Gig
$600 / month
TBD
Jul 14, 2026
About Us:
We are an established European publishing house with over 100 published titles in fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. We are building a pool of freelance illustrators for ongoing children's book projects. Selected illustrators will receive regular assignments under a framework agreement.
About the Role:
You will illustrate children's books from manuscript to final print-ready artwork. You work directly with our editorial team, who will provide story text, character briefs, and style direction. This is project-based work, paid per book or per illustration, with the potential for multiple books per year.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create original full-page and spot illustrations for children's books (typically 24 to 32 pages per book)
- Develop consistent characters, scenes, and backgrounds based on our briefs
- Deliver print-ready files: 300 dpi, CMYK, with bleed, plus layered source files
- Incorporate feedback in up to two revision rounds per illustration
- Meet agreed deadlines reliably
Requirements:
- Strong portfolio in children's illustration or a comparable whimsical, character-driven style
- Proficiency in Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar
- Solid grasp of color, composition, and visual storytelling
- Consistency across a full book, not just single images
- Good written English and fast, professional communication
- Willingness to transfer full usage rights (buyout) for commissioned work
Nice to Have:
- Published children's books in your portfolio
- Experience with print production standards and eBook formats
- Storyboarding or sequential art experience
Process:
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete one paid test illustration based on a short brief. This helps both sides assess fit before signing a framework agreement.
Include in your application:
- Portfolio link with children's book work or similar
- Your rate per full-page illustration AND your total price for a complete 24 to 32 page book
- Your realistic turnaround time for a complete book
- How many book projects you could handle per quarter
Start your application with the word "STORYTIME" so we know you read the full post.
Note on salary: The monthly figure shown is an estimate of average project volume. This is NOT a fixed monthly salary. Compensation is project-based, paid per book or per illustration. Your actual monthly income depends on the number of projects you take on. Please quote your rates as described.