Illustration Artist Needed for Educational Software (Ages 7-14)

Project Overview We're building an educational software game and need a skilled 2D illustrator to create a modular character avatar system. Students will use these assets to customize their in-game characters, so all pieces must be designed to work interchangeably, consistent in style, scale, and alignment so any combination looks cohesive. We're looking for someone with experience in character design and ideally with some familiarity with game UI or layered asset systems. Finally, quality and consistency across assets are more important than speed, we'd rather get it right than get it fast. What We Need Character Components (modular/interchangeable) All character components must be designed on a consistent base so they layer correctly across combinations. Heads & Eyes 10 variations (5 Male / 5 Female) Distinct facial expressions or eye styles that work across the full range of hairstyles and body types. Hairstyles 10 variations (5 Male / 5 Female) A range of styles (length, texture, silhouette) that sit correctly on the head base. Body Types with Class Armor 30 total (15 Male / 15 Female), broken down as follows: 6 bodies with Tank-class armor (e.g. Barbarian, Knight, etc.) 6 bodies with Caster-class armor (Wizard, Mage, etc.) 6 bodies with Healer-class armor (Cleric, Druid, etc.) 6 bodies with Support-class armor (e.g. Bard, alchemist) 6 generic "any class" bodies (no class-specific armor) Each body should read clearly as its class while maintaining a unified art style across all 30. **Note: Coloration** All heads and bodies will need to be illustrated in such a way that skin tone can be adjusted through an in platform selector. This will allow students to have their in game avatar be as true a reflection of themselves as possible. Accessories 20 variations Items that can be appended or overlaid on characters. Examples include wings, hats, masks, capes, glowing auras, and similar cosmetics. These should be designed to complement the body/armor layer without clashing. Pets 10 Total A range of companions spanning the cute and mundane (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits) to the fantastical (e.g., dragons, ghosts, phoenixes). Pets don't need to layer with character components but should match the overall art style. Deliverables All assets delivered as individual layered files (PSD or equivalent) and flat PNGs with transparent backgrounds Consistent canvas size and anchor points across all character components to enable clean layering A brief style guide or reference sheet showing how components are intended to combine Style Notes TeachQuest is designed for use by grade school through middle school students (ages 6 through 14). As such, the art should be suitable for a younger audience, but also appealing to young teenagers. Given the age range, we’re open to proposals on the art direction. Below are several sample pieces to give you a sense of what we’re currently using and the aesthetic we envision. Please include character illustration samples in your application, particularly any examples of modular or layered character systems, game UI assets, or educational/kid-friendly work if you have it.