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Sketch Drive

The Otafest Sketch Drive embodies our belief in volunteerism and charity. As part of Otafest’s mission to give back to the community, Sketch Drive offers the opportunity for emerging and experienced artists to hone their talents for a good cause.

If you are:

  • Comfortable sketching a wide range of people and body types
  • Familiar with sketching basic anatomy, mainly facial features
  • Can complete a 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

Then don’t miss the opportunity to join the Otafest Sketch Drive Team!

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​

Friday

May 16

Open to Public
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday

May 17

Open to Public
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Sunday

May 18

Open to Public
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Application Process

An online application for Sketch Drive can be found at the bottom of this page. Applications will open January 15, 2025 and close February 25, 2025. Potential candidates will be contacted via email and invited to attend the audition.

Audition

Candidates will be notified of the date and time via email. During the audition, the artists will meet the Sketch Drive staff and will have the opportunity to convey any questions or concerns. Auditions will be conducted digitally via Discord or Zoom.

The audition will take approximately 1 hour and consists of the following 2 sketches:

  1. Artists will have 15 minutes to produce an upper body sketch of one of the models in any style that they are comfortable with.
  2. Artists will have 15 minutes to produce an upper body sketch of the other model in a(n) anime/comic/chibi style.

 

Artists will need to submit both sketches immediately at the end of the audition by email (cell phone photos are fine if you don’t have a scanner).

The sketches will be reviewed by the Sketch Drive staff, and audition results will be e-mailed to each artist.

If you need to contact us, you can send an email to sketchdrive@otafest.com.

The audition is mandatory for all new Sketch Drive artists. Returning artists are not required to audition.

Fees

A $20 (+ GST) fee is required for all accepted Sketch Drive artists. This fee will cover the following:

  • A Sketch Drive badge,
  • A weekend Pass to Otafest,
  • Table space (4ft. x 2ft.) and chair, and
  • Cardstock and covers for sketches.

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. Sketch Drive will operate as per the set schedule. Artists are expected to arrive on time for their shifts and stay to the completion of their shifts. Failure to be prepared and present for shifts may cause artists to be banned from future sketch drive events.
  • Fill out the sketch tally form properly. Each artist is responsible for tracking the number of people they have sketched. Artists will be paid out at the end of their last shift each day based on the number on their tally form. In the event of a disagreement between the artist and the form, the number on the tally form will be taken as correct.
  • 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.

Hall Map

Application Form

Click here to Apply

Information on this page is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change.

Otafest

May 16 – 18, 2025

Calgary Telus Convention Centre
120 9 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P3

info@otafest.com

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May 16 – 18, 2025

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