[HIRING] Open Call: Comic Artists & Character Designers – Crooked Tree Comics
ABOUT THE STUDIO
Crooked Tree Comics is an independent creative studio based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in science fiction, superheroes, and supernatural narratives. We are currently operating in complete private pre-production as we develop our 2027-2028 slate of original titles.
Our current focus is entirely on the internal creative process: building our worlds, finalizing scripts, and securing long-term artistic collaborators to join our team from the ground floor.
Note on our Digital Presence:
Because our flagship projects are currently in confidential development, we have chosen to remain in a pre-launch phase. We do not yet maintain a public facing website or a heavy social media presence, as our priority is directed toward establishing our production roster and protecting our intellectual property before our official brand launch.
A Note on Transparency:
We are aware that "paid script tests" can sometimes be viewed with skepticism in the artist community. Because some of our previous outreach was misunderstood or flagged, we have updated our process to include 100% upfront payment for all Phase 2 finalists.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our process or the studio's current pre-launch status, we invite you to Direct Message us directly. We are happy to provide clarification and offer reassurance to ensure all applicants feel secure and respected.
OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
To ensure a professional and secure experience for all applicants, we follow a two-phase selection process:
ROUND ONE: Portfolio Review
We are looking for Sequential Samples (storytelling flow) and Character Model Sheets (design consistency).
• Requirements: Please submit 1–4 pages of your existing body of work.
• No Spec Work: We are NOT requesting any custom or new art for this phase. We want to see what you have already accomplished.
ROUND 2: Commissioned 1-Page Script Test (NDA Required)
Finalists selected from Phase 1 will be invited to complete a one-page "Work-for-Hire" script test to see how our creative visions align.
• The Work: A 1-page script provided by the studio to be fully inked, and lettered. Colored is OPTIONAL.
• Upfront Compensation: Selected finalists will be paid $50.00 USD UPFRONT via Zelle, Paypal, or CashApp. Payment is issued before work begins to ensure total security for the artist.
• Privacy & Rights: Due to the confidential nature of our productions, a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is required. All Phase 2 work is considered Work-for-Hire, with all official rights retained by Crooked Tree Comics.
STRICT HUMAN-ARTIST POLICY (NO AI GENERATED CONTENT)
Crooked Tree Comics maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding AI-generated artwork in our publications.
• The Mandate: We do not condone, accept, or support AI-generated art being passed off as original work.
• Production Standards: AI will never be used in our physical or digital media, including comics, manga, webtoons, or graphic novels. We are committed to the craft of human illustrators.
• Marketing Clarification: For transparency, we have utilized AI tools solely for experimental video marketing and promotional background materials on TikTok. However, our core narrative products are, and will always remain, 100% human-created.
HOW TO APPLY
To keep our submissions organized, please apply through our official Google Form:
https://forms.gle/av3EkadchQ3BNi2v8
Alternatively, you may comment below or send us a Direct Message, and we will provide the application link to you directly.
TIMELINE
As we are a small, dedicated team, please allow 3–5 weeks for a response as we carefully review each submission. We appreciate your patience and your interest in building something new with us.
THANK YOU!!