Call for Clarion West 2025 Featured Art
Clarion West is searching for an artist to create artwork for our 2025 featured artwork. Clarion West seeks to commission one custom illustration with unlimited global rights. Please share this call with the artists you know that might be a great fit, and see below for details.
What we’re looking for
Each year, we seek artwork that inspires us and our writers to create and explore with bravery and freedom. The art needs to represent the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror in some way, while also supporting our core values of diversity, inclusion, and supporting emerging writers. (You can see the work of our 2024 poster artist, Carolina Rodríguez Fuenmayor, here as just one example.)
The right artwork may be used for all or any of the following:
- Use on the website as the 2025 hero image.
- Use for our summer workshop poster art (2025 only) in high-res, print-ready file. Poster file needs plenty of blank space for text overlay (completed by the Clarion West staff). In 2025, printed posters will be sent as collectors items for instructors and students, and may be used for fundraising activities.
- Use of the artwork on our social media channels throughout the year.
- Use with fundraising rewards, including, but not limited to stickers, notebooks, cups, and tote bags.
- Clarion West may also be interested in pursuing merchandising of the artwork, with royalty percentage to be negotiated with the artist.
Details
Composition: We leave this up to the artists, however it should be representative of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, and similar genres) as well as support our core values of diversity and inclusion.
Art specifications: We ask for use of colors from our brandbook, a blend of these colors, or complimentary colors to be used in the image.
Size: illustration dimensions: the printed posters are 18” x 24”
Quantity: One custom illustration, with layered features and/or two or three related illustrations that can be used interchangeably, depending on format.
For example: the Clarion West website hero image must be in a square aspect ratio that can fit in a responsive image box. The image will preferably be a layered background element from the main illustration. In addition, individual elements might be used to create unique graphics for social media and promotional materials throughout the year. Text overlay may be applied by Clarion West staff.
Usage: Website hero image, hero image on fundraising pages/websites, in social media and other promotions, as the hero image for the summer poster, on fundraising reward items.
Budget: $1,200
The artist retains all rights not described here, and is free to include the work in their portfolio once it has appeared with Clarion West.
Timeline
Artist selected: December 1, 2024
Concept sketch(es) due: January 15, 2024
Final art due: February 28, 2025
Payment rendered: Promptly upon receipt of final art
To apply
To be considered as our featured artist, please submit your application here. Artist applications accepted on a rolling basis until an artist is selected.
BIPOC, PGM (People of the Global Majority), and LGBTQIA+ artists encouraged to apply.