Freelance Sketch Illustrator (Pen or Ink)—Illustrative Novel | Paid Freelance Opportunity

We're an early-stage nonprofit startup developing an original illustrative novel that blends art, storytelling, and social commentary. At the center of the story is an unlikely hero—a social justice lawyer who also happens to be a spider monkey. Rather than relying on traditional comic panels, the novel is woven together with expressive sketches that feel as though they've been pulled directly from the pages of his sketchbook. We're looking for 1–2 illustrators to define the visual language of this world. Whether you're currently studying illustration, fine art, animation, or simply filling sketchbooks every day, we'd love to see your work. Two Sketch Illustration Roles Sketchbook Artist Our protagonist constantly sketches what catches his attention throughout the city. These illustrations are drawn from his point of view, capturing observations rather than telling the story directly. Subjects may include: —Interesting people —Everyday objects —Architecture —Street scenes —Curious moments —Unexpected encounters Because these pages are drawn from the protagonist's perspective, he never appears in these sketches. We're looking for artwork that feels immediate—as if someone stopped for a few minutes and sketched whatever inspired them. Story Illustrator This role focuses on illustrating important scenes throughout the novel. Unlike the sketchbook pages, these illustrations depict moments where the protagonist actively participates in the story. These pieces should strengthen the emotional tone of the narrative while remaining expressive and sketch-driven. Our Visual Direction We're looking for artists who embrace expression over perfection. We love artwork that feels: —Raw —Expressive —Loose —Energetic —Textured —Emotional —Imperfect —Observational —Full of movement We're not looking for polished superhero comics, clean vector art, or highly rendered digital painting. Instead, we're searching for illustrations that feel spontaneous, human, and alive—work with personality that leaves room for the viewer's imagination. What we're looking for: —Strong traditional drawing skills —Confidence working with pen, pencil, or ink —Expressive line work —An eye for storytelling and visual composition —Ability to interpret written scenes into compelling illustrations Professional experience isn't required. Originality, curiosity, and a distinctive artistic voice matter far more than an extensive résumé. Deliverables —Black-and-white illustrations —Pen, pencil, or ink artwork —High-resolution digital files (scanned or digitally created) —Small vignette illustrations, notebook sketches, and scene illustrations —Flexible assignments based on each chapter Compensation This is a paid freelance opportunity. As an early-stage nonprofit startup, we're working with a modest budget, but we're committed to compensating our collaborators fairly within our means. For the right artist, we hope this grows into an ongoing creative collaboration as the project evolves. How to Apply Please include: —Portfolio, website, or Instagram —3–5 examples of expressive sketches or ink drawings —A few sentences about yourself and your artistic approach Let us know whether you're interested in the Sketchbook Artist, Story Illustrator, or both roles. If you're the kind of artist who carries a sketchbook everywhere, fills pages because you can't help yourself, and believes that imperfect lines often tell the strongest stories—we'd love to hear from you.