Realistic Fantasy Children’s Picure book Illustrations & Book Cover Project
Budget: $750 – $1,500 AUD
We're seeking a talented, imaginative, and reliable illustrator to bring to life a 32-page children’s picture book featuring a brand-new creature species called (name revealed to successful freelancer), who lives in a vibrant underground world beneath an ancient magical forest.
Your Ability to Worldbuild Visually – Not Just “Draw Cute”. I need someone who can create immersive, multi-layered environments (not just isolated characters on flat backgrounds).I need Ability to use color, depth, and scale to distinguish between settings (e.g., warm, glowing underground world vs cool, leafy forest).Ability to express emotion, energy, and mischief — especially relevant for Creatures bold, rule-breaking personality.
Skill with body language (not just facial expressions), particularly in characters that may not be fully human. The creature is a non-human protagonist -an invented creature.
This project involves:
A mix of above-ground forest scenes (with magical trees, animals, and lore)
A richly imagined underground world with glowing fungi, cavern towns, tunnels, and culture
A bold, mischievous, loveable non-human creature who is the main character
We’re building a scalable brand/IP (think The Gruffalo meets Fraggle Rock), so storytelling and world consistency are key.
Scope of Work:
~14 double-page interior spreads (with characters + environments)
2–3 spot illustrations (for endpapers or special elements)
1 fully illustrated front + back wraparound cover
Assistance with cover composition and optional title typography layout (or willingness to collaborate with a designer)
Optional: character expression sheets or basic map sketch (for series worldbuilding continuity)
Style:
We’re seeking something:
Bold, expressive, whimsical
Warm color palette for underground settings (earth tones, glowing blues/golds)
Slightly textured or hand-painted feel preferred (digital or traditional ok)
Think: The Leaf Thief, The Lion Inside, The Night Gardener, The Gruffalo
What We’re Looking For:
Experience illustrating children’s picture books (especially for 5–8 age range)
Ability to create visually consistent characters in different poses and expressions
Strong with environmental storytelling (not just flat backgrounds)
Comfort with collaborative feedback and timely turnaround
Familiarity with KDP/IngramSpark specs and print-ready file delivery (300 dpi CMYK, full bleed)
Ability to storyboard or thumbnail the full book for review prior to final art is a bonus
Deliverables:
Print-ready files (PSD/AI or layered TIFFs/PDFs)
Format: Standard 8.5” x 8.5” or 8.5” x 11” layout (final spec will be provided)
Timeline: ~4–6 weeks (negotiable)
Budget: Fixed rate preferred (open to offers in AUD/USD)
Rights: Full commercial rights are for Project Creator Only
How to Apply:
Please include:
Link to your illustration portfolio (especially children’s work)
Examples of character design + environment spreads
Short note on why you’re excited by this project
Your availability and rate estimate. Please note We are based in Australia and do not wish to work on this late in the evening. Refs required to prove you ability to understand detailed native English speakers requirements essential.
Bonus if you have:
Experience with picture book layout/story pacing
Worked on projects that became branded IP (toys, series, etc.)
Love working on imaginative worlds and bold kid characters
Your Ability to Worldbuild Visually – Not Just “Draw Cute”. I need someone who can create immersive, multi-layered environments (not just isolated characters on flat backgrounds).I need Ability to use color, depth, and scale to distinguish between settings (e.g., warm, glowing underground world vs cool, leafy forest).Ability to express emotion, energy, and mischief — especially relevant for Creatures bold, rule-breaking personality.
Skill with body language (not just facial expressions), particularly in characters that may not be fully human. The creature is a non-human protagonist -an invented creature.
This project involves:
A mix of above-ground forest scenes (with magical trees, animals, and lore)
A richly imagined underground world with glowing fungi, cavern towns, tunnels, and culture
A bold, mischievous, loveable non-human creature who is the main character
We’re building a scalable brand/IP (think The Gruffalo meets Fraggle Rock), so storytelling and world consistency are key.
Scope of Work:
~14 double-page interior spreads (with characters + environments)
2–3 spot illustrations (for endpapers or special elements)
1 fully illustrated front + back wraparound cover
Assistance with cover composition and optional title typography layout (or willingness to collaborate with a designer)
Optional: character expression sheets or basic map sketch (for series worldbuilding continuity)
Style:
We’re seeking something:
Bold, expressive, whimsical
Warm color palette for underground settings (earth tones, glowing blues/golds)
Slightly textured or hand-painted feel preferred (digital or traditional ok)
Think: The Leaf Thief, The Lion Inside, The Night Gardener, The Gruffalo
What We’re Looking For:
Experience illustrating children’s picture books (especially for 5–8 age range)
Ability to create visually consistent characters in different poses and expressions
Strong with environmental storytelling (not just flat backgrounds)
Comfort with collaborative feedback and timely turnaround
Familiarity with KDP/IngramSpark specs and print-ready file delivery (300 dpi CMYK, full bleed)
Ability to storyboard or thumbnail the full book for review prior to final art is a bonus
Deliverables:
Print-ready files (PSD/AI or layered TIFFs/PDFs)
Format: Standard 8.5” x 8.5” or 8.5” x 11” layout (final spec will be provided)
Timeline: ~4–6 weeks (negotiable)
Budget: Fixed rate preferred (open to offers in AUD/USD)
Rights: Full commercial rights are for Project Creator Only
How to Apply:
Please include:
Link to your illustration portfolio (especially children’s work)
Examples of character design + environment spreads
Short note on why you’re excited by this project
Your availability and rate estimate. Please note We are based in Australia and do not wish to work on this late in the evening. Refs required to prove you ability to understand detailed native English speakers requirements essential.
Bonus if you have:
Experience with picture book layout/story pacing
Worked on projects that became branded IP (toys, series, etc.)
Love working on imaginative worlds and bold kid characters