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RFP: Graphic Novel Illustrator March 2026

Remote • Project Based Pay

AKA Request for Proposals: Graphic Novel Illustrator March 2026


AKA is seeking a California Native illustrator to collaborate with on developing 20-30 illustrations for a public health graphic novel for Native teens. The illustrator will not be required to design the entire book, but rather select images that are required to convey meaning and cultural relevance as it relates to public health.


Background: AKA is a small woman-owned business that includes a multi-disciplinary team of associates. The AKA team works closely with the communities of New Mexico, California, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. AKA supports healing and wellness-based interventions for youth, families, and communities. AKA provides ongoing consultation to several Tribes, Pueblos, universities, state and federal agencies, non-profits, and small businesses.


Product: AKA Published will publish a 40- to 50-page color graphic novel for Native teens. The target audience is Native teens living in California, but this novel will also be read and available to Tribes throughout the US. This graphic novel will focus on the social determinants of health, the Hero's Journey, and sequential art illustrations. Illustrations must meet the AKA and client guidelines for graphic design and reflect the culture, history, heritage, teachings, and language of Tribes served by the AKA client in the California area. Example product to reference for the type of graphic novel we would like to create: Zombie High School Yearbook ’64 (by Jeff Busch).


Compensation: Up to $20,000 is available for illustrators who meet the qualifications listed.


Timeline: June 15, 2026 (final print)


Publisher: AKA Publishing

Image by Deva Darshan
Go to the people
Live with them
Learn from them
Love them

Start with what they know
Build with what they have

But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say ‘We have done this ourselves’

– Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher, c. 700 BC
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