Adventurous Watercolour Illustrations

Job ID: 39343360

Budget: $250 – $750 AUD

Illustrator Wanted for Whimsical, Heartfelt Children’s Book – Bounce, Lyra, Bounce! (Watercolour Style)

I am seeking a passionate and skilled illustrator to bring my children’s book, Bounce, Lyra, Bounce!, to life. This is a heartwarming, adventurous tale of a spirited young kangaroo named Lyra, who learns that being "too much" is exactly what makes her extraordinary. Set against the backdrop of the Australian bush, this story celebrates individuality, resilience, and the joy of embracing who you are.

The visual tone should be soft yet vibrant, using a watercolour style that captures both the whimsical energy of Lyra’s boundless bouncing and the gentle wisdom of her journey. The illustrations need to evoke movement, emotion, and the natural beauty of the Australian landscape—while also highlighting key character expressions and playful action sequences.

Key Requirements:

Expertise in watercolour illustration, either traditional or digital mimicking authentic watercolour textures.

Ability to convey adventure, warmth, and emotional depth through visuals.

Strong focus on character design, especially capturing Lyra’s playful energy and the wise charm of Orin the wombat (complete with his signature hat).

Skill in creating immersive backgrounds inspired by the Australian outback—gum trees, soft hills, sunset skies.

Experience illustrating dynamic action scenes while maintaining a soft, child-friendly aesthetic.


Ideal Skills & Experience:

Proven experience in children’s book illustration—portfolio showcasing storytelling through art is essential.

Ability to translate themes of self-acceptance, joy, and resilience into visual form.

Collaborative spirit—open to discussing scene concepts, character moods, and ensuring consistency across pages.

Proficiency in delivering print-ready files and understanding of layout for picture books.


Project Scope:

Approximately 24-28 pages of full-colour illustrations, including cover art.

Character sheets for consistency (Lyra, Orin, and supporting Aussie animals like kookaburras, possums, and koalas).

Backgrounds that complement, not overpower, the characters and text.

Potential for future collaboration on sequels or related projects if the style is a perfect match.


If you have a flair for capturing heart and adventure in soft brushstrokes, and you’re excited by the idea of helping children (and adults) remember they’re never too much, I’d love to see your portfolio and discuss bringing Lyra’s world to life.

Please include:

Relevant portfolio pieces (preferably children’s books or whimsical watercolour work).

Your estimated timeline and rates.

Any initial thoughts or ideas you have after reading this brief.