“It’s great to work on amazing projects like movies and games, but it’s the lives we touch that are our true legacy. That’s why I love working with The Superhero Project.”
Bobby Chiu, Co-founder, Imaginism Studios, LightBox Expo & Schoolism.com
Are you an animator, storybook artist, character designer, children’s book illustrator, comic book artist, graphic designer, caricaturist or digital illustrator? Would you like to create a character that will bring a child’s vision to life, positively impact a family, and provide joy during a difficult time? If so, then join The League of Extraordinary Artists, 600+ volunteer artists from around the world who have designed one-of-a-kind characters for superhero kids!
Join The League of Extraordinary Artists today!
Artists apply by completing this online form or emailing The Superhero Project at hello@superheroprojectkids.org with the following details:
Name
A brief description of your experience
2-3 samples of your work or a link to your online portfolio or website
Here’s how it works!
You’ll select an assignment date that works for your schedule. On that day, you’ll be matched with a child and receive their name, age, and photo, along with the interview details and general design specifications. Fully-realized digital artwork must be returned before the deadline. Posters are then printed and delivered to the families, along with a note from you and a short bio. Families also receive a digital copy of the superhero to post and share!
ARTIST EQUITY PROGRAM
The Superhero Project is committed to inclusion and representation, both in the families we serve and the artists with whom we collaborate. We are keenly aware that our current reliance on volunteer artists may be a barrier to participation. Young and emerging artists of color and artists with disabilities, particularly those whose professional opportunities have been limited by structural and institutional barriers in society, may be unable to participate without being paid for their time. To address that disparity, The Superhero Project has a pilot program that makes modest honoraria available for these emerging artists in the United States who are interested in participating.
At this time, we have selected all Artist Equity participants for 2024; applications will re-open in 2025.
TO SPONSOR AN ARTIST THROUGH THE ARTIST EQUITY PROGRAM: Email lisa@superheroprojectkids.org.
A Note About AI
Q: What is The Superhero Project’s position on AI art?
A: Behind every “Power Poster,” there exists a uniquely human connection between our children, families & League of Extraordinary Artists. We believe the work created through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) does not align with our organization’s mission at this time. Additionally, under no circumstances may the photographs we share with our artists to aid in their creative process, be uploaded into any AI software.
Super Christiano
Inspired by C. (age 6), Designed by Marietta Williams
“The Superhero Project gives me an opportunity to use my creative skills to bring joy to kids like Cristiano. Seeing his smile in photos was a delight when drawing him, but his reaction to the drawing brought me to tears! It makes the work so rewarding.”
– Marietta Delene, Artist
“I really connect with the project. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the hospital both as a patient and as a visitor, so I get how special this is. Going through a treatment is challenging for any kid – hospitals can be a scary environment. I deeply believe that kind attitudes and actions do help, no matter if they seem small. I’m glad to see the project growing and glad to be part of it.”
– Ana Gusson, Artist
Noodle Man
Created by H. (age 10), Designed by Ana Gusson
The League of Extraordinary Artists
Over 600 global illustrators have collaborated with our superheroes since 2017. Below is a list of our current roster (as of March 2023). Click here to join them!
Andres Gutierrez Torres
Angeline Phan
Beverly Chen
Bruna Moreira Pereira de Carvalho
Diana Liu
Eddie Beis
Elena del Muro
Emily Lam
Farzana Islam
Francesca Fedele
Hayz Cruz
Irving Sevilla Garcia
Liezel Dignos
Muriel Fogarty
Nicolle Herrera
Seth Graham
”The Superhero Project is a way to leave reality for a time and imagine another world – it is a new way of seeing things. The collaboration involves going somewhere and doing exciting things, even if you’re actually sitting alone at a drawing table or lying in a hospital bed. Stories and visuals are woven together – it is a way of sharing something personal with someone – someone you may never even meet.”
– Christopher C. Darling, Artist
Time Bender
Created by M. (age 15), Designed by Christopher C. Darling
Special thanks to the 2019 animation students at Cleveland Institute of Art for bringing some of our superheroes to life!
Image credit:
Super Janae
Created by J. (age 4), Designed by Josseline Tanus