Welcome to the Otafest Sketch Drive, the creative heart of our festival’s charity mission! This is a unique opportunity for talented artists to sharpen their skills in a fast-paced, live environment, connect with fans, and support a great cause. If you’re passionate about sketching and love the energy of a bustling festival, we want you on our team!
Are you the right fit?
We’re looking for creative and enthusiastic artists who thrive in a social setting. Our ideal candidate is:
- Comfortable sketching a wide variety of people, faces, and body types.
- Familiar with sketching basic anatomy, mainly facial features.
- Can complete a quality sketch in approximately 15 minutes.
- Creative and passionate about sketching.
- Able to draw in an fast-paced, busy, and energetic social environment.
- Looking to improve your drawing skills while meeting new artists in the community.
- Looking to give back to the community.
How it works
Sketch Drive is located just outside Otafest’s Exhibitor Hall, in the pre-function space.
Otafest attendees can get a personal or group portrait/caricature sketch for a small fee.
50% of each sketch is donated to a reputable charity which is chosen yearly as part of Otafest’s charity event. The other 50% goes to the Sketch Drive artist. Artists will be paid out at the end of each day based on the number of sketches they have completed.
Sketch Drive schedule
| Day | Open to the public |
|---|---|
| Friday May 21 |
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday May 22 |
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday May 23 |
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
The application journey
Joining the team involves a three-step process.
Step 1: Apply online
Fill out the application form linked at the bottom of this page. We review every application, and potential candidates will be contacted via email to schedule a digital audition.
Step 2: Digital audition
This mandatory, low-pressure audition is for all new artists and takes about one hour via Discord or Zoom. It’s our chance to meet you and see your skills in action!
You’ll be asked to create two 15-minute upper-body sketches of our models: one in your personal style and one in an anime/chibi style.
Returning Sketch Drive artists are not required to audition.
Step 3: Acceptance
Successful candidates will be notified by email. Upon acceptance, you’ll pay the $20 (+ GST) artist fee, which covers your weekend pass, table space, and sketching supplies like cardstock and protective covers.
Rules
- Be considerate, supportive and respectful of others. Otafest is a safe and friendly environment for everyone. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and/or violence of any sort. Otafest reserves the right to remove and ban artists who violate the festival's policies; no refund will be provided.
- Be punctual and complete your designated shifts. Artists are expected to arrive on time and complete all assigned shifts. Failure to do so may affect your eligibility for future events.
- Fill out the sketch tally form properly. You are responsible for accurately tracking your sketches on the provided tally form. Daily payouts are based exclusively on this form.
- Keep your work area clean and respect the workspace of other artists. Please keep your materials and supplies organized and use only your designated work space.
- You may display and sell small pieces of your personal artwork. Small items such as bookmarks and prints no larger than letter sized paper (8.5" x 11") may be displayed and sold. You will keep all of the earnings on these items. The artwork must fit in your designated workspace. No racks or frames may be used.