Think Anomalous is a website and YouTube channel that communicates information on anomalous phenomena - what we often call the “paranormal,” or the “supernatural,” - to a general audience. Videos are structured like historical documentaries with voice-over narration, and they’re often focused on specific cases (UFO sightings, hauntings, etc.). Narration is synced to images and video procured from the internet, but for specific action points, I need custom, digitally-rendered illustrations with specific elements saved in different layers so that I can animate them moving in Final Cut Pro.
See my video on the Carl Higdon abduction for an example. Most of the animated illustrations are shown in the first 9 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8eCbWHg-o
I’ll only be doing two more videos before I retire this channel, so this is a short-term gig. Having said that, the second video may not happen for many months yet - maybe up to a year or longer. The first video will be ready to work to as soon as you’re hired. It will require 12 images depicting the visions of the biblical prophet, Ezekiel. The second video will probably involve 15 images or more.
The ideal candidate will tailor their style to the somber but mystical tone of the videos, one that embodies the Think Anomalous brand. Illustrations should have dramatic lighting and atmospheric elements (fog layers, for example). I loved the work of my previous illustrator, V. R. Laurence, so you can use any of the illustrations from the past 6 years as reference.
For an example of an illustration that I think was particularly good, see the image of the Native American Coyote god at 3:15 from my Trickster video: https://youtu.be/PcyLr480t1g?si=TAIloM-qe5TXMWrA&t=199
For each video, I’ll provide you with a list of all the images I need, with a few sentences describing what I want in each one. I’ll also provide you with mock illustrations for each, as well as reference images for any specific or unfamiliar elements that I’ll need drawn accurately (e.g., historical cars, military uniforms, etc.). I’ll request to see rough drafts for approval within two weeks. At the time that I deliver the instructions/ reference images, I’ll give you a deadline (subject to some negotiation) for the finished illustrations. Deadlines are to be determined, but you’ll have at least a couple months for each video. I reserve the right to request a few revisions to be done in a timely manner. The successful candidate will work for hire, and sign over ownership and rights of all illustrations to Think Anomalous. He or she will work from home on a freelance basis, for a flat fee of $90 CAD per illustration. We can negotiate a higher price on more complex/ demanding images. I wish I could offer better pay, but this channel is still not turning a profit, so a lot of my expenditures are still coming out of pocket.
What’s Required
- create thumbnails for images within two weeks of receiving instructions
- complete all illustrations by the given date, incorporating my feedback on thumbnails
- adhere closely to instructions and reference images to include all requested detail
- export finished illustrations as .psd files with separated layers in 2k resolution (1440 x 2560)
- upload all images and revisions to a Google Drive by the specified deadline
Please attach/ link to a few samples of your past work. I’ll choose three artists who look promising, and pay them each $90 to make a sample illustration, as they would if they were hired. I will compare the sample illustrations from each of the short-listed artists, and pick one to hire.