Children’s Book Illustrators Needed

Hex 24 Press is seeking creative and passionate illustrators to collaborate on our upcoming slate of mission-driven children’s books. We invite you to explore this opportunity to partner with us in crafting visually engaging stories that inspire, educate, and reflect the diverse world we share.

Encouraging Artists to Apply: Hex 24 Press is committed to creating accessible entry points and supporting emerging talent within the publishing industry. Educators and professionals currently working in public education are especially encouraged to apply. We also strongly emphasize that illustrators new to children’s book illustration are highly encouraged to submit proposals.

Project Overview: Three Opportunities for Co-Creation
We are currently seeking illustrators for three distinct children’s book projects scheduled for publication in late 2026. Illustrators may submit a proposal for any or all of the projects:

  • This bilingual-inspired picture book celebrates family, culture, and curiosity. Inspired by a family trip to the Vancouver Aquarium, the book is written primarily in English with natural Spanish phrases woven throughout. The text reflects the everyday language patterns of bilingual and multicultural families, blends storytelling with real-world experiences, and embeds educational facts. Follow this link for more information with sample page text and guide.

  • The story follows Emma, a bright and tender-hearted girl who slowly buries her light under layers of protective coats after the world tells her, in small and accumulating ways, to be less. It is a book about the quiet damage of being told to dim yourself and about the slow, brave work of letting your light back out.

  • Inspired by the true story of Dr. Silverman’s mother, this whimsical tale is about rediscovery and building resilience in the face of temporary setbacks. Follow this link for more information with sample page text and guide.

Proposal Requirements: To submit your proposal for consideration, please provide the following materials:

  • Rough Draft Illustrations: Two sample pages of rough draft illustrations from the book(s) you are interested in.

    • Use the linked information above for each text to create your two page rough drafts for each book you’re interested in illustrating.

    • Please base your rough drafts on this provided material and submit them as PNG files for optimal quality and clarity.

  • Artistic Statement: A brief statement (250 words maximum) outlining your artistic approach and why you are interested in collaborating with Hex 24 Press on this project with a summary of any relevant experience (prior children’s book experience is not required).

  • AI Use: A confirmation that your illustrations are unique and you agree not to use AI for the project.

  • (Optional) Portfolio: We understand that new book illustrators may be trying to build their portfolio. If you have one, please share a link for our reference. There’s no penalty to being without a portfolio as we can rely on your rough draft illustrations for final decisions making.

  • Timeline Confirmation: A confirmation of your ability to meet the outlined project timeline.

    • Proposal Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026

    • Selection Notifications: May 2026 (Selected illustrators will be contacted and will begin collaboration with the author immediately.)

    • Collaboration and Illustration Development: June - July 2026 

    • Project Completion Deadline: August 1, 2026 - All illustrations must be finalized and delivered in print-ready format.

      1. Deadline extensions for the final submission can be approved through author agreement.

How to Submit: Please email your complete proposal materials to: meryl@hex24press.com To ensure your proposal is routed correctly, please use the following subject line format: “Illustrator RFP Submission – [Your Name] – [Book Title of Interest]”

Selection Process Our goal is to find the best creative match for each unique story. The process will unfold as follows:

  1. In May, proposals will be reviewed jointly by the Hex 24 Press team and the respective book author.

  2. The author will select their preferred illustrator, ensuring a strong, complementary artistic partnership from the outset.

  3. Selected illustrators will be contacted directly and move into a formal contract and collaborative design phase with the author.

Collaboration Model: A Partnership for Shared Success

For these books, Hex 24 Press will operate on a revenue-share (royalty-based) compensation model rather than an upfront payment. We seek partners who are invested in the long-term success of the book.

  • Compensation Structure: Selected illustrators will receive a percentage of the book’s total revenue. The specific percentage will be outlined in the final contract.

  • Shared Ownership: This model emphasizes partnership, shared ownership of the finished work, and long-term earning potential as the book generates sales over time.

  • Portfolio Building: This provides an excellent, structured opportunity for emerging illustrators to build a professional portfolio, gain valuable experience in the children’s publishing landscape, and develop a lasting relationship with a mission-driven press.

The selected illustrator for each project will be responsible for the following:

  • Developing the full illustration set, including the book cover and all interior illustrations.

  • Ongoing collaboration with the author to align artistic vision with the narrative tone and ensure visual continuity.

  • Delivering all final illustration files in a professional, print-ready format.

We Look Forward to Co-Creating

At Hex 24 Press, we believe in the transformative power of stories and images to create a more just and imaginative world. Our mission is to publish works that inspire critical thought, creativity, and positive change, while amplifying voices and visuals that reflect the diversity of our communities.

We are proudly committed to equity, inclusion, and human rights. We stand firmly anti-racist, pro-LGBTQ+, pro-women, and in support of all communities that have been historically marginalized. We believe representation matters, both on the page and behind it, and we seek illustrators, especially those connected to education, who share our values of respect, authenticity, and social responsibility.

If your artistic work aligns with these principles and you are passionate about bringing meaningful stories to life through illustration, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to meryl@hex24press.com with questions.