Illustrator & Book Formatter Needed for a Memorial Book Honoring a Beloved Siberian Husky

Illustrator & Book Formatter Needed for a Memorial Book Honoring a Beloved Siberian Husky About the Project I am looking for a talented illustrator and book formatter to help complete a deeply personal memorial book honoring my Siberian Husky, Shiloh. This is not a children’s book. It is a keepsake memorial that tells the story of a dog who should have lived much longer. The story follows Shiloh’s adventures, her journey to Heaven, and the legacy she continues to leave behind. The book is also intended to support Second Chance Mushers Rescue, the nonprofit sanctuary where Shiloh lived. Proceeds from every book sold will help provide food, veterinary care, and daily support for the dogs who still call the sanctuary home. This project means the world to me, and I am looking for someone who will treat it with the same level of care and respect. Project Details The completed book contains approximately 36 pages, including the front cover, dedication page, story pages, Author’s Note, and back cover. The story, layout, and illustrations have already been completed. The primary goal of this project is to professionally refine the artwork, improve consistency throughout the book, enhance selected illustrations where needed, and prepare the final book for publication through BookBaby. About the Artwork Every illustration in this book was created from my own story, vision, and creative direction. To help bring those ideas to life, I used AI-assisted image generation during the planning process. These illustrations represent the scenes, emotions, and storytelling I envisioned, but they are not intended to be the final published artwork. I am looking for an artist who can use these illustrations as concept art and transform them into beautiful, cohesive, publication-quality artwork while preserving the heart of the story. I am not looking for someone to simply trace or lightly edit AI-generated images. I am looking for an artist whose creativity, experience, and artistic vision can elevate these concepts into something truly special. Scope of Work The book is approximately 90% complete. Most illustrations require professional refinement so that Shiloh consistently resembles my real Siberian Husky using the reference photos I provide. I would also like anatomy corrected where needed, facial expressions refined, backgrounds enhanced, lighting improved, and the artwork made consistent from beginning to end. Any AI-generated inconsistencies should be professionally resolved so the finished illustrations feel natural, polished, and cohesive. A smaller number of illustrations require more extensive artistic work. Some scenes need a fresh perspective, stronger composition, or a more dynamic viewpoint because a few pages feel visually similar. My goal is to preserve the emotion and meaning of each scene while making every illustration unique and memorable. Book Formatting Once the artwork is complete, I also need the book professionally prepared for publication through BookBaby. This includes formatting the interior for an 8” × 10” portrait book, ensuring proper bleed, margins, and gutter spacing, creating a print-ready interior PDF, and designing the front cover, spine, and back cover to BookBaby’s specifications. What I Will Provide I will provide the completed manuscript, the current illustrated version of the book, a PDF containing detailed revision notes for every illustration, numerous reference photos of Shiloh from every angle, reference photos of myself and the other dogs appearing throughout the story, and clear communication throughout the project. Artistic Style I am looking for artwork that feels realistic, painterly, emotional, warm, and cinematic. Most importantly, I want the finished book to be consistent from beginning to end and feel like a treasured keepsake that readers will cherish for years to come. Budget This is a fixed-price project with a budget of $1,500 USD. Paid Sample Illustration Before awarding the full project, I will select a small number of artists to complete one paid sample illustration. Each selected artist will receive one page from the book to recreate using the reference materials and artistic direction I provide. Compensation for the sample will be $50 USD. After reviewing the completed samples, I will select the artist whose style, communication, creativity, and interpretation best fit the vision for this memorial book and award them the full project. Portfolio & Experience When applying, please include examples of realistic dog portraits, digital painting, illustrated books, memorial artwork, or other emotionally driven projects. Experience transforming concept artwork into polished, publication-quality illustrations and preparing books for print is highly preferred. Copyright Upon final payment, all completed artwork, design files, and formatting must be transferred to me with full commercial rights for publication and sale. A Personal Note Shiloh wasn’t just my dog—she was family. She inspired countless people through Second Chance Mushers Rescue, and this book is my way of preserving her memory while continuing to help the dogs she left behind. My hope is to create something that families who have loved and lost a pet can hold onto forever. I want this book to comfort others while honoring Shiloh’s incredible life, and at the same time help provide a better future for the dogs still living at the sanctuary she called home. If you believe your artistic style and experience are a good fit for this project, I would love the opportunity to work with you.