The Green European Journal is looking for an illustrator to create artwork for its next print edition, with the possibility of extending the collaboration. If you are passionate about political ecology, eager to drive change, and excited to see your work published in print and online across Europe, we encourage you to apply. Submissions are welcome from illustrators at all career stages.
Who We Are
The Green European Journal is Europe’s leading magazine for political ecology. Published twice a year, its print editions delve into pressing issues—from climate adaptation to the rise of the far right—through diverse perspectives. Articles featured in print are also available online.
In times of social and ecological crisis, attacks on democracy, and rapid technological change, the Green European Journal helps ideas travel across cultural and political borders, building solidarity and dialogue. Since its founding in 2012, it has gone beyond daily news to track political currents and debates, offering fresh perspectives and frontline analysis on politics and society in Europe.
The Green European Journal is an independent publication of the Green European Foundation, a European political foundation dedicated to fostering a vibrant public sphere and engaging citizens in political debate.
What We Are Looking For
- An illustrator with experience in, or aspiring to work in, the world of magazines;
- Passion for themes such as ecology, social movements and political change;
- Creativity and the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visuals;
- A distinctive artistic style that adds depth and character to our stories while aligning with the overall aesthetic of our magazine.
Scope Of Work
The Green European Journal will publish two print editions in 2025. We are currently seeking an illustrator to create illustrations for the summer edition, which will be released in early June. There is the possibility of extending the collaboration to the following print edition(s).
Nature of Work
At the Green European Journal, we believe that critical thinking and imagination are essential for shaping alternative futures. Our illustrations are more than visuals – they spark reflection, complement analysis, and bring complex ideas to life. Each illustrator receives a briefing on the edition’s key themes, concepts, and arguments and is expected to develop sketches accordingly. We are looking for thought-provoking and original illustrations. While each edition will have specific topics, you can expect to work on themes such as:
- Ecology and the green transition;
- Economic and technological change;
- Social justice and movements;
- Democracy and political ideas;
- Geopolitics and international relations.
Deliverables
You will create full-page illustrations for an A5-format print magazine. Your work will be featured on the cover and throughout the print edition and will be adapted for use on our website and social media. You will provide:
- PNG files in both CMYK (for print) and RGB (for digital use).
- Original vector files, which will be used by our graphic designer and communications team for layout adjustments and adaptations.
Some illustrations may be more dynamic, interacting with text and/or graphics depending on each edition’s content and layout needs.
Timeline
A detailed timeline will be provided once the edition release dates are confirmed. However, we expect to start working together at least two months before each publication date, with final artwork delivered one month before publication. We anticipate the summer edition of 2025 to be published in early June, so we’ll start working together around mid-March.
Our illustration process is collaborative, allowing space for refinement. The general workflow is as follows:
- Briefing: We provide a briefing outlining the themes, concepts, and specific indications for each illustration.
- First sketches submission: The illustrator submits three different sketches per illustration, offering varied interpretations of the concepts.
- Feedback Round: We review the sketches, provide feedback, and select one concept per illustration to develop further.
- Second sketches & colour palette proposal: The illustrator delivers revised sketches incorporating feedback and proposes a colour palette (typically using up to seven main colours, with small additional accents if needed).
- Feedback round: We review the sketches and palette, making final adjustments as needed.
- Final delivery: The illustrator submits the final artworks, ready for publication and use.
Style and visual identity
Illustrations have been a core part of the Green European Journal’s visual identity since 2016. For several years, a single illustrator defined the artwork across all editions. More recently, we have opened the magazine to new illustrators to reflect a diversity of perspectives, just as we do with our authors. We believe that different artistic voices enrich our storytelling, building on our established style while bringing fresh interpretations to the themes we explore.
The Green European Journal is looking to move forward with this established visual identity and style in this future collaboration. We welcome creative and artistic development but we are not looking for a radical departure either. At least in this case, we’re looking for evolution, not revolution.
Examples for reference are provided at the end of this page.
What we offer
- An honorary 2,400 euros for each edition (typically 8 full-page illustrations);
- Close cooperation with the GEJ team and graphic designer Klär.graphics
- The opportunity to have your work featured in a well-established, progressive magazine with readers across Europe.
How To Apply
Interested illustrators should submit the following as part of their application:
- Examples of previous work or a portfolio showcasing your artistic style;
- A short presentation outlining your experience, creative outlook, and ethos;
- Confirmation of availability based on the timeline provided.
Applications must be submitted via this online form by 7 March 2025. We’ll review submitted portfolios on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply before the deadline.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Journal’s communications manager Maria Dios: maria.dios@gef.eu.
Selection will be based on the submitted portfolio.
Examples From Former Illustrators
