Watercolor Storybook Illustrations Needed

I have a finished picture-book manuscript that follows a young girl and her dog through a single, magical night in her bedroom. I’m looking for an artist who can bring that gentle, intimate world to life across 12–14 full-bleed story spreads, a wraparound cover, and a few supporting graphics.

The words are done, but I still need help translating them onto the page. Before we move to colour, I’d like a rough sketch layout for every spread that clearly shows character placement and the space where the story text will sit—because the text will ultimately live inside the artwork, not added later in blank boxes.

Stylistically, picture a classic, timeless storybook: warm, cozy, and whimsical; soft, hand-painted-looking watercolours with delicate details; expressive yet believable faces and body language; gentle, luminous lighting; rich enough to feel immersive but never cluttered. Digital tools are perfectly fine as long as the final pieces convincingly read as traditional watercolour. The audience is 3- to 7-year-olds, so clarity and emotional connection are essential.

Acceptance-criteria deliverables
• Thumbnail-to-rough sketches for each spread showing artwork and text placement
• Print-ready colour art for 12–14 interior spreads with integrated text
• Front, spine, and back cover that harmonise with the interiors
• Consistent palette, character design, and lighting throughout
• Final layered source files plus flattened printer-ready formats (TIFF, PDF, or PNG)

If this sounds like the creative adventure you’ve been waiting for, I’d love to see your portfolio and hear how you’d approach the project.