer for The Undefeated imprint.
- (REMOTE) Astra Publishing House is seeking a remote Junior Graphic Designer to work across all children’s and adult imprints.
- (New York, NY) Abrams Children’s Books is seeking a Senior Designer.
- Chronicle Books is seeking a Design and Development Director for the Petit Collage brand.
- (Milwaukie, OR) Dark Horse is seeking a Digital Art Technician and a Prepress Technician.
- (Glendale, CA) Disney Publishing Worldwide is seeking a Designer.
- (Brentwood, TN) Hachette Nashville is seeking a Creative Director.
- (New York, NY) HarperCollins Children’s Books is seeking an Assistant Designer with a passion for graphic novels and children’s literature to join its graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley.
- (San Diego, CA) IDW Publishing is seeking an Associate Graphic Designer.
- (New York, NY) Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is seeking a Senior Designer.
- (New York, NY) Orbit is seeking a Designer.
- (New York, NY) The Walt Disney Company is seeking an Associate Designer.
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing is seeking a Designer/Senior Designer.
Fan Zines
Looking for fan zines to submit to? Check out Apps4Zines on Twitter.
Games
- (REMOTE) Epic Games is seeking a Contract Writer to work on Fortnite.
- Gameheads is accepting submissions from young Black students interested in interactive entertainment and mixed media industries for their Black Video Game Scholars Program. The program begins January 30, so apply soon.
- Latinx in Gaming is taking nominations, including self-nominations, for Afro-Latinx streamers, developers, artists, or professionals in gaming to be highlighted and shared.
- (San Francisco, CA) Lucasfilm Games is seeking an Associate Brand Art Director.
- (Kirkland, WA) Monolith Productions is seeking a Senior FX Artist.
- Niantic Beyond Reality: Black Developers Initiative is accepting applications from Black game development teams to support, mentor and finance Black game development teams for the purpose of building real-world AR games. Apply by March 14 to be considered for Spring 2021.
- (London, UK) Rocksteady Studios is seeking an Engine Director, a Lead Network Programmer, a QA Tester, a Senior QA Tester, a Senior Rendering Engineer,
- (Manchester, United Kingdom) TT Games is seeking a Character Artist.
- ustoo games is seeking a Writer to develop an original story and dialogue for their next project. As the project features a non-binary protagonist, they hugely encourage applications from non-binary writers.
- WB Games is seeking a Senior Gameplay Technical Animator, a Senior Level Designer, and a Senior Technical Level Designer in Montreal, Quebec.
Check this list of animation and gaming jobs worldwide. Mitch Dyer shared a doc full of Game Dev jobs. Work With Indies lists game dev jobs with independent studios.
Mentorships & Fellowships
- (REMOTE) Cornell University Press is seeking a Mellon Diversity Fellow to join the acquisitions department. The fellow will serve in an entry-level position and provide support to one or more Acquisitions Editors in acquiring scholarly books. This is a 14-month term appointment with medical benefits and paid leave time. Apply by March 14 for consideration.
- The 2021 Milkweed Advancement Fellowship is accepting applications from those interested in pursuing a career in book publishing or nonprofit fundraising. The fellowship is paid.
- SELFMADEHERO’s Graphic Anthology Programme is accepting applications from emerging UK-based comic book artists of Black, Asian, Arab, mixed-race, Romani/Traveller, or non-white Latinx background. The 12-week online mentoring program will provide free tools, workshops, and masterclasses for 8 UK creators. Apply by March 26 for consideration.
- The University of Texas Press is offering a Publishing Fellowship for the 2021–2022 year, beginning September 1, 2021, and ending August 31, 2022. They are accepting applications from all humanities graduates until March 31.
Residencies, Retreats, and Workshops
- ViciousMinutesHour is accepting applications from Black Trans folk for two Artist-in-Residence positions. The artist-in-residence opportunity pays $225 CDN per week and serves as a space/time grant, providing an additional source of income for the general work applicants do as an artist.
- (Peterborough, New Hampshire) MacDowell is accepting applications for its Fall residencies until April 15. There is an application fee of $30, but the residency itself is free of charge, and also offers travel stipends.
- The Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction is accepting submissions of original works of fiction under 2,000 words until April 15. Submissions cost €20 for the entry and €10 for every entry afterwards, with full-fee and half-fee sponsorships available. The first prize winner will receive €1500, a week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and a consultation with a Literary Agent from Andrew Nurnberg Associates.
Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities for exhibition, residency, and grant opportunities.
Scholarships, Sponsorships, and Grants
- The Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund is sending US-based BIPOC artists and art administrators whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic payments of $200. Click the link to apply or to donate.
- The Awesome Foundation offers $1000 grants on a rolling basis.
- The California Arts Council is accepting applications for its new Individual Artist Fellowship Program. Approximately 130 artists will receive financial support of at least $5,000. Applications must be received by April 1.
- The Center for Cartoon Studies is offering 1 full scholarship for each of its summer cartooning workshops to BIPOC cartoonists. Apply by April 15 for consideration. There are also two needs-based scholarships available.
- The Covid-19 Aid Funds website lists funding opportunities.
- The Eyebeam Center for the Future of Journalism is accepting applications from artists on a rolling basis. Artists covering data privacy, the 2018/2020 elections, the role of technology in society, political influence campaigns, harmful technologies, countering disinformation, and artificial intelligence may receive $500 to $5,000 in grants.
- Gumroad’s Creators Fund is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Gumroad will be allocating $50,000 in creative grants of $500 to $5,000 throughout the year.
- 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 (excluding COVID-19).
- I Need Diverse Games & McElroy Family Podcaster 101 Grants are accepting applications on a rolling basis from Black and POC podcasters (preferably beginners). Recipients will receive one of five bundles which include a Yeti Blue Microphone & a copy of “Everybody has a Podcast (Except You).”
- The Moonrise Fund, an early-stage equity fund backing ambitious creators, is offering $120,000 to $250,000 funds. Visit this page to learn more and apply.
- My Documented Life maintains a list of scholarships for undocumented students.
- 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.
- We Need Diverse Books is accepting applications for its Emergency Funds for Diverse Creatives in Children’s Publishing. The grants will provide up to $1,000 to diverse authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals in financial need. They’re also accepting applications for their Internship Grant Program, which offers up to $3,000 to summer publishing interns, until April 30.
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
- Alex Brown, who runs TorDotCom’s short fic spotlight, is calling Black spec fic writers with a science fiction, fantasy, or horror story being published this month in a magazine (pro, semi-pro, or fan) to share a link to their work.
- Lightspeed Magazine is accepting submissions of fantasy until March 14.
- Sisters in Crime is accepting applications for its inaugural Pride Award for Emerging LGBTQIA+ Crime Writers. The selected recipient will receive a $2,000 prize. Applications are due by March 15.
- The Black Creatives Revisions Workshop, an extended opportunity for writers who have completed a full draft of a Middle Grade, Young Adult, or Adult novel, is accepting applications from writers who identify as part of the African diaspora until March 19.
- PodCastle is accepting submissions of fantasy fiction 6,000 words or less, and flash fiction of 500 words or less, through March 31.
- The Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction is accepting submissions of original works of fiction under 2,000 words until April 15. Submissions cost €20 for the entry and €10 for every entry afterwards, with full-fee and half-fee sponsorships available. The first prize winner will receive €1500, a week’s residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, and a consultation with a Literary Agent from Andrew Nurnberg Associates.
- KL Caldwell has called for abstracts for Black Feminisms Beyond Borders: Cultivating Knowledge, Solidarity, and Liberation. The volume brings together Black feminist voices and movements from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe, and includes poetry, political manifestos, songs, activist reflections and conversations, and scholarly essays. Submit your proposal materials and any questions by April 19.
- Improbable Press is seeking submissions for the Cryptids Anthology until May 1. They pay 0.05¢ American per word for stories up to 5,000 words.
- Through June 2021, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is waiving fees for SFWA membership for Black writers. If you qualify for membership, are a Black writer, and would like to join the organization or renew your membership, please send an email to office@sfwa.org for more information.
- The Ann Petry Award is accepting submissions of previously unpublished prose, either a novel or a collection of short stories or novellas, with a minimum of 150 pages, by a Black writer. The awarded manuscript will be published by Red Hen Press, with its writer awarded $3,000, and a four-week residency at The Community Library’s Ernest and Mary Hemingway House in Ketchum, Idaho. Apply by July 30 for consideration.
- 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 Romance are due by October 4 (extended).
- AbleGamers is looking for pitches about disability in video games to be featured in their newsletter and on the AbleGamers website. Financial compensation available for accepted pieces.
- (New York, NY) Abrams Press is seeking an Editorial Assistant, an Editorial Director, a Managing Editorial Assistant, and a Senior Editor.
- Anime Feminist is looking for contributors. Read here for more information. Article writers will be paid $50 per article.
- Anime News Network is seeking Freelance Editorial Contributors.
- (New York, NY) Arctis Books is seeking an Editor.
- Autostraddle is seeking personal essays, feature stories, and article submissions on fashion and beauty, sex and relationships, humor, and investigative journalism, particularly from butch/masculine-of-center women, people of color, people over age 45, and trans women.
- (West Concord, MA – currently REMOTE) Barefoot Books is seeking an Assistant Editor.
- beestung is accepting submissions from non-binary and two-spirit writers. Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrids, and art with intracommunity sensibilities are welcome. Contributors will be paid a $20 honorarium.
- Black Rainbow accepts pitches from LGBQTI people of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and pays $150 for selected articles.
- (New York, NY) Bloomsbury Publishing is seeking an Associate Editor and a Children’s Nonfiction Editor.
- (New York, NY) Bold Type Books is seeking an Editorial Director.
- Carnation Books is accepting submissions of f/f historical romance of at least 50,000 words from fanfiction authors.
- CBR is seeking experienced writers to write on comic book news, analyses, and movie and tv show casting news.
- Clarksworld Magazine is looking for fiction and 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.
- (New York, NY) Dey Street Books is seeking a Senior Editor to acquire high profile manuscripts and proposals for the imprint.
- (New York, NY) Disney Hyperion is seeking a creative Assistant Editor to support two editors through the acquisitions and editorial process for their full lists, which will include all formats from picture books through young adult fiction.
- The Drinking Gourd is accepting pitches from Black Muslims. They accept work across all genres with a particular fondness for Afrofuturism and speculative fiction. All contributors are paid a $50 flat rate.
- Escape Pod is accepting short science fiction submissions.
- Interlude Press has reopened to submissions.
- (New York, NY) Kokila is seeking a Publishing Assistant to report to both the Publisher and Art Director to provide administrative, editorial, and design support all while coordinating with various departments in the division, agents, authors, and illustrators.
- Kwame shared BLACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, a 2021 calendar of book releases by Black authors. If you are a Black author, traditional or independent, with a book release in 2021, add your name to the list.
- (New York, NY) Legacy Lit, a new imprint dedicated to uplifting BIPOC voices and social justice topics, is seeking an Assistant Editor to provide essential editorial and administrative support to the Publisher.
- “Love Like Mine,” an ongoing column in Xtra, is seeking essays about queer love in all its forms – romantic, familial, platonic, and more.
- Macmillian Publishers is seeking a Production Editor to oversee approximately fifty fiction and nonfiction titles per year, including graphic novels, complex illustrated titles, picture books, novelty books, and middle grade and YA novels.
- New Naratif welcomes pitches from freelancers in Southeast Asia (or from the Southeast Asian diaspora) about stories and issues that matter to Southeast Asia and Southeast Asians. Submissions may include research, journalism, comics, videos, podcasts, etc..
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking a Production Editor for Viking, Penguin Books, Penguin Life, and Penguin Classics.
- (New York, NY) Phaidon Press is seeking a Children’s Book Editor.
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- (Beverly, MA) The Quarto Group is seeking a Senior Acquiring Editor.
- Scholastic Canada is currently interested in reviewing Indigenous material in all genres and at all levels. No other unsolicited submissions are being accepted at this time.
- The SFWA blog is open to nonfiction submissions that might be of interest to new and/or established writers of science fiction and fantasy.
- (New York, NY) Soft Skull Press is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- Strange Horizons is seeking First Readers and Article Editors. Positions are volunteer and unpaid. They’re also accepting poetry submissions from Trans/GNC writers.
- The Temper is seeking written works, particularly from marginalized writers, that relate to sobriety, addiction, or recovery.
- Three-Lobed Burning Eye is seeking original speculative short stories and flash fiction. Accepted authors of short stories will receive $100 and for flash fiction authors will receive $30.
- (San Francisco, CA) Viz Media is seeking an Editor for Original Graphic Novels to identify new creators to develop original graphic novels appropriate for VIZ Media and seeing through the project development from start to finish.
- (New York, NY) The Walt Disney Company is seeking an Executive Editor for The Undefeated imprint.
- We Need Diverse Books is seeking blog volunteers with experience writing for an audience or an interest in interviewing authors about their work. The position is unpaid.
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing is seeking a Children’s Editor.
Youth & Internships
- Andrea Brown Literary Agency is accepting applications for their 2021 Summer Mentorship Program. The program is paid, part-time, and remote, and focuses on the agenting side of children’s and YA book publishing. Apply by March 22 for consideration.
- (West Concord, MA – currently REMOTE) Barefoot Books is seeking interns in design, digital & social media, sales, and editorial. Apply by April 15 to be considered for the Summer internships.
- (London, UK) Blue-Zoo Animation is seeking interns for 2021, including a 3D Animator, an FX Artist, a Lighting and Compositing Artist, and a Surfacing Artist.
- Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.
- Emerald City Literary Agency is offering a 12-week remote paid internship, with a 10-hour per week commitment, to a BIPOC applicant interesting in agenting for children’s and YA books. Apply by March 15 for consideration.
- Hachette Book Group is seeking paid Summer 2021 Editorial interns.
- (REMOTE) James Patterson Books is seeking a six-month paid Marketing/Publishing intern.
- 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.
- Nickelodeon is seeking interns in Animation Production, Animation Development, and Animation Community Efforts.
- (REMOTE) Quirk Books is accepting applications for its remote Publicity and Marketing Internship running from April 2021 through August 2021.
- (REMOTE) Sourcebooks is accepting applications for its remote BIPOC Editorial Training Program until March 15.
Resources
- This zine, 12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops, is available for free.
- Interested in studying design for TV animation on a budget? Abby put together a Google Doc compilation of resources on topics like Background Paint, Color Design, Character Design, and more.
- Abelle, with help from Annie’s Google doc, created a calendar of the various scheduled hashtag events on Twitter. Now you can add your hashtag events, if you don’t see them on the calendar.
- Andrea of White Squirrel Co. shared a series of threads on how to set up an online store.
- Arin Bray shared a thread of (mostly) online classes for comics that are free or low-cost.
- Ashley shared a spreadsheet of resources and job boards. Thanks, Ashley!
- Check Becca Hillburn’s Youtube channel for new video interviews with independent artists, walkthroughs with dip pen nibs, tutorials, and more.
- Byte Size Treasure shared a thread of advice for artists with small businesses who want to be more eco-friendly.
- Cait May shared a brush pack perfect for spinal columns.
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources is an aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options for all kinds of artists.
- Creative Capital shared a list of Arts Resources, mostly of funding information and a list of arts events moving online.
- Danielle shared a doc with information on what to expect and questions to ask when contacting a potential literary agent you’re considering a partnership with.
- Elissa shared a thread on reaching out to your local bookstores as an author.
- The Etherington Brothers share all kinds of drawing advice on their Instagram. They also just shared a 50-page free downloadable e-book for young artists.
- Eve G. shared a PDF with Comic Lettering Basics and a Kickstarter Budget Calculator.
- Everest shared a HUGE list of artist opportunities (mostly residencies, grants, and galleries) with over 375 links!
- Danielle and Jes & Cin have released The Comic Creator’s Guide to Literary Agents as a pay-what-you-want downloadable PDF. All proceeds are donated to the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
- Jenny shared a series of reference photos of a person wearing glasses at different angles.
- Canadian authors, illustrators, and comic creators can register their work with the Public Lending Right program to receive payouts for up to 25 years from the publishing date. Thank, Jim Zub, for the tip!
- Jun shared a Twitter thread tutorial on how to use Clip Studio Paint’s 3D capabilities.
- Kiri Yu’s Convention Artists vs. COVID-19 survey results are now available.
- L.D. Lewis shared a thread detailing how FIYAHCON happened for less than $25,000. If you’ve been wanting to host or learn more about online events, read the thread!
- Learn how to use your Switch Joy-Con with Clip Studio Paint with this post originally by toyotsuku555 and translated into English by Spiritsnare.
- Lily Joiner created a Google Sheets database listing different manufacturers of all types of products. Lily created it to cut through the stigma behind artists not sharing information on where they get their products made, as well as a way to help artists new to the merch world make their research easier. Thanks, Lily!
- Litebox has launched its website which shares wages earned by illustrators from a variety of clients. Submit your rates.
- Literary Agents of Color is a directory that aims to support literary agents of color in the publishing industry.
- Michael Rianda shared a free class for people who want to learn Story in animation.
- Nilah Magruder updated the list of literary agents who represent illustrators and added a new page with Steps to Querying. Niki Smith also has a list of agents who represent creators of graphic novels. Maria Vicente shared a guide on querying your graphic novel, from the perspective of a literary agent.
- Nilah Magruder put together two surveys to learn more about the timelines picture book and graphic novel illustrators work with to illustrate books for the US publishing industry. Please fill them out to help yourself and your peers negotiate better in the future!
- Noelle Stevenson shared the script for She-Ra season 5, episode 5: Save the Cat as an educational tool for aspiring animation writers.
- Sarah Stern shared tips on optimizing your artwork for working with a colorist.
- Shannon Wright shared the “Super Condensed Zine” PDF – a FREE collection of tips on portfolios, websites, agents, and pitching.
- The Sherwood Forest Zine Library shared a free collection of zines regarding Black history/struggle, privilege, allyship, policing, legal rights, activism, and protest tactics.
- Shelly Romero created a document of Publishing Industry Resources.
- Smithsonian Open Access allows you to download, share, and reuse millions of the Smithsonian’s images. Nearly 3 million 2D and 3D digital items are available for free use.
- Sydney wrote and shared a guide for US-based sellers regarding the 2021 UK VAT laws. The guide outlines general information, to-dos, and resources.
- TO Comix Press has shared a sample contract for comic anthology projects, the start-to-finish process of producing an anthology, and articles on marketing and getting indie books into stores. Recently, they shared the questions they ask in an anonymous survey given out at the end of anthology projects, which help contributors air grievances and help the publisher gain insight and grow to be better. Amazing! Thanks for always being so helpful.
- Toniko made a video with passive income ideas for animators and illustrators.
- Tori shared a set of Procreate brushes that feature braids, twists, and more.
- Visit ReferenceAngle.com to find free photo references of heads at different angles. Search by age, emotions, gender, and more. There’s a similar website for animals here.
- Wendy Xu shared a primer on getting an agent as a comic artist.
- Zack has shared a lot of tips and guides for using Clip Studio Paint. Find them all here! He also posted a guide comparing some popular iPad drawing apps rating each on ease of use, cost versus value, and his overall feelings about them.
Deals
- Affinity is offering its programs at a 50% discount following a free 90-day trial.
- Clip Studio Paint is on sale for up to 50% off until March 16.
- TKO Presents is offering 21% off orders with code NEWYEAR21 at checkout.
- Search for more creators to support with hashtags #SmallBusinessSaturday and #ShopSmall!
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 offers giveaways for a variety of titles in all genres. Check out these giveaways for comics and graphic novels.
- Courtney and Chelsey are giving away two copies of Clip Studio Paint PRO. Winners will be selected on March 15.
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!
Thank you to Steven, April, Ari, C. Ellis, M Sorcier, SAWHAND, Elle, Geneva, Jesse, Abi, Amanda, Andi, Annie, BlackHairedDemon, Catherine, Char, Clorinspats, Farid, Frannie, Hedwig, Ian, Laura, M Maaike, metouji, Michi, Myfawny, Ravi, and Sheika for your Patronage!
If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my Patreon, Paypal, or Ko-Fi.
Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup: March 5, 2021
paper cat press 