Children's Book Illustrator

Upwork Job Posting – Children's Book Illustrator Title: Experienced Children's Book Illustrator Needed for Heartwarming, Character-Driven Story (Full Book Project) Project Overview I am seeking an exceptionally talented children's book illustrator to bring my original story, Deer University, to life. This is a professionally written children's book centered around friendship, courage, family, diversity, and chasing your dreams. The story follows a group of young deer who each have unique personalities, interests, and backgrounds. While all of the characters are deer, they are designed with human personalities, expressions, clothing, and mannerisms that reflect their individual identities. I'm looking for an illustrator who can create expressive, memorable characters and immersive environments that children will fall in love with while maintaining a polished, publishable style. About the Book Deer University is a heartfelt story about a curious young deer named Champ, who dreams of exploring beyond the safety of his neighborhood despite the warnings of his grandfather. Along the journey, readers experience themes of: Courage Friendship Family Diversity and inclusion Curiosity Making wise decisions Believing in yourself The story is intended for elementary-aged children and balances adventure, humor, and meaningful life lessons. Characters to Illustrate The project will require 7 primary characters, each with a unique personality and visual identity. Main Characters 1. Champ 2. Gramps 3. Carson 4. Emiliano 5. Preya 6. Aiko 7. Cupcake In addition to the primary characters, there may be a small number of background woodland animals and environmental illustrations throughout the book. Illustration Style I'm Looking For I'm looking for an illustrator who can create: Warm, colorful, emotionally expressive illustrations Memorable characters with consistent designs Rich forest environments High-quality storytelling through facial expressions and body language A style comparable to traditionally published children's books I am open to different artistic styles but prefer something that is timeless, engaging, and appealing to children ages 5–10. Scope of Work The selected illustrator will ideally assist with: Character concept development Character turnaround sheets Cover illustration Interior page illustrations Consistent visual storytelling throughout the book Print-ready artwork suitable for self-publishing Experience designing books for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Barnes & Noble Press is a strong plus. Ideal Candidate Please apply only if you have: Extensive experience illustrating children's books A strong portfolio showcasing expressive characters and storytelling Excellent communication skills Ability to meet deadlines Professionalism throughout the project Experience preparing artwork for publication When Applying, Please Include A link to your children's book portfolio Your favorite children's book you've illustrated Your illustration process from concept to final artwork Your estimated timeline Your preferred pricing structure (fixed price or per illustration) Whether you have experience formatting artwork for print publishing Important This book is very important to me, and I am looking for a long-term creative partner—not simply someone who can draw. I value collaboration, creativity, attention to detail, and someone who genuinely enjoys bringing meaningful stories to life. If you believe you can create illustrations that children will remember for years to come, I would love to see your work. I look forward to finding the right illustrator to help make Deer University a beautiful and memorable children's book.