Realistic Watercolor Children’s Illustrations
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I am preparing the first release in a lyrical picture-book series for 4- to 7-year-olds: “Sam Is Different.” Sam is an overweight, often-bullied boy whose quiet strength carries simple, stoic life lessons. To bring his world to life I need a set of realistic, hand-painted watercolor illustrations.
Scope of work
The books all run 10 full-page spreads (20 interior pages) plus front cover, back cover and two dedication pages. There are currently 10 books ready to launch. All artwork must be supplied in high-resolution, layered files suitable for both print and digital layouts. I will be publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing as well as other paperback and hard-cover platforms, so RGB and CMYK versions are required. The series will be supported by a significant marketing and social influencer budget to insure success. this could lead to steady work.
Key visual elements to include
• Nature and outdoor scenes – especially the old oak tree and the creek that winds through Sam’s backyard
• Family and home moments that show Sam’s day-to-day life
• School and playground settings where interactions with friends and classmates unfold
Characters
Sam appears in every spread, joined regularly by a small circle of friends and classmates who must remain visually consistent from page to page.
Deliverables
• 10 full-bleed watercolor spreads (300 dpi, 11”x8.5” bleed size)
• Front and back covers plus spine artwork ready for KDP template dimensions
• Two dedication/acknowledgment pages using a simpler spot illustration or vignette style that matches the spreads
• Print-ready PDF (CMYK) and separate e-book files (RGB, fixed-layout EPUB or PDF)
• Source files (PSD or TIFF with transparent layers) so text can be overlaid during layout
Acceptance criteria
1. Realistic watercolor look that feels warm and child-friendly, no hard digital edges.
2. Consistent character proportions and wardrobe throughout.
3. Color palette must reproduce accurately on both coated print stock and standard tablet screens.
4. All files pass KDP’s automatic pre-press checks without modification.
If this artistic style resonates with you, please send a short note describing similar projects you’ve completed along with a link to your portfolio.
Scope of work
The books all run 10 full-page spreads (20 interior pages) plus front cover, back cover and two dedication pages. There are currently 10 books ready to launch. All artwork must be supplied in high-resolution, layered files suitable for both print and digital layouts. I will be publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing as well as other paperback and hard-cover platforms, so RGB and CMYK versions are required. The series will be supported by a significant marketing and social influencer budget to insure success. this could lead to steady work.
Key visual elements to include
• Nature and outdoor scenes – especially the old oak tree and the creek that winds through Sam’s backyard
• Family and home moments that show Sam’s day-to-day life
• School and playground settings where interactions with friends and classmates unfold
Characters
Sam appears in every spread, joined regularly by a small circle of friends and classmates who must remain visually consistent from page to page.
Deliverables
• 10 full-bleed watercolor spreads (300 dpi, 11”x8.5” bleed size)
• Front and back covers plus spine artwork ready for KDP template dimensions
• Two dedication/acknowledgment pages using a simpler spot illustration or vignette style that matches the spreads
• Print-ready PDF (CMYK) and separate e-book files (RGB, fixed-layout EPUB or PDF)
• Source files (PSD or TIFF with transparent layers) so text can be overlaid during layout
Acceptance criteria
1. Realistic watercolor look that feels warm and child-friendly, no hard digital edges.
2. Consistent character proportions and wardrobe throughout.
3. Color palette must reproduce accurately on both coated print stock and standard tablet screens.
4. All files pass KDP’s automatic pre-press checks without modification.
If this artistic style resonates with you, please send a short note describing similar projects you’ve completed along with a link to your portfolio.