Stop Motion Animation Artist (Volunteer)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit serving children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability through mentorship, literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and creative expression. Storytelling is central to our mission—helping young people see themselves reflected in narratives of dignity, imagination, and possibility.

About PromiseStories | Creative Media

PromiseStories produces mission-driven storytelling across film, animation, publishing, podcasting, and digital media. We create content that restores voice, honors lived experience, and communicates MAP's values through art.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Stop Motion Animation Artist to help bring MAP stories to life through tactile, handcrafted animation. This role will contribute to short films, educational content, children's stories, and campaign pieces that support youth empowerment and social impact storytelling. The ideal candidate enjoys experimentation, patience, and creative problem-solving, and understands how visual storytelling can amplify dignity-centered narratives.

Responsibilities

• Develop stop motion animation concepts aligned with MAP's mission
• Create short animated pieces for educational, storytelling, or campaign use
• Collaborate with writers, illustrators, and content teams
• Assist in storyboard development and visual planning
• Ensure animations are accessible, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive
• Contribute to creative brainstorming sessions
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via email and chat in Google Workspace

Qualifications

• Experience with stop motion animation (claymation, paper cut-out, object animation, etc.)
• Basic understanding of animation tools and production workflows
• Strong visual storytelling skills
• Ability to collaborate across creative teams
• Alignment with MAP's mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred Skills

• Portfolio demonstrating stop motion work
• Experience with children's content or educational media
• Familiarity with basic editing software
• Interest in social impact storytelling

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote with optional NYC-based collaboration

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience creating mission-driven animation
• Collaboration with writers, educators, and filmmakers
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• The opportunity to shape stories that empower youth
• A meaningful role in advancing equity-centered storytelling