Good news: at Sphera we’re looking for illustrators from all over Europe to contribute to our newsletter In Vivo.
In Vivo, the newsletter that takes you to the heart of Europe
With in Vivo we explore social, democratic and environmental challenges from a very personal perspective. Every two weeks we publish first-person stories from citizens who have a close link with a current issue, each time coming from a different country.
Since its launch in 2022, we’ve ‘traveled’ to over 25 countries and published 70 issues on topics ranging from exile and return back home, book censorship and book smuggling, the preservation of local languages, the power of drag, the fights against feminicides and for abortion rights, overtourism, assisted suicide and various citizen mouvements that have recently shaken certain regions of Europe recently. Though the experiences recounted in the newsletter are sometimes tough we always try to convey hope or a sense of agency to our reader.
In Vivo is a very immersive and inclusive read. The author adresses the reader in a friendly manner, and opens up about what has happened to them and how it makes them feel. The tone and ambiance of the newsletter are very intimate, quite informal, sometimes sad or light depending on the topic.
In Vivo is published in three languages: French, Italian and English. And sent to a rather young and committed audience. ⟶ Read the latest issue in English Please note that the design of the newsletter will change in the coming weeks for something more in line with the artistic direction you may see on our social media accounts. ⟶ Check our Instagram account
About Sphera
Sphera is a network of European independent media outlets and cultural organisations coordinated by Médianes in France. Members of the network are El Salto in Spain, Europod in Belgium, Krytyka Polityczna in Poland, Popaganda in Greece, StreetPress and Arty Farty in France, VD News and Dinamo in Italy, and 444 in Hungary. Together we produce videos, newsletters, podcast, social media contents and events. We also share experience and support each other to make independent journalism stronger and sustainable across Europe.
⟶ Read more : about Sphera and about Médianes
Who and what we are looking for
We believe that opening the newsletter with a different illustration each time will help settling the ambiance before reading the very first word. It will also provide the reader with another perspective on the topics we cover. So we are looking for illustrators who would be interesting in blending their universe with an intimate and sober design and variety of urgent social issues.
The illustrations will also be showcased on our social media accounts to give greater visibility to the illustrator’s work. As one of the goal of this call is also to make young European illustrators known outside their home country.
No need to have a past experience in working with media outlets. The illustrations can be made using any software you are comfortable with, or on real paper, provided they can be scanned properly. The final files have to be supplied in high-resolution transparent PNG or SVG format.
Good knowledge of either English, French or Italian required.
Mission
You will work closely with the journalist in charge of the newsletter and our artistic director. Thanks to a clear brief transmitted by our editorial team and artistic team you will create an original illustration for at least 6 issues. You will be informed of the topic of the newsletter at least two weeks before publication.
Your work will then be showcased on the newsletter sent in three languages (Italian, English and French) every other Wednesday and on our Instagram account.
When: we will start incorporating illustrations from the end of April. We will work with different illustrators throughout the year, each time for approximately 3 months in a row.
Fee: approx. 1650 euros for 6 illustrations.
Type of contract: freelance
How to apply
You may apply by filling in a dedicated form online by April 10th.
We will ask you for a resume, a cover letter, a portfolio and/or a website or social media accounts where we can see your work. If you have exemple of past works that could fit the topics we cover, please add them to your application.
For any question, you can contact Hélène Pillon at [email protected].
