Online Visual Arts Teacher - Comics & Storytelling
About Epitome of Soul
Epitome of Soul is a nonprofit founded in 2012 to address the lack of arts programming for under-resourced students in low-income communities. We serve the NJ, DE, and AZ communities through educational and arts advocacy, mentorship, and scholarships, developing student leaders through the arts. As we expand our digital reach in 2026, we're seeking talented visual artists to inspire students to become confident creators and storytellers through our virtual classroom.
The Role
We're looking for a skilled Visual Arts Teacher with expertise in comics and sequential storytelling to lead our online programs, guiding K-12 students from blank page to finished comic book. This part-time position requires approximately 8-20 hours per month and offers the flexibility of teaching from anywhere while empowering young artists to share their unique voices through visual narratives.
This position reports directly to the Program Director.
Responsibilities
- Teach engaging online visual arts classes with a focus on comic book creation and storytelling for K-12 students during our Spring Program and potentially 1-3 classes per week during our Fall Program
- Develop comprehensive lesson plans covering character design, world-building, panel composition, sequential art, narrative structure, and illustration techniques
- Guide students in creating their own original comic books from concept to completion
- Complete student assessments through our online platform
- Create an inspiring virtual learning environment that celebrates diverse artistic styles and stories
- Provide constructive feedback on student artwork, character development, and storytelling
- Participate in biweekly virtual staff meetings
- Collaborate with dance and theater teachers to create interdisciplinary experiences
- Attend approximately 2 professional development sessions per quarter
What Makes You a Great Fit
Required:
- Professional experience in visual arts, illustration, graphic novels, or comic book creation
- 2+ years of teaching experience at any level
- Strong foundation in drawing fundamentals, character design, and composition
- Deep understanding of sequential storytelling, visual narrative techniques, and panel layout
- Knowledge of both traditional and digital art tools accessible to students
- Proficiency with virtual teaching platforms (Zoom, Google Classroom) and CRM systems
- Ability to teach students how to effectively merge visual art with narrative storytelling
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Passion for youth education and commitment to our mission of equity in arts access
Bonus Points:
- Published comic book or graphic novel work
- Experience with digital illustration software (Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, etc.)
- Background in animation or storyboarding
- Prior online teaching experience
- Knowledge of manga, webtoons, or diverse comic traditions
- Bilingual abilities
Compensation
Commensurate with experience
How to Apply
Submit the following materials:
- Resume and cover letter
- Salary requirements
- Portfolio showcasing your visual art and comic/sequential art work
- Video of you teaching an art or comics class (virtual or in-person), OR a sample lesson plan for teaching comics creation online
Finalists will be invited to teach a demonstration class online.
Our Commitment to You
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aren't just values—they're the foundation of everything we do. We were founded to close the opportunity gap for historically marginalized students, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to creating spaces where everyone is heard, uplifted, and valued. We're an equal opportunity employer who believes the arts are a universal language that brings people together, regardless of race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Job Details
- Type: Part-time, Contract
- Schedule: Flexible weekday hours
- Location: Remote/Online
Ready to help young artists bring their stories to life? Apply today.