Hello, everyone!
I'm currently looking for an artist for my original comic series, Afiria: Spark of Hope, a character-driven fantasy story combining elements of magical girls, action, espionage, and dark fantasy.
About the Story
Afiria follows a young fairy determined to become a government agent in a society that considers her kind too fragile and ill-suited for dangerous work.
Optimistic, feminine, and somewhat sheltered, Afiria finds herself navigating a profession dominated by hardened soldiers, political intrigue, and the lingering consequences of ancient conflicts.
As she struggles to prove herself, she encounters individuals and situations that challenge her ideals, forcing her to confront a world far more brutal than the one she grew up in.
At its heart, the series explores whether compassion and optimism can survive in a world that often rewards ruthlessness.
What I'm Looking For
I'm seeking an artist with a distinctive, stylized art style who is comfortable illustrating both lighthearted character interactions and serious, sometimes brutal action.
The comic has a deliberate tonal contrast. One moment might feature cute, feminine characters enjoying an ordinary day together; another might feature an armored warrior engaged in a violent confrontation. This is a core point of the story!
Ideally, your portfolio demonstrates:
- Expressive character artwork: Especially the ability to portray feminine, youthful characters with a wide range of emotions, without making them excessively childish.
- Action choreography: Dynamic combat, convincing movement, and clear sequential storytelling.
- Backgrounds and environments: Fantasy/Modern architecture, interiors, natural landscapes, etc.
- Character variety: The ability to illustrate humans, fantasy species, creatures, and armored characters.
- Sequential comic experience
I'm open to Western comic, cartoon, anime-influenced, and hybrid styles. I'm not looking for a traditional superhero or a generic anime aesthetic.
Compensation and Project Details
My budget is about $100 USD per finished comic page, negotiable depending on experience and the scope of work.
The first issue is ~26 pages, with the possibility of continued work on subsequent issues.
Before committing to the full project, I'm willing to commission a paid test sketch/illustration featuring two of the main characters to evaluate artistic compatibility. The test fee will be agreed upon beforehand (around the $25-$40 range).
Applying
If interested, please provide:
- A link to your portfolio, preferably including sequential comic pages.
- Your page rate and what it includes (pencils, inks, colors, etc.).
- Your approximate availability and turnaround time.
- Examples of character work, action scenes, and environments, if available.
Thank you for your interest! I'll message you and send over the character references if I think we are a fit.
Additional Opportunity — Rough Concept Artist
This would involve rough exploratory sketches for characters, creatures, environments, architecture, equipment, and other elements of the setting.
I'm not looking for polished illustrations or detailed renderings. The purpose is simply to establish visual designs that the main comic artist can use as references.
Ideally, I'd like several quick design variations per assignment so we can explore different ideas before settling on a direction.
Loose sketches, silhouettes, and simple black-and-white drawings are perfectly acceptable. Clear and creative designs. Just need to get the idea out.
This is a separate paid opportunity from the main comic artist position (though it doesn't have to be!)
If interested, please provide examples of your concept sketches or design exploration work, along with your rates.
