Illustrator and Product design

I’m looking for a versatile, experienced independent illustrator/designer for a paid trial project, with the potential for substantial ongoing work. FIRST PAID PROJECT I need 15 small spot illustrations to sit in the corners of printed journal pages. An approved master character design already exists. Once an NDA is signed, I will provide the character reference/turnaround artwork, colour palette and visual references. Character consistency is extremely important. The character must remain recognisable and on-model across all 15 illustrations without changing established proportions, features or overall appearance but changing body position eg: sitting , standing ect. ILLUSTRATION STYLE I’m looking for a soft, warm, gentle and slightly whimsical hand-illustrated style, with a traditional watercolour/storybook feel suitable for professional printing. The character is playful and curious but can also have quieter or more thoughtful moments. I would like this personality to come through naturally across the different illustrations. Possible poses/activities include: • Reading or relaxing with a book • Playing a musical instrument • Exploring nature • Sitting, standing, walking or resting • Curious/discovery poses • Happy and playful moments • Quiet or thoughtful moments • Interacting with leaves, trees and natural surroundings Some illustrations may include light forest, tree, leaf or other natural elements. These should remain soft and uncluttered so they frame the corner without taking over the journal page or writing space. I’m also happy for the illustrator to suggest suitable pose ideas while remaining within the established character style. FILES REQUIRED • 15 completed individual illustrations • High-resolution transparent PNG files • 300 DPI and suitable for professional printing • Editable/layered source files • Consistent sizing, colours and character details • Clearly organised and logically named files • 100% original artwork • No generative AI artwork • No outsourcing of the work I would like to review and approve rough sketches/pose concepts before all 15 illustrations are completed in final colour. ONGOING WORK Although the first paid project is the 15 illustrations, I am ultimately looking for one versatile freelancer who can assist across many areas rather than someone who only creates individual illustrations. Future work may include: • Character illustration and development • Plush/soft-toy character development • Front, back, side, top and other character views • Manufacturer-ready character and product specification sheets • Artwork and files for plush toy manufacturers • Embroidery and textile artwork preparation • Working with measurements, colour references and product specifications • Creating clear manufacturer correction/revision sheets • Reviewing manufacturer samples against approved designs • Journals and notebooks • Journal covers, divider pages and interior layouts • Stationery products • Stickers and cards • Seamless/repeating patterns • Packaging and product artwork • Product mock-ups • Canva designs and templates • Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop work • Vector artwork • CMYK and print-ready production files • Bleed, trim and safe-area setup • Editable/source files for future production Experience preparing artwork or technical files that have actually been sent to manufacturers for physical product production would be highly valued, particularly experience involving plush toys, textiles, stationery or similar products. WHO I’M LOOKING FOR I am looking for an INDEPENDENT FREELANCER who will personally complete the work. I am not looking for an agency, studio, design company, team or someone who will outsource the work to other designers. I want to build a direct, long-term working relationship with the person who is actually creating my illustrations and production files. You should be confident using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Canva, or equivalent professional software, and comfortable moving between creative illustration, stationery/layout design and technical product/manufacturing work. Good communication and attention to detail are extremely important. For ongoing work, I would also like to have regular face-to-face video meetings to review progress, discuss current products and plan upcoming work. CONFIDENTIALITY This work relates to a new project currently in development. The successful freelancer will be required to sign an NDA before I provide confidential character artwork, designs or other project information. IF APPLYING Please provide relevant examples of: • Character illustration • Soft/watercolour-style illustration • The same character shown consistently in different poses • Journals, notebooks or stationery • Product or packaging design • Plush/soft-toy design, if available • Technical or manufacturer-ready artwork • Products you have helped take from illustration/design through to physical manufacturing Please also confirm that: 1. You are an independent freelancer and personally complete your own work. 2. You do not use generative AI for the final artwork. 3. You are willing to sign an NDA. 4. You are comfortable with regular video meetings if we continue working together. 5. You can provide editable/source files as well as final production files. This first project is a paid trial. If we work well together, there is potential for considerable ongoing work across character illustration, journals, stationery, plush products and manufacturer-ready product development.