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! Links featuring adult content or that identify as adult material will be marked NSFW! I am not sponsored by any company, group, or individual listed below or elsewhere on this site unless otherwise stated.
Want to jump to a specific section? Use the links below:
News || Social Resources || Awards and Prizes || Crowdfunded Projects || General/Misc. || 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
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News
- In celebration of Paper Cat Press’s 5-year anniversary, I’ve updated the logo, graphics, and color palette! I hope you enjoy.
- The “Resources” area of the Roundup is getting some remodeling. Some resources have been relocated; some have not. I’m hoping to work out a new solution for their sharing and organization in the near future. Thank you for your patience!
- Paper Cat’s listings are largely focused on the US job markets. Do you know about resources similar to Paper Cat that focus on other countries? Please contact me and let me know!
- Paper Cat Press now has an official mailing list! Sign up here and get notified whenever a new Weekly Roundup goes live.
Social Resources
- 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
- 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 Lambda Literary Awards are accepting submissions of LGBTQ books until November 19 at 11:59 PM ET. Entry fees are $65 per book for small/independent presses and self-published books, if submitting 1-10 titles, or $55 per title if submitting 11 or more. Entry costs $75 per book for titles submitted by Big 5 publishers and their imprints.
Crowdfunded Projects
Quindrie Press is raising funds to publish When I Was Me: Moments of Gender Euphoria. The 96-page anthology, edited by Eve Greenwood and Alex Assan, collects one-page autobiographical comics, poems, and interior illustrations about the joyful experiences of being trans. Reward options include digital and physical copies of When I Was Me, a large sticker, and a set of prints featuring the cover and interior art of the book. The campaign ends on September 29.
Megan Archer is raising funds to publish the Twisting Time Anthology. The comics anthology features 24 mind-bending sci-fi stories from more than 40 contributors, totaling over 200 pages of content. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the book and a sticker. The campaign ends on October 1.
Artist Pink Pitcher is raising funds to print Root & Branch Volume Five. The fifth volume of Root & Branch continues the adventures of young druid Ariana on a sacred quest to gain the wisdom of the Great Tree and keep her people from dying out. Reward options include digital and physical copies of the book, a giclée print, a cameo, and an original artwork commission. The campaign ends on October 14.
Please check the Comics section on Kickstarter to find even more creative crowdfunding campaigns to support.
General/Misc.
- 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!
- For users of DeviantArt: DeviantArt Protect, their state-of-the-art image recognition software, is expanding its reach beyond just DeviantArt, and now scans public blockchains and third-party marketplaces for potential art infringements in the form of minted non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Not every NFT is minted by the actual owner of the art, allowing bad actors to sell and profit from the hard work of deviants. With this addition, DeviantArt Protect provides an additional layer of security to help safeguard your art.
- #DVPit will take place on October 25 and 26, from 8 AM-8 PM ET.
- If you’re a Filipino artist, add your name to the Filipino American Artist Directory!
- #IAmNonbinary will take place on October 1.
- #KidLitGN will take place on October 6.
- If you’ve ever been caught unawares by a popular promotional hashtag event, you’re not alone! To help, the Online Organizers Collective created a Social Media Event Directory and submission form.
- The Latinx Collective shared a directory of Latina and Latinx small business owners and collectives. Check it out!
- 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!
- Atomic Cartoons is seeking:
- (Vancouver, Canada) a 2D Harmony Animator, a 2D Harmony Builds Artist, a 2D Harmony Compositing Artist, a 2D Harmony FX Artist, a 2D Production Coordinator, CG FX Artists, a CFX Supervisor, CG Animators, a CG Designer, a CG Groom Artist, a CG Layout Artist, a CG Lead Animator, a CG Lead Designer, a CG Lead Lighting and Compositing Artist, a CG Lead Shot TD, CG Look Development Artists, a CG Pipeline TD, CG Rigging Artists, a CG Shot Finaling Artist, a CG Storyboard Supervisor, a CG Supervisor, a CG Texturing Artist, a Production Assistant, and a Production Coordinator.
- (Ottawa, Canada) a 2D Harmony Animator.
- (Vancouver, Canada) Bardel Entertainment has many open job opportunities.
- Bento Box:
- (Glendale, CA) Seeking an Animation Checker, an Animation Timer, a Non-Union Editor, a Lip Assigner, and a Director/Senior Level Story Board Artist.
- (North Hollywood, CA) Seeking an Associate Producer, a Background Supervisor, a Character Designer, a Director, and a Storyboard Artist.
- -New items bolded- (London, UK) Blue-Zoo Animation is seeking a 3D Character Sculptor, a Creative Development Producer, an Experienced 2D Compositor, an Experienced 2D FX Artist, an Experienced Environment/Prop Designer, an Experienced Surfacing Artist, an FX Artist (experienced), a Harmony Breakdown Artist/Character Designer, a Junior 3D Maya Rigger, a Junior Surfacing Artist, a Lead Surfacing Artist, a Lighting and Compositing Artist (experienced), a Lighting and Compositing Finalising Artist, a 3D Production Assistant, a Prop Build Artist, a Storyboard Supervisor, and a ToonBoom Harmony Animator. They’re also accepting speculative applications.
- (Burbank, CA) Cartoon Network Studios is seeking a Production Coordinator and a Production Manager.
- (Burbank, CA) Disney TV Animation is seeking a Background Painter, a Color Designer, two Production Coordinators, a Production Manager, a Prop Designer, and a Storyboard Artist. They’re also seeking a General Technical Director Trainee for the early 2022 Apprentice Program; apply by October 10 for consideration. They’re also seeking a Layout Trainee; apply by October 17 for consideration.
- (Glendale, CA) DreamWorks Animation is hiring a Department TD, an International Dubbing Production Assistant, an On-Call Editor, a Production Assistant, a Production Coordinator, a Production Designer, a Production Supervisor, a Supervising Producer, and a Visual Development Artists.
- Industrial Light and Magic:
- (London, UK) Seeking an Animation Supervisor, a Groom Artist, a Lead Layout Artist, a Layout/Match Move Artist, and a Senior Pipeline Technical Director. For their Virtual Art Department, they’re seeking an Artist, a Junior Artist, and a Technical Artist.
- (Vancouver, BC) Seeking an Animator, a Hard Surface Modeler, a Junior Lighting Technical Director, and a Previs Generalist.
- (Sydney, Australia) Seeking a Crowd TD, a Lead Crowd TD, a Senior Crowd TD, an Effects Supervisor, a Look Development Artist, and a Paint and Roto Artist.
- (Madrid, Spain) Lightbox Animation Studios is seeking a Senior and Mid Lighting & Compositing Artist and a Technical Director.
- (San Francisco, CA) Lucasfilm is seeking a Production Engineer. They’re also hiring a Director, Live Action Series Development in Burbank, CA.
- (Burbank, CA) Marvel Studios is seeking a Senior Illustrator and a Senior Image & Color Engineer.
– New items bolded – (Los Angeles, CA) Netflix Animation is hiring two Animators, a Color Designer, a Previs Artist, Post Production Supervisor, a Producer, a Stop-Motion Animation Rigger, a Storyboard Artist, and a Tools Coordinator.- (Burbank, CA) Nickelodeon is seeking an Animation Feature Line Producer, an Animation Line Producer (upcoming CG series), an Animatic Editor, an Assistant Online Editor, a Background Designer, a Background Painter, a CG Animation Director, a Character Designer, a Colorist Design, a Lead CG Generalist, a Picture Editor, a Post-Production Coordinator, a Post-Production Supervisor, a Production Coordinator, a Prop Designer, two Storyboard Directors, two Storyboard Artists, and a Storyboard Supervisor. In New York, NY, they’re seeking an Animation Line Producer.
- (Burbank, CA) Play Noggin is seeking a Senior Director for Writing.
- (Emeryville, CA) Pixar Animation Studios is seeking an Associate Supervisor, a Post-Production Software Engineer, a Technical Shader, Characters.
- (Vancouver, BC) Sony Imageworks is hiring Animators, Character FX Technical Directors, Compositors, FX Artists, Layout Artists, Lighters, Matte Painters, Modelers, and more.
- – New items bolded – Titmouse:
- (Los Angeles, CA) Seeking an Animatic Editor, a Background Painter, a Character Designer, a Color Designer, a Creative Director, a Flash Assistant Character Designer, a Line Producer, and a Storyboard Revisionist.
- (Vancouver, BC) Seeking two AE Compositors, two Background Layout Artists, two Background Layout/Paint Artists, a Background Painter, two Flash Animators, a Harmony Animator, a Harmony Builds Artist, a Harmony Clean Up & Color Artist, a Key Animator/Character Layout, and a Production Coordinator.
- (New York, NY) Seeking an Animatic Editor.
- (Burbank, CA) Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring an Animator, a Character Modeler, a General Technical Director, and a Set Extension Assistant. They’re also accepting applications to the Talent Development Layout Artist Program until September 26. They’re also accepting applications for a Character TD Trainee and a Visual Development Trainee until October 24.
- (Burbank, CA) Warner Brothers Animation is seeking two Assistant Production Managers, two Associate Producers, a Graphic Designer, and three Production Managers.
- XP-Pen hosted a free 6-Week Animator Incubation program. All of the courses are now available to view for free.
Animation Resources:
- The Association of Japanese Animations released a 124-page free PDF of “Animator’s Tasks—The First Step to Understanding the Law of Movement.“
- Michael Rianda shared a free class for people who want to learn story in animation.
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!
- Clip Studio Paint’s 39th Annual Illustration Contest is accepting submissions with the theme “fashion icon” until September 29 at 23:59 (GMT). The winner of the Grand Prize will receive $2,000, and a randomly selected contestant who submits a timelapse of their work will receive a Clip Studio Paint activation code.
- MediBang Paint is accepting submissions of illustrations with the theme of “fall” to be displayed on the registration and login screens of MediBang Paint. There is no mention of monetary compensation. Works must be submitted by September 30 at 00:00(JST).
- Renegade Arts Entertainment is seeking Alberta-based comic creators to pitch to Home: An Alberta Comics Anthology. Accepted creators will be paid $100 per page (regardless of group size), with a maximum of 12 pages per story. Two copies of the final anthology will be sent to each participating creator at no cost to the creator. Submit by September 30 for consideration.
- Gallery Nucleus is accepting submissions for their show Power in Numbers 6. Both Portland and LA galleries will have their own unique roster of artists. For one weekend only, the gallery will feature all traditional work in a 5 x 7 postcard format show. The gallery will feature original work from over 100 artists, on sale for $100 each. The show will be cash and carry, meaning each purchased piece will be immediately removed from the show to be taken home. Work must be submitted by October 1.
- NSFW! Nether Realms: Sci-Fi Erotica for Gender Explorers is seeking submissions from artists, writers, and teams of 7-15 page long erotic comics ready for our anthology Kickstarter launching Spring/Summer 2022. Submissions close October 1.
- The Color of Always, an LGBTQIA+ Comic Anthology, is accepting pitches until October 3. Teams will be compensated at $50 a page if the Kickstarter for the project is funded.
- The 2021 Dream Foundry Contest for beginning professionals is accepting unpublished submissions of short speculative fiction from writers and unpublished speculative pieces by artists until October 11. Winners may receive up to $1,000 in cash prizes.
- DEATH IN THE MOUTH will commission artists to create 6″ x 9″ black and white illustrations for its horror anthology and is accepting portfolio submissions until November 1.
- The Pokémon TCG Illustration Contest 2022 is accepting submissions from artists residing in Japan and the United States. Choose from eight different Pokémon and illustrate your chosen Pokémon living out a normal day in its life. Submit artwork between October 13 and January 31, 2022, at 6:59 PM for a chance to win up to $5,000 cash. Artists can submit up to three illustrations.
- The Silent Manga Competition is accepting entries for its 17th contest with the theme “Moments of Haste, Rage, or Smiles.” Comics must be wordless and be submitted by January 31, 2022.
- Illustrators can take the State of Illustration international survey here.
- Illustrators and literary agents: Search agent listings by genre, location, and agency at the Agents for Illustrators website.
- 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.
- AZE Journal is accepting general submissions of articles, collections, abstract expressions, and more on topics which may or may not intersect or resonate with elevating discourse on (a)sexuality, (a)romanticism, and (a)gender identity, and attraction broadly. There is no payment for publication at this time.
- The BioWare Gear Store is looking for artists who want to turn their work into official merch. The work is paid.
- Cloudscape Comics is open for submissions from individuals or teams that are at least 50% current or former BC / Yukon / NWT / Nunavut residents with a minimum interior page count of 45. They just shared a blog post detailing what they’d like to see in your pitches.
- The Comicadia Herald is accepting submissions of news from webcomic creators, including convention appearances, publishing deals, relaunches and hiatus returns, contests, and more.
- (Sunnyvale, CA, currently REMOTE) Crazy Maple Studio is seeking a Junior 2D Artist and a 2D Marketing Artist.
- Creator Advisor helps creators connect with other creators on paid comic book projects.
- (Burbank, CA) DC Comics is seeking an Associate Editor and an Associate Editor (Multiverse).
- GenderTerror is accepting submissions of LGBTQ+ horror from artists and writers.
- The new “let her sleep” arts magazine is seeking individuals passionate about photography and visual arts to join the team in an unpaid, volunteer capacity.
- Do you have a webcomic with LGBTQ characters and themes? LGBTQ Webcomics is looking to add more queer webcomics to their database on Tagpacker!
- (Burbank, CA) Marvel Studios is seeking a Senior Illustrator to join the Visual Development Team.
- 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.
- Pencil Cat Distribution is a new online store management and order fulfillment service for artists, designers, and creators in Canada. Artists with original artwork are invited to apply; fanart is not allowed at this time. (Note: Although our names are similar, Paper Cat is not affiliated with Pencil Cat.)
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking a Graphics Editor for Pantheon Books.
- 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.
- Online LGBT+ creator’s collective Rain Arrow is accepting applications on a rolling basis for any LGBT+ creatives interested in hosting a shop on their hub.
- Scholastic Canada invites professional illustrators to email sample art and links to an online portfolio to Andrea Casault, Art Director at acasault[at]scholastic.ca.
- (Naperville, IL or New York, NY) Sourcebooks is seeking an Art Director.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Tapas Media is seeking an Assistant Editor and an Editor for Comics. They’re also seeking a Freelance Contractor: Reformatting Assistant, Novels and a Freelance Typesetter.
- (New York, NY) ViacomCBS is seeking an Editor to act as lead creative manager for comics, magazine, and Young Adult-targeted businesses, working with publishing partners in setting the editorial and creative strategies for these products.
- (New York, NY) W.W. Norton is seeking an Art Director to join its College Production department.
- 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.
- (REMOTE) Wattpad WEBTOON Studios is seeking an Executive Editor, Graphic Novels to develop a print graphic novel program from the WEBTOON platform. They’re also seeking Creator Acquisitions Managers in Toronto, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Submit your webcomic to The Webcomic Library by using this form.
- (Los Angeles, CA) WEBTOON is seeking a Content Acquisitions Specialist, a Quality Control Manager, and many other candidates, including those interested in the Latin America division. They’re also seeking Freelance Artist Assistants (REMOTE) and a Freelance Graphic Designer (Korean/English bilingual).
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.
- CAKE, the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, has been postponed until a proposed date of June 2022.
- The Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) will take place December 10-12 in 2021.
- The Comic-Con Special Edition (San Diego, CA; November 26–28) is accepting exhibitor applications.
- Emerald City Comic Con has rescheduled its event for December 2-5, 2021.
- GeekGirlCONLINE will take place online November 13-14.
- 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 announced a smaller in-person event, Comic-Con Special Edition, on Thanksgiving (US) weekend November 26-28. Read their statement regarding the event here.
- The ShortBox Comics Fair will take place online from October 1-October 31.
- Short Run Comix and Arts Festival has been postponed. The Short Run Dash Grant is now on hold.
- Small Press Expo (SPX) 2021 will be held virtually.
- The Spectrum Art Market, a seasonal outdoor market occurring every 2nd Saturday from June-October, is accepting applications from LGBTQIA+ artists living in Portland.
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
- (Remote/Hybrid; Minneapolis, MN) 1517 Media is seeking a Graphic Designer.
- (New York, NY) The Basic Books / Seal Press imprints are seeking a Junior Designer.
- (Somerville, MA) Candlewick Press is seeking an Associate Book Designer and a Graphic Production Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Celadon Books is seeking a Designer.
- (San Francisco, CA, currently REMOTE) Chronicle Books is seeking a Designer for the Brand team and a Senior Children’s Publishing Designer.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Getty Publications is seeking a Designer to produce a wide range of high-quality illustrated art books.
- (New York, NY) Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint Graphix is seeking a Senior Designer.
- (New York, NY) The Hachette Book Group’s Grand Central Publishing Art department is seeking an Associate Art Director/Art Director.
- (New York, NY) HarperCollins Children’s Books is currently seeking an Art Director to manage the design and creation of digital and print marketing materials.
- (New York, NY) Holiday House is seeking a Marketing Designer, a Production Coordinator, and a Senior Designer.
- (New York, NY) Little, Brown Books is seeking an Associate Art Director and a Junior Designer.
- (New York, NY) Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group is seeking an Associate Art Director and a Senior Designer.
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking:
- an Art/Design Assistant to support the Cover Art Department at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
- (REMOTE OK) a Designer for the Creative Marketing Services team
- a Design Assistant to join the Art department for Viking Children’s Books, Philomel Books and Flamingo Books
- a Junior Designer for the Avery Tarcher Perigree imprint
- a Junior Designer to work on book cover designs for the Harmony Books and Rodale Books imprints
- (REMOTE OK) a Junior Designer to join the Creative Marketing Services team, working primarily on the Putnam, Dutton, Tiny Reparations Books, and Plume imprints
- a Junior Designer/Designer to work with the One World and Roc Lit imprints
- (New York, NY) Penguin Young Readers is seeking a Design Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Scholastic is seeking a Designer for the Trade division.
- (New York, NY) Simon & Schuster is seeking a Junior Designer/Design Assistant to support the art department of its newly launched Simon Element imprint.
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing is seeking a Designer/Senior Designer.
- (Seattle, WA) The University of Washington Press is seeking an Art Director.
- (New York, NY) Viacom/CBS is seeking a Designer to work in their Publishing department.
Fan Zines
Looking for fan zines to submit to? Check out Apps4Zines on Twitter.
Games
- Brass Lion Entertainment is an entertainment studio headquartered in New York City and Montréal focused on creating original fictional universes that center on Black, Brown, and other traditionally marginalized characters, cultures, and stories. They’re seeking a Build Programmer, a Lead 3D Environment Artist, a Senior 3D Environment Artist, a Senior Engine Programmer, a Senior Graphics Programmer, and a UI/UX Programmer.
- (Austin, TX, currently REMOTE) Farbridge is seeking a 3D Character Artist, a 3D Character Animator, and an Unreal C++ Engineer.
- (REMOTE or Los Angeles, CA) Gravity Well is seeking a Senior Gameplay Designer, a Senior Level Designer, and a Senior Systems Designer.
- (Melbourne, Australia) The League of Geeks is seeking a Technical Director. Relocation assistance is available.
- Nix Hydra Games is seeking a Games Programmer, a Games Executive Producer, and a Mobile Games QA Lead Contractor.
- Playtonic is seeking a Product Marketing Manager, a Producer, a Publishing Producer, a Senior Programmer Lead, and a Senior Technical Artist.
- (Seattle, WA) Polyarc Games is seeking an Environment Artist, a Gameplay Animator, a Mid-Level or Senior 3D Artist, a Mid-Level or Senior Character Artist, a Senior Product Manager, a Senior Technical Artist, and a System/DevOps Engineer.
- (Stockholm, Sweden) Star Sable is seeking team members for “Project Curie,” and filling these roles: a Lead QA, an Open World Designer, a Senior 3D Character Artist, a Senior Product/Brand Marketing Manager, a Senior Technical Animator, and a Technical Director.
- (San Francisco, CA, REMOTE okay) SuperGiant Games is seeking a 3D Animator.
- (Oval, London, UK, currently REMOTE) ustoo games is seeking a Technical Artist (contract).
- (Dublin, Ireland; currently Remote) Vela Games is seeking an Art Manager, a Character Concept Artist, a Lead 3D Character Artist, a Senior Animator, a Senior Art Producer, a Senior Combat Designer, a Senior Technical Artist, a VFX Artist, and more.
Game Dev Resources:
- Work in localization? The Fighting Game Glossary lists over 650 terms, carefully explained with 200+ video examples and Japanese translations.
- The Game UI Database is a great resource for interface designers.
- GB Patch Games created a pronoun system that allows players to can choose them, have more than one, weigh how often they’re used, let them change with time, and add their own. GB Patch Games’ programmer is planning to release the code for Renpy in the future, and Noé Charron is offering a version of the system that works with Unity 3D games.
- Represent Me shared its Best Practice Guidelines, featuring definitions of over 100 key diversity terms for free and 30 additional paid guides.
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
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.
Check out the Alliance of Art Communities, Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, or Creative Capital 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 Covid-19 Aid Funds website lists funding opportunities.
- 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 Marsha P. Johnson Institute’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund is accepting applications for one-time direct-relief in the amount of $500 to Black transgender or non-binary identified people.
- 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.
- Poets & Writers is offering Open Door Career Advancement Grants for BIPOC women writers. A limited number of grants of $500 or $1,000 will be awarded. Grantees may use funds to cover application fees for MFA programs, writing contests, conferences, workshops, and residencies, as well as related expenses, such as travel and childcare. To be eligible, writers must identify both as a woman and as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC); further, applicants must be unagented and not yet have published a book. Apply by September 30 for consideration.
- 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 this page.
- We Are Here Scotland’s Creators’ Fund are accepting applications from Black and POC artists and creatives across Scotland. Seven selected creators will receive along with one-to-one mentorship from experienced industry professionals as well as £500 each. Apply by October 31 at 11:59pm GMT for consideration.
Check out Arts for LA, College Art Opportunities, or this list by ProFellow for grant opportunities.
Teaching
- (Columbus, OH) The Columbus College of Art and Design is seeking Adjunct Instructors for Fall and Spring in Art History, Art Therapy, Digital Media Illustration, Comics & Narrative Writing, and more.
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
- Six to Start is seeking voice talent for a number of roles. They pay £50 GBP per hour, plus an additional £25 GBP set up fee for each recording session, and can pay in local currencies if preferred.
Check the Casting Call Club for more voice acting and audio opportunities.
Writing and Editing
- FIYAH Lit Mag is accepting submissions of speculative fiction from Palestinian writers for their Palestinian special issue until September 30 11:59PM ET. They are also accepting prose and poetry submissions through the end of the year for its January and April 2022 unthemed issues.
- Elly Blue Publishing is accepting short fiction submissions for Books and Bikes in Space until October 1. Contributors are guaranteed a minimum $50 each as well as copies of the printed book, along with a percentage of profits from the related Kickstarter campaign.
- 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).
- The Arthur Flowers Flash Fiction Prize is accepting submissions of less than 1,000 words from Black writers, Indigenous writers, and writers of color. Submissions will be accepted until October 10. The winner will receive a cash prize of $500 and publication in Salt Hill Issue 48, and two runners-up will each receive a cash prize of $50 and publication in Salt Hill Issue 48. There is no submission fee.
- The 2021 Dream Foundry Contest for beginning professionals is accepting unpublished submissions of short speculative fiction from writers and unpublished speculative pieces by artists until October 11. Winners may receive up t $1,000 in cash prizes.
- The Barbellion Prize is accepting submissions of books published between November 2020 and October 31, 2021 until October 31. Eligibility for the prize is predicated on the author’s presentation of life with a long-term chronic illness or disability, whether that be in the form of blindness, MS, cystic fibrosis, dwarfism, or another comparable condition that may substantially define one’s life.
- Through October, Butter Press is accepting poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction submissions from queer, non-binary and transgender voices. All work should be sent by email. Please include a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file with an author bio in the body of the email. They encourage the inclusion of pronouns and portfolio/social media links.
- Through October, EscapePod is accepting joyful stories that celebrate positive futures (or positive alternate pasts). They would especially like to see stories that embrace joy for demographics where pain is often centered (including but not limited to: people of marginalized genders or sexual preferences; people from historically oppressed or colonized cultures; people with disabilities). Happy endings are not mandatory, but some part of the story should evoke a smile.
- ECW Press is seeking entries of unpublished novel manuscripts in English between 40,000 and 150,000 words by a Canadian author in the science fiction, fantasy, or speculative fiction genres. The writer of the selected manuscript will receive a $3,000 prize and a publishing contract. The deadline for entries is October 31, and there is no fee to enter.
- DEATH IN THE MOUTH is accepting horror prose submissions from BIPOC and other ethnically marginalized artists and writers from around the world. Submissions should be 1,000-6,000 words, and accepted contributors will be paid $0.08/word. Submissions are due by November 1. They’re also accepting submissions of portfolios.
- WildStar Press is accepting submissions for its upcoming comics anthology Songs of the Sea. The black and white comic anthology will feature original fiction about pirates and what calls them to the throes of piracy. Submissions will close on November 1.
- 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 a Senior Editor.
- Anathema Magazine is seeking prose, poetry, and cover art submissions from queer/two-spirit person of color/Indigenous/Aboriginal people.
- 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.
- 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. They’re also hiring a Senior Director of Advertising Sales, a Deputy Editor, and a Managing Editor.
- (New York, NY) Barnes and Noble is seeking an Editorial Assistant for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Classics.
- (New York, NY) Basic Books is seeking an Editor or Senior Editor to acquire and edit serious nonfiction.
- 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.
- (New York, NY) Bloomsbury Publishing Inc. is seeking an Adult Assistant Editor.
- (REMOTE) C&T Publishing, an independent publisher focusing on how-to craft and creativity books, is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- (Petaluma, CA) Cameron + Company is seeking an Editorial Director.
- (Somerville, MA) Candlewick Press is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- 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.
- Charlesbridge editors are offering free, 30-minute sessions to writers and illustrators who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) to discuss your manuscript or review your portfolio. You must enter a lottery on their website for consideration.
- (San Francisco, CA) Chronicle Books is seeking a Managing Editorial Assistant.
- Clarksworld Magazine is looking for fiction and nonfiction contributors and pays up to $0.10 per word.
- CRAFT is accepting submissions of short and flash fiction, with a free “fast-response” option available to BIPOC and other historically mis- and underrepresented writers. Fast responses will be given within four weeks of submission. If CRAFT declines your work, they will offer a few lines of actionable feedback. They pay $200 for accepted short stories and $100 for flash fiction. Each published story includes an editor’s introduction as well as a craft essay (author’s note) by the writer.
- (Sunnyvale, CA) Crazy Maple Studio is seeking an Editor/Narrative Designer and an Audiobook Managing Editor.
- 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.
- The Deadlands, a new monthly speculative fiction magazine, is accepting short fiction and nonfiction submissions of up to 5000 words and pays $0.10/word.
- 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 $75 flat rate.
- (New York, NY) Farrar, Straus and Giroux is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Forge Books, an imprint of Tom Doherty Associates (TDA) is looking for a full-time Editorial Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Henry Holt is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- Interstellar Flight Press is accepting submissions of essays, book-length nonfiction manuscripts, and BIPOC novellas.
- Interlude Press has reopened to submissions.
- (New York, NY) Kevin Anderson & Associates is seeking a Senior Editor.
- (New York, NY) The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Macmillian Adult Trade Division is seeking a Senior Managing Editor.
- (Plymouth, MI) Macmillian Learning is seeking a Managing Editor.
- 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) Pantheon Books is seeking an Associate Editor, an Editor/Senior Editor, Non-Fiction, and a Graphics Editor.
- (New York, NY – REMOTE OK) Penguin Random House Publisher Services is seeking a Manga Editor to oversee manga titles on behalf of their client, Kodansha.
- (New York, NY) Penguin Random House is seeking
- an Associate Editor for the Ink & Willow gift line for WaterBrook
- a Bilingual Copy Editor (Spanish/English) for Random House Children’s Books
- (REMOTE OK) an experienced Editor to acquire, edit, and develop a nonfiction list of around 5-8 titles a year for the Image imprint
- an Editor for the Make Me a World imprint of Random House Children’s Books
- an Editorial Assistant for Dial Books
- an Editorial Assistant for the Harmony imprint
- an Associate Editor, an Editorial Assistant, an Editor/Senior Editor for Nonfiction, and a Graphics Editor for Pantheon Books
- an Editorial Assistant for Penguin Press
- an Editorial Assistant for the Putnam imprint
- an Editorial Assistant for Viking Penguin
- a Managing Editorial Assistant to assist the Avery/TarcherPerigee imprint
- a Managing Editorial Assistant to assist the trade division
- a Managing Editor of Operations for the Random House Children’s Books team
- a Senior Managing Editor in the Penguin Young Readers trade division
- POMEgranate Magazine is accepting pitches from artists and writers.
- (New York, NY) Rebel Girls is seeking an Editor to develop and edit books for 7 to 12 year old girls.
- (New York, NY) Scholastic is seeking an Editor/Senior Editor and three Editorial Assistants.
- Scholastic Canada is currently interested in reviewing unpublished material by writers from underrepresented communities, including Black writers, Indigenous writers, writers of colour, writers with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+ writers and writers who identify with other marginalized groups. They are also accepting manuscripts via literary agents.
- The SFWA blog is open to nonfiction submissions that might be of interest to new and/or established writers of science fiction and fantasy.
- (Boulder, CO or REMOTE) Shambhala Publications is seeking an Editorial Assistant.
- (New York, NY) Simon & Schuster is seeking an Editorial Assistant for Saga Press/Gallery Books.
- (Naperville, IL or New York, NY) Sourcebooks is seeking an Editorial Assistant and a Senior Editor – Children’s and Young Readers.
- (New York, NY) Sterling Publishing Company is seeking an Editor/Senior Editor (Cookbooks & Lifestyle), an Editorial Assistant (Fiction, Non-fiction and Classics), an Editorial Assistant (Lifestyle, Health & Wellness, and Pop Culture), and a Project Editor.
- (New York, NY) St. Martin’s Press is seeking a Senior Editor to acquire and edit lead titles, significantly profitable fiction and nonfiction books, and adult and young adult (especially Own Voices) titles.
- 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.
- (Portland, OR) Timber Press is seeking an Acquisitions Editor.
- (REMOTE) Wattpad WEBTOON Studios is seeking an Executive Editor, Graphic Novels. They’re also seeking Creator Acquisitions Managers (Halifax) (Toronto) and Content Acquisitions Managers (Halifax) (Toronto) in Toronto, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- (New York, NY) Workman Publishing is seeking a Production Editor.
Writing Resources:
- Hanna Alkaf shared a free post on Patreon about the realities of being a non-US author in US publishing. It also features Rin Chupeco, Laura Pohl, and Jesse Q Sutanto.
- #LatinxPitch shared a blog post about how to research agents prior to querying.
- Elissa shared a thread on reaching out to your local bookstores as an author.
- Larissa Elliott shared a blog post explaining everything you can gain from participating in a Twitter pitch event, even if agent doesn’t “like” any of your pitches.
- Literary Agents of Color is a directory that aims to support literary agents of color in the publishing industry.
- Shelly Romero created a document of Publishing Industry Resources.
- There are many ways to be a part of the publishing industry – some less visible than others. Tor EDU shared a video panel online detailing the operations of different departments within publishing.
Youth and Internships
- (New York, NY) Abrams Press is seeking interns in Adult Design, Children’s Editorial, and Children’s Marketing and Publicity.
- Comics Club highlights and connects comic clubs and shares advice and resources to help youth comic creators.
- (REMOTE) Latinx in Publishing is hiring a remote fall communications intern. Email lationsinpub [at] gmail.com for more info.
- 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.
- (REMOTE) Simon & Schuster is accepting applications for its Spring 2022 Internship Program from current full-time students. Interns will be placed within specific publishing departments where they will learn alongside a mentor and be able to explore all aspects of the business. While guided by a mentor, they will experience “a day in the life” of an entry-level assistant. This is a paid program and will run for 8 weeks (two days a week (16 hours) beginning in February).
- (Burbank, CA) Walt Disney Animation Studios is accepting applications for a General Technical Director Trainee and a Layout Trainee until October 17. They’re also accepting applications for a Character TD Trainee and a Visual Development Trainee until October 24.
- (Los Angeles, CA) Webtoon is seeking a Graphic Design intern, a Marketing Graphic Design intern, and a Storyboard Intern.
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.
- Ally Rom Colthoff shared a list of active print and merchandise manufacturers for folks looking to print their own comics or create their own merchandise.
- 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.
- 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 for comic creators with information on what to expect and questions to ask when contacting a potential literary agent you’re considering a partnership with.
- Dunni Mustapha shared Dimensions.com, a website that has a big database with images of people, poses, and objects ideal for drawing references.
- 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.
- The website FloorPlanCreator.net (also available as an app in the Google Play store) allows you to make blueprints and then navigate them in 3D. This could be a great resource for comic creators and illustrators! Thanks to MEANBO$$ for sharing.
- Gale Gilligan shared slides from their talk on using perspective as a cartooning tool.
- Jay shared a thread of procreate brushes that you can use for personal and commercial use.
- 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!
- Graphic designer and illustrator June has shared a website describing possible career paths for illustrators.
- Jun shared a Twitter thread tutorial on how to use Clip Studio Paint’s 3D capabilities.
- Justin Donaldson shared a free reference pack of hands.
- Kiri Yu’s Convention Artists vs. COVID-19 survey results are now available.
- Latinx Pitch shared a blog post on The Anatomy of a Query Letter. As many creators are seeking representation, knowing how to best present your work to an agent can help potential partners engage with your work.
- Laurica created the Webcomic Author Toolbox designed to offer guidance to self-published webcomic authors.
- 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. Recently, they discussed work-for-hire contracts.
- Marsoid shared a free 8-part series on making webcomics.
- Mike shared an artist’s guide to custom rigid frame wheelchairs.
- 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.
- Photopea.com works like Photoshop, but in your browser.
- Sam Gushue shared a thread of resources they’ve shared over the years.
- Sandy Pug Games shared a thread with links to free resources for game creators.
- Sara Linsley shared a thorough Manga Retouching Guide.
- 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.
- Sharean Morishita shared 30 free-to-use Webtoon-edition school backgrounds.
- The Sherwood Forest Zine Library shared a free collection of zines regarding Black history/struggle, privilege, allyship, policing, legal rights, activism, and protest tactics.
- 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.
- Stephanie Cooke shared a thread on what to include in a comics pitch.
- 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. Thank you for sharing these wonderful resources!
- 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.
- Vegalia shared a new Procreate brush pack with 50+ different coil, curl, kinky, and wavy texture brushes, including outline braid brushes, and lashes, edges.
- VIShopper is the creator and distributor of cut-out images and textures for architectural visualization. It’s also a great reference source for illustrators. Check it out!
- 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.
- ArtStation is offering free subscriptions through the end of 2021. With a subscription, you can access as many ArtStation Learning courses as you like.
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 graphic novels.
That’s it for this week! 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, Rene, SAWHAND, Bones, Elle, Geneva, Jesse, Abi, Amanda, Andi, Annie, BlackHairedDemon, Catherine, Char, Clorinspats, Eric, Farid, Frannie, Hedwig, Heidi, Ian, Kat, Laura, M Maaike, metouji, Michi, Myfawny, Ravi, and Sheika for your support on Patreon!
If you enjoy the Weekly Roundup, please consider supporting me through my Patreon or Ko-Fi.
Link to the previous Roundup: Weekly Roundup: September 17, 2021
paper cat press 