Graphic History Illustrator and Comics Studies Networker

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Dr. Kyle Jackson.

SUMMARY

The Graphic History Illustrator and Comics Networker will engage in two interrelated History projects emphasizing illustration and networking skills. On the drawing side, they will assist the faculty supervisor in translating academic historical research into comics form, drawing upon the work of illustrator-educators like Nick Sousanis. The successful candidate will illustrate a graphic history research article for submission to a major academic journal, with credit as co-author. They will also support the early-stage design of a long-term graphic history project set in the First World War. On the networking side, they will spearhead in-person efforts to bring together Comics Studies scholars and practitioners at KPU. This will mean assisting with the launch of a KPU Comics Studies Working Group, organizing periodic meetups, fostering connections with the wider community and local events, and assisting the faculty supervisor in developing a multi-week exhibition at KPU's Spruce Gallery to showcase the work of diverse KPU students and scholar-practitioners active in Comics Studies. This position is part-time for one year (5 hours weekly). When applying, the candidate should please include a current, digital portfolio of their artwork (e.g., showcasing their original graphic media and comics work, and/or familiarity with expressing complex ideas in visual, comics form).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist the faculty supervisor in collaboratively designing and solely illustrating a "graphic history" research article for submission (as co-author) to a major academic journal
2. Research and become familiar with diverse graphic histories and scholarly comics, especially foregrounding the work of educator Nick Sousanis
3. Communicate with external partners and researchers as required
4. Spearhead in-person networking and community-building efforts at KPU for a new KPU Comics Studies Working Group, organizing meetups, fashioning connections with the wider community, and assisting the faculty supervisor in developing a multi-week exhibition at KPU's Spruce Gallery to showcase the work of diverse KPU students and scholar-practitioners active in Comics Studies
5. Attend periodic research team meetings (in-person and online) to discuss ideas, research findings, drafts, and progress
6. Support the early-stage design of a long-term, collaborative graphic history project set in the First World War

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
2. Ability to communicate complex historical and social ideas in comics form
3. Ability to think organically and creatively
4. Ability to collaborate creatively across disciplines, cultures, and continents
5. Exceptional illustration and design skills
6. Exceptional English-language skills to communicate complex scholarly ideas in visual form
7. A professional, positive, collaborative attitude
8. Enjoyment of graphic novels, graphic histories, and/or other graphic media illustration
9. Networking and interpersonal communication skills
10. Ability to follow directions
11. Organization and time-management skills for mounting a medium-scale gallery exhibition
12. Ability to seek out networking opportunities in Comics Studies with the wider (Lower Mainland and global) community of scholar-practitioners
13. Ability to encourage others (e.g., KPU students and makers) in their artistic practice

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a current student at KPU; students majoring in KPU Fine Arts (FA) and KPU Entertainment Arts (ENTA) are especially encouraged to apply. Please do not apply unless you are a current student at KPU
2. Experience with designing and crafting professional-quality graphic media (e.g., graphic novels, graphic articles, graphic history, comics, history-based comics)
3. Application materials must include a current, digital portfolio of the applicant's artwork (e.g., showcasing original graphic media and comics work, and/or familiarity with expressing complex ideas in visual, comics form)
4. 3.67 GPA or higher an asset
5. Demonstrated skills in networking and organizing small-groups or clubs an asset

Salary Information

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $28.85