The Cupcake Mentorship pairs unpublished alternative comics creators with an established sequential arts mentor, who can guide them over the course of half a year through the process of completing a meaningful comics project. Chicago’s own Skunk Cabbage Books has committed to hosting a release and live reading event of this year's Cupcake works May 1st 2026. In addition, Cupcake mentees will also have the opportunity to sell and discuss their work at the 2026 Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE).

This six-month mentorship is a chance for veterans of the independent and self-publishing world to help early career artists push their work to a new place. The Cupcake Mentorship helps bring new people into Chicago’s rich legacy as home to many of underground and alternative comics’ most talented artists–past, present, and future. Creating a space where those with diverse stories, aesthetics, and experiences can exchange knowledge, resources, and build relationships of support.

The Cupcake Mentorship provides an unusual opportunity that has helped creators like Kelly Fernandez, Adam Griffiths, and Anne Marie Rogers complete significant career founding work. The Cupcake Mentorship, in concert with the Chicago Alternative Comics EXPO, empowers future generations of indie cartoonists to make their work, raise their voices, and inspire readers.

The money available through the Awesome Foundation, would allow us to support Cupcake Mentorships. Mentorship pairs are able to direct the use of funds depending on the comic project’s needs. This might include the cost of physical arts materials, software, printing, or educational resources. The costs of exhibiting the final projects will be provided by the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo and Skunk Cabbage Books.