Original Dark Fantasy Animated Series Visual Development.

I am developing an original anime-inspired dark fantasy animated series and I am looking for a freelance artist and visual designer to help create the core visual foundation for the project. This work will be used specifically for an animated series pitch and pre-production, not for a static illustration project or a game.

The animated series is set in a dark medieval fantasy world where magic is used as a tool of control and oppression. The story focuses on powerful characters bound by magical restraints, forbidden abilities, and conflicts between mage factions, inquisitors, and rebels. The tone is serious, dramatic, and mature, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, emotion, and visual storytelling.

I already have the story concept, worldbuilding, main characters, and a season one episode outline prepared. I also have a reference image that represents the visual direction, quality level, and mood I want for the series. This image will be provided and must be used as the primary visual reference for style, color palette, character tone, and overall atmosphere.

What I need is production-ready concept art designed specifically for animation. This includes character designs that can realistically be adapted into animated models. The characters must have clear silhouettes, readable shapes, consistent clothing and accessories, and designs that can be simplified or broken down into animation-friendly components. Overly complex or impractical designs for animation should be avoided unless justified by the story.

The main deliverables include two to three main character designs created in an anime style suitable for a dark fantasy animated series. Each character should be presented as a full-body design with clear details and a strong sense of personality. If possible, I would also like simple turnaround or alternate pose versions to help communicate how the character would function in animation. High-resolution files are required, and layered files are strongly preferred for future production use.

In addition to character designs, I need one or more key visual or environment concept illustrations that represent the world of the series. These visuals should help establish the setting, scale, and emotional tone of the story and be suitable for use in an animated series pitch deck or presentation to studios or investors.

Optional additional work may include expression sheets, color variants, simplified animation-ready versions of characters, or visual development elements that help transition the concept art into an animation pipeline. AI-assisted workflows are acceptable if the final result is polished, consistent, and suitable for professional animation development.

All artwork must be delivered in high resolution and in formats suitable for animation pre-production. Commercial usage rights must be included, and one to two reasonable revision rounds should be part of the agreement. The final work should be suitable for use in an animated series pitch, visual development bible, or pre-production package.

I am looking for a freelancer with experience in anime-style art, animated series concept work, character design for animation, or visual development. A strong portfolio is required, especially work that demonstrates clean character design, consistency, and an understanding of animation-friendly construction. The ability to follow a visual reference and communicate clearly is essential.

When applying, please include your portfolio or relevant examples, your estimated price for this project, your expected timeline, and which parts of the animated series development you can support, such as character design, environment art, or visual development.

The budget is flexible depending on experience and quality, and this project may expand into a longer-term collaboration if the initial phase is successful.