Project Mentor
Prof. Vincent Tycer
Department: Dramatic Arts
Research Project Overview:
The project is supporting the Quantum for Kids program, which will include games, animation and educational material all aimed at kids 9-12 years old. It is being funded by $50K from the UConn Innovations in Quantum STEM Education Award. Collaborating faculty are from Dramatic Arts, Digital Media and Design, Computer Science, Physics and Business Administration. Previous student work through the 2024 SHARE Award helped create Concept Art and Character Design for an animated project called Quinn and the Quantum Team.
Role of a SHARE Summer Apprentice:
Visual Artist – We are looking for one or more student artists who will contribute to the development of an educational graphic novel, based on the Quinn and the Quantum Team animated pilot.
There are three different aspects of the prospective work. An artist can contribute to one, two or three sections of the anticipated work depending on their experience, interest and when they have availability.
- Inker/Penciller – the artist who draws the initial panels of the graphic novel. Can be done with pencil, ink or digitally.
- Colorist – the artist who colors the drawings to fit with the tone of the graphic novel.
- Letterer/Graphic Designer – an artist who works on the lettering, composition of the cover and potentially other aspects of the art in the graphic novel.
Digital Art and Hand-drawn Art are both options for collaboration.
SHARE apprentices should expect to learn about collaborating on a shared artistic project, working to deadlines, as well as giving and receiving constructive feedback.
The initial story and dialogue will be provided before the project starts. Timelines will be cooperatively developed with the team. If there is any need of training on software used for collaboration it will be provided to the SHARE apprentices by the faculty member.
Summer Schedule/Time Commitment:
The schedule will be very flexible. The student can expect to work for the majority of time asynchronously.
As there are 3 different aspects of the Artwork needed, there are different time frames that we will be looking to get work done.
Ink/Pencil work will have a target completion date of August 1st.
The Color and Letter/Graphic Design work can be completed by the end of the summer.
Preferred Qualifications:
We are looking for artists with a passion for graphic novels, comics or Manga and who are excited about connecting their artistic vision with young audiences.
An interest in science, computers or young audience science fiction are all bonuses, but not required.
To Apply:
The application opens on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Click here to submit an online application for this research apprenticeship through the Quest Portal. The application deadline is Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:59pm.
Click here to view an outline of the general application questions. In addition to the general questions, students will be asked to respond to the following questions:
- What interests you most about collaborating on an educational graphic novel? (750 words max)
- Please provide a link to a portfolio of your artwork.
Please note:
All students hired for a SHARE Summer apprenticeship must complete a federal I-9 form and present original documents in person to OUR staff as part of the hiring process. Visit this U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page for more information about acceptable documents. You cannot begin working until this is complete. Students are encouraged to plan ahead for this. For example, if you are going home for spring break, consider bringing original documents back to campus with you.