Children’s Book Illustration Commission — Bookworms
Opportunity Overview
Lexington Children’s Theatre seeks an illustrator to create the complete visual artwork for a new children’s book inspired by its Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) production, Bookworms.
The selected illustrator will create 35 final illustrations that bring the story to life for children ages 2–5 and their families. The artwork should be imaginative, engaging, playful, and supportive of early literacy development.
The selected artist will receive a $5,000 commission for the creation and delivery of all final artwork and associated digital files.
About the Project
Lexington Children's Theatre is developing a children's book inspired by its Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) production, Bookworms.
Set in a library filled with wonder and imagination, Bookworms invites young audiences to explore what happens Beyond the Bookshelves. During storytime, beloved stories become mysteriously mixed up. When a group of mischievous bookworms emerges from Beyond the Bookshelves seeking help from the Storyteller, children are invited to make choices, solve problems, and help create their own adventure.
Designed specifically for children ages 2–5, Bookworms celebrates curiosity, literacy, creativity, and the magic of storytelling. The book adaptation will capture the playful spirit of the theatrical production while creating a visually rich reading experience for young children and their caregivers.
The selected illustrator will help define the visual world of Bookworms, bringing its characters, library setting, and imaginative adventures to life through approximately 35 original illustrations. Upon selection, the illustrator will receive the complete book narrative/manuscript, character and story information, and creative direction from the Lexington Children's Theatre team.
| Milestone |
Date |
| Call for Illustrators Opens |
November 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline |
December 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST |
| Selection Panel Review |
December 2–14, 2026 |
| Selected Illustrator Notified |
December 15, 2026 |
| Illustration Development Period |
December 15, 2026 – March 1, 2027 |
| Final Artwork Submission Deadline |
March 1, 2027 |
Artist Compensation
The selected illustrator will receive a total payment of $5,000, distributed according to project milestones outlined in the artist work-for-hire agreement.
The commission includes:
• Concept development
• Character design
• Cover illustration
• Interior illustrations
• Revisions as specified in the contract
• Delivery of final production-ready files
Scope of Work
The selected illustrator will create approximately 35 final illustrations for the completed children’s book.
Cover Artwork
• Front cover illustration
• Back cover design (if required)
Interior Artwork
• Full-page illustrations
• Spot illustrations
• Character artwork
• Story scenes
• Environmental and background illustrations
• Page embellishments and decorative elements
Artwork Specifications
Artwork dimensions: All final illustrations must be designed for reproduction at 8.5"x 11”.
Technical Requirements
• Minimum resolution: 300 dpi
• Suitable for professional print reproduction
• Suitable for digital publication and marketing
• Final file specifications will be provided to the selected illustrator
Materials Provided to the Selected Illustrator
To support the illustration development process, the selected illustrator will receive:
• The complete book narrative/manuscript
• Character and story information
• Creative direction from the Lexington Children’s Theatre team
• Ongoing feedback and review
• Production specifications and file requirements
The illustrator will work collaboratively with the project team to ensure the artwork aligns with the story’s themes, characters, and intended audience.
Guidelines
Please download and review the guidelines for additional information.
Children’s Book Illustration Commission — Bookworms
Questions?
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Lexington Children’s Theatre
[Jeff Sachs ]