u/Rance_Yres1707

Hi! I’m looking for an experienced or highly talented illustrator for an original 32-page magical adventure storybook aimed at ages 8 to 12, with enough visual depth and charm to appeal to adults too.

The story follows two characters through a series of strange and fantastical worlds, so I’m looking for someone who enjoys creating expressive characters (including new fantastical creatures), imaginative environments and dynamic, story-driven scenes that really spark the imagination. The artwork will also eventually form part of a wider creative project, so visual consistency and flexibility are important.

The wider project is already underway, but I’m currently reworking the illustration process and looking for someone who can take on the storybook component. Some creative foundations and references are already established, so there will be some direction to work from, while still leaving plenty of room for the illustrator's own style and creativity.

Scope:

• 32-page storybook
• Front/back cover and a few small supporting illustrations
• Character and environment illustrations throughout
• Collaborative feedback and reasonable revisions within scope

Budget: AUD $2,000 total, with additional fees for any additional work and other work bonuses that we can discuss separately.

Deadline: first week of October 2026. This is an important project deadline, so I’m looking for someone who has the availability to comfortably work within that timeframe.

I'm particularly interested in someone who is communicative, organised and comfortable working collaboratively. The project has been evolving as we've developed it, so being flexible and adaptable would be a big plus.

Please comment with any work experience, your portfolio, particularly character work, environments, worldbuilding or sequential storytelling. The more you can tell me about yourself, the better :) If you can attach images of the most relevant folio works, that would be super helpful! Children's illustration experience isn't essential, but a flexible style is. I'm more interested in finding someone whose style and approach feels like a good fit, so I'm happy to consider anyone with excellent style.

I've attached some sample visual references, which are all quite diverse. I'm hoping this will help give an idea of the vibrancy/richness of the world while not being a strictly prescriptive description of the style.

I'm also hoping to build relationships with artists for future paid illustration work as the project develops. I'm currently looking for a primary storybook illustrator for this particular deadline, but there will be colouring books and other creative work down the line, so I'll be keeping strong portfolios in mind even if someone isn't selected for this particular commission. If you have colouring book experience, please do let me know that as well!

Thanks! Would love to see your work.