Children’s Book Illustrator Wanted for Original Series — The Skybow Series

I’m looking for an illustrator to help develop the visual world of The Skybow Series, an original seven-book children's series about color, emotions, and learning to understand what we feel. The stories take place in Aurora Vale, where a living rainbow called the Skybow reflects the emotional balance of the world. Each of its six colors is connected to a different child and emotional theme. When those emotions become unbalanced, the Skybow—and sometimes the world around it—responds. The first book, The Day Blue Was Taken Away, follows Lumi after Blue disappears from the Skybow. She discovers that Professor Nimbus has taken it because he believes removing Blue will keep him from feeling sad. Instead, the world becomes emotionally unbalanced, and Lumi helps him understand that sadness isn't something that needs to be erased. What I'm Looking For I’m looking for someone who can help create the visual identity of Skybow, not simply illustrate predetermined scenes. Color is an important storytelling element throughout the series, and each color will eventually have its own visual personality while still belonging to the same world. I'm especially interested in: Expressive character design Whimsical/fantasy environments Strong use of color and atmosphere Picture-book visual storytelling An artist interested in creative collaboration and world-building I am not looking for AI-generated artwork. The first manuscript is complete, as are the other stories in the series. I’ll share the full first manuscript with shortlisted applicants. I’d like to begin with a paid character/concept development stage before committing to the complete first book. If we work well together, my preference is to continue with the same illustrator across the series. When Applying Please share your most relevant children's illustration, character design, or picture-book work. And rather than sending only a general introduction, I'd love to hear briefly: What interests you about visually creating a world where color and emotion are connected? I’m looking for an artist who can bring their own imagination to the project and help me discover what Skybow should look like.