Why voluntary submissions? (AHFT More info)

Asians Have Feelings Too is on a banner held by a human character in a black and white drawing by The Mollusc Dimension.

Asians Have Feelings Too is on a banner held by a human character in a black and white drawing by The Mollusc Dimension.

3 REASONS WHY I’M ASKING FOR VOLUNTARY SUBMISSIONS INSTEAD OF OFFERING PAID COMMISSIONS?

  1. As a professional artist and former illustrator and animator, I know the importance of being paid to pay one’s bills etc. That said, I have also contributed a lot of voluntary work in the community, for example for the Stratford & East London Music Festival (on and off since 1999). I’ve also been part of grassroots womens’ activities since the early 2000s where I ran workshops and took part in workshops, and continued co-creating creative activities for various ages at various DIY events (e.g. DIY Cultures, Decolonise Fest) until around 2018 when I began focusing more on music.

  2. As a DIY artist, I LOVE to make art with people of all ages who are not artists/ think they’re not creative/ or else not working in a creative profession who are drawn to making. Some of these people might be excited about the thought of being part of something and want to offer art - and either not mind about not being paid, or actively prefer to submit for free without the pressure of expectation. By way of example, I have created and submitted artwork for causes/ zines I believe in.

  3. For me, the experience of gathering and creating together can be a powerful one and holds value in terms of processing and being part of something. The combination of ESEA+ and LGBTIQA+ positive representation could be something that draws people (pun intended!)

If you do not agree with this, then feel free to make (if you wish) but do not submit your art :)

Image Description:
Asians Have Feelings Too. OPEN to all ESEA, LGBTIQA+, BIPOC & allies. All creative styles & levels WELCOME! Make art with us. @TheMolluscDimension. Let’s promote positive ESEA & LGBTIQ+ representation! Photo by Vanessa Ng, Asians in Britain.

Vibrantly colourful, mixed media banner. On the left is the title of the event, boldly drawn in sharpie, in warm, red/pink/orange colours. At the centre is a photo of an East-Asian in a black tuxedo with gold octopus collar pins and a black homberg hat, standing with arms holding jacket. A small cartoon drawing of the same person wearing a fish pattern shirt and waving can be seen. From the left bottom corner are marker pens.

 
art, comics, writing, mental health, LGBTIQ, transThe Mollusc Dimension