Spelman College is hiring: Dark Christmas Poem Illustrator in Atlanta

Thanks for your interest in this project, which is called “Flakenstein.”

We are looking for an artist with a style in the direction of Adilson Farias.

Thematically, it is a Gothic Christmas in Switzerland.

What is involved?

Full-page illustrations and small vignettes on pages in between.

Work with me and the author to identify the optimal mix of your art and the poem, which is about 1800 words and likely 20-30 pages, depending on the number of stanzas on each page.

Our initial thought is to have 4 to 6 full illustrations throughout the poem, with small vignettes scattered between the full illustrations. The vignettes would showcase meaningful moments or details that hold the reader in the world of “Flakenstein.”

What does it pay?

Work for hire as an Independent Contractor. We are offering $2500 as an upfront fee + 10% of net profit up to $5,000.

What is the timeline?

We listed this as a one-month position, but in reality, you have until May 15, 2025 to complete the work.

Credits?

Yes, you will be billed as the Illustrator on the cover of the book.

Additional information?

We are looking for an illustrator who has the ability to render scenes and characters that are cohesive and capture emotion. Your ability to capture the beats of the poem and amplify the story is top of mind for us.

Beyond that, we encourage you to use this work as part of your education, if that is possible.

If you enjoy showcasing your work/process on social media, you are welcome to do so.

How to apply?

Submit through the HandShake system as normal. Send over your portfolio. We recommend shooting us a letter expressing your interest and why you think you are a good fit. Feel free to flex on yourself a bit. You don’t need to be overly formal.

Can I see a sample of the poem?

Yes. Here is a set of stanzas from the second act after Dr. Flakenstein has suffered years of Christmas alone after the death of his wife:

The doctor went to work in his castle on high,
Creating a snow body with great yellow eyes.
He wore a top hat and scarf, and had stick hands, quite crooked
They creaked when they bent and felt sharp when you shook it
And just as he finished, a cold storm drew near,
the final ingredient to animate his peer.

He lifted the snowman on a board to the sky,
when out came lightning that shocked it with a cry.
The snowman rose from the table, a frosty breath through a groan
He took a few shaky steps as he started to roam
The doctor was floored, unbelieving his sight,
his Christmas had been saved, it was the end of his plight!

He grew a wide smile and rushed to the creature
“Don’t fret, my creation, I’ll be your teacher!”
The doctor shared with him ornaments to admire.
He explained the lore of the season and the hymns sung by choirs.
He explained goodwill and why people gave presents,
And how Santa granted gifts based on peoples’ merits.

The doctor felt alive again, as if a flame had been lit.
Melting miseries he felt by Christmases missed
He showed the creature toys and old bric-a-brac
How to tie wreaths and put chocolates into a stack
The creature was captured by the wintery sights
And the Doctor began wondering if this was the night…

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