Watercolor Children’s Book Illustrator
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
I’m commissioning roughly 31 hand-painted watercolor illustrations—30 interior pieces plus a cover—for an upcoming picture book that will speak to readers from toddler age through early tweens. The story follows a cast of charming animal characters and pairs “cute” visuals with clear, informative scenes, so I need an artist who can balance warmth, personality, and educational detail in every spread.
Only illustrators physically located in the United States, please. This is important for both shipping originals (if needed) and signing a standard NDA; I’ll ask for a quick address confirmation before we begin. All artwork must be created traditionally with watercolor on paper—no AI, filters, or digital shortcuts (it can be digitally hand-drawn though). To verify authenticity, I’ll request a few casual process snapshots or a brief phone-camera video of you working at the easel. There must be NO AI at all.
Project terms
• Flat project fee in the $500–$600 range, paid in agreed milestones (sketch approval, color proof, finals & cover).
• Final files: 300–600 dpi CMYK scans or photos, cropped with bleed, ready for print; layered PSD or TIFF preferred.
• Target timeline: roughs within two weeks of kickoff, finals within six more weeks, though I’m flexible for quality.
Acceptance criteria
Artwork must:
– Match the supplied manuscript layout and page dimensions.
– Sustain a cohesive, child-friendly style across all pages.
– Arrive on schedule, high-resolution, and demonstrably free of AI involvement.
If your portfolio already includes watercolor children’s titles—or anything showing expressive animal characters—send me the link, a quick note on your traditional process, and confirmation you’re U.S.-based. I’m excited to bring this book to life together. Feel free to send me samples of work already done. Finalized work can be jpeg.
Thank you!
Only illustrators physically located in the United States, please. This is important for both shipping originals (if needed) and signing a standard NDA; I’ll ask for a quick address confirmation before we begin. All artwork must be created traditionally with watercolor on paper—no AI, filters, or digital shortcuts (it can be digitally hand-drawn though). To verify authenticity, I’ll request a few casual process snapshots or a brief phone-camera video of you working at the easel. There must be NO AI at all.
Project terms
• Flat project fee in the $500–$600 range, paid in agreed milestones (sketch approval, color proof, finals & cover).
• Final files: 300–600 dpi CMYK scans or photos, cropped with bleed, ready for print; layered PSD or TIFF preferred.
• Target timeline: roughs within two weeks of kickoff, finals within six more weeks, though I’m flexible for quality.
Acceptance criteria
Artwork must:
– Match the supplied manuscript layout and page dimensions.
– Sustain a cohesive, child-friendly style across all pages.
– Arrive on schedule, high-resolution, and demonstrably free of AI involvement.
If your portfolio already includes watercolor children’s titles—or anything showing expressive animal characters—send me the link, a quick note on your traditional process, and confirmation you’re U.S.-based. I’m excited to bring this book to life together. Feel free to send me samples of work already done. Finalized work can be jpeg.
Thank you!