Illustrator for Luxury Keepsake Storybook (Painterly Realism / Coastal Setting)

Project Overview We are seeking a highly skilled illustrator to collaborate on the final visual development of a refined, coastal keepsake storybook. This project is well underway, with a developed narrative, established visual direction, and a number of existing illustrations. We are now elevating the artistic standard and are looking for the right partner to bring the book to a cohesive, publishable level. This is not a production or formatting-only role. It requires artistic judgment, restraint, and the ability to work within an existing visual world while improving it. ⸻ About the Book

• Title: Sly, the Fox, Finds La Mer
• Series: La Mer Tales
• Style: Soft painterly realism (not cartoon)
• Setting: Coastal luxury resort environment
• Tone: Calm, observant, emotionally subtle

This is not a traditional children’s book—it is designed as a timeless illustrated keepsake for families and guests, blending storytelling with a refined hospitality experience. The work should feel closer to a beautifully illustrated book found in a boutique hotel or curated retail setting—not a mass-market children’s title. ⸻ Scope of Work 1. Illustration Development & Refinement

• Refine and, where appropriate, re-illustrate select spreads to meet a higher visual standard
• Use existing illustrations as directional reference—not constraint
• Ensure Sly (the fox) remains:
• slender
• naturalistic
• consistent in scale and presence
• Elevate composition, lighting, and overall atmosphere

⸻ 2. Visual Cohesion Across the Book

• Unify environments, tones, and transitions across all pages
• Ensure architectural and environmental consistency (coastal setting)
• Maintain a restrained, non-cartoon aesthetic

⸻ 3. Selective Artistic Adjustments Adjustments should be made with an illustrator’s eye—not mechanical editing:

• Composition refinement
• Environmental simplification or enhancement
• Object and material sensitivity (tones, textures, furnishings)

⸻ 4. Collaboration Approach

• Work from existing materials while thoughtfully improving them
• Be receptive to direction while contributing strong visual judgment
• Balance efficiency with quality—we are moving quickly, but not carelessly

⸻ 5. Final Deliverables

• Final, high-resolution illustrations (300 DPI minimum)
• Layered/source files (PSD or equivalent)
• Print-ready assets (book layout may be handled separately or collaboratively)

⸻ What We Are NOT Looking For

• Pure AI prompt operators without illustration fundamentals
• Cartoon or exaggerated styles
• Low-cost redraw or tracing approaches
• Rigid designers unable to adapt to an existing visual language

⸻ Required Experience ✔ Strong portfolio in painterly or semi-realistic illustration ✔ Ability to match and elevate an existing visual style ✔ Experience using AI tools as part of a broader creative workflow ✔ Understanding of composition, light, and environmental storytelling ⸻ Preferred

• Experience with books, editorial, or narrative sequencing
• Sensitivity to brand-driven work (hospitality, luxury, lifestyle)
• Interest in longer-term collaboration

⸻ Timeline

• Start: Immediate
• Initial alignment/sample: within a few days
• Project timeline: ~2–3 weeks depending on scope

We are working toward a near-term publication and value responsiveness. ⸻ Budget

• Flexible based on experience and approach
• Open to fixed or milestone-based structure

⸻ Long-Term Opportunity This is the first in a series (La Mer Tales). We are looking to establish a relationship with an illustrator who can support:

• Future books
• Ongoing visual refinement
• Consistent brand storytelling across formats

⸻ To Apply, Please Include 1. Portfolio (relevant painterly / refined work only) 2. Examples of AI-assisted workflows (if applicable) 3. Brief note on:

• how you approach working from existing visuals
• how you maintain consistency across a book

4. Your availability over the next 2–3 weeks Apply tot his job Apply To this Job