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- Tasks: Create a stunning book cover for a middle-grade fantasy novel, refining existing artwork.
- Company: Join a creative project with a focus on imaginative storytelling.
- Benefits: Flexible contract duration, opportunity to showcase your art, and collaborate on a unique concept.
- Why this job: Bring a magical world to life and inspire young readers through your illustrations.
- Qualifications: Experience in fantasy illustration and a strong portfolio showcasing your skills.
- Other info: Exciting chance to work on a project that blends creativity with storytelling.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Project Overview:
I am seeking a skilled illustrator to create a professional, print-ready book cover for a middle-grade fantasy novel titled Purpa and the Light in the Rot. I already have a strong visual concept and composition. Your role is not to invent a new idea, but to professionally recreate and refine the existing cover artwork with:
- improved anatomy and proportions
- consistent character design
- richer lighting and texture
- polished painterly illustration suitable for commercial print
This is essentially a paint-over / professional reinterpretation of an existing cover concept.
Story Tone & Audience:
- Target age: 8–12 (middle grade)
- Mood: hopeful, emotional, slightly shadowed but not scary
- Themes: light vs. darkness, healing, belief, transformation
Think: classic storybook fantasy with cinematic atmosphere.
Cover Composition (Important):
The scene shows:
- Four characters from behind on a forest path
- Two caterpillar-like figures
- One wild, non-human ant
- One older cricket with a walking staff and white beard
- They face a dim forest tunnel with warm golden light in the distance
- Subtle red eyes hidden in the trees representing the villain
- Twisting roots and darkness suggesting corruption ("the Rot")
- A faint crow shadow upper left section in trees.
Overall feeling: journey toward hope.
Character Anatomy Rules (Very Important):
To match the novel's world:
- Intelligent insect characters have two legs and four upper limbs
- One caterpillar has four hook-like limbs instead of hands
- The other caterpillar and the cricket have four arms with hands
- The ant must look wild and natural, six legs, not humanoid.
Accuracy here is essential.
Symbolism Detail:
A rose entwined with a thistle may be hidden subtly in the environment (not obvious, more like an Easter egg).
Typography:
Final cover must include:
- Title: PURPA AND THE LIGHT IN THE ROT
- Author name: John Michael
Elegant, readable serif styling suitable for middle-grade fantasy.
Deliverables:
- Full wrap print-ready PDF for Amazon KDP paperback & hardcover
- High-resolution front cover (ebook)
- Layered source file (PSD or equivalent)
Ideal Artist:
- Experience illustrating fantasy or children's books
- Strong portfolio of painterly environments and characters
- Comfortable refining an existing visual concept
- Able to deliver commercial print quality
To Apply:
Please include:
- Portfolio examples of fantasy illustration or book covers
- Confirmation you can recreate and refine an existing concept
- Estimated timeline and price
Thank you—I'm excited to collaborate with the right artist to bring this world to life.
Contract duration of 1 to 3 months.
Mandatory skills: Illustration, Book Cover, Character Design, Concept Artistry, Adobe Illustrator.
Illustrated Middle-Grade Fantasy Book Cover Design employer: FreelanceJobs
Contact Detail:
FreelanceJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Illustrated Middle-Grade Fantasy Book Cover Design
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work, especially pieces that align with the fantasy genre. We want to see your unique style and how you can bring characters to life.
✨Tip Number 2
When you apply, don’t just send your portfolio. Include a personalised message that shows you understand the project. Mention how you can refine the existing concept and why you’re the perfect fit for this magical journey!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after applying! A quick message to express your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd. It shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive into the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love connecting with talented artists like you directly. Let’s make some magic happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Illustrated Middle-Grade Fantasy Book Cover Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work: When you're putting together your portfolio, make sure to highlight your strongest fantasy illustrations and book covers. We want to see your unique style and how it fits with the vibe of our project, so pick pieces that really shine!
Follow the Brief Closely: Read through the job description carefully and ensure you address all the key points in your application. We’re looking for someone who can refine an existing concept, so make it clear how you can bring that vision to life!
Be Clear About Your Process: In your application, let us know how you plan to approach the project. Share your estimated timeline and price, and explain how you’ll tackle the refinement of the existing artwork. This helps us understand your workflow and commitment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of everything and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at FreelanceJobs
✨Know the Concept Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the existing cover concept. Familiarise yourself with the characters and the mood of the story. This will help you discuss how you can refine the artwork while staying true to the original vision.
✨Showcase Relevant Work
Bring along a portfolio that highlights your experience with fantasy illustrations and book covers. Make sure to include pieces that demonstrate your ability to create painterly environments and character designs, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Your Process
Be prepared to talk about your approach to refining existing concepts. Explain how you would improve anatomy, proportions, and lighting in the artwork. This shows that you not only have the skills but also a thoughtful process behind your work.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the project. Inquire about the themes of the book or the specific elements they want to highlight in the cover. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to creating a meaningful piece.
