Illustrator | Visual Storyteller

The Role:
As a Volunteer Visual Storyteller | Illustrator, you’ll work closely with the Bibliobug core team to visually bring our stories to life. You’ll illustrate characters, scenes, and moments that carry emotional and conceptual weight — especially for teenage and young adult readers. If you can create illustrations that are emotionally stirring, thought-provoking, and socially conscious, we want you to join our Editorial team! 

This is a project-based volunteer role. You will work closely with our founding team to ensure the storytelling aligns with our learning goals and brand ethos.

What You’ll Do:
Conceptual Translation: Take complex themes (e.g., power dynamics, systemic bias, emotional friction) and emotions and translate them into evocative digital illustrations.
Narrative Flow: Create illustrations per book that complement the text and translate complex emotions, and real-life situations into visuals without "giving away" the ending—preserving the reader's sense of discovery.
Iterative Design: Participate in feedback loops by collaborating with the editorial team to maintain narrative integrity. 
Visual Consistency: Ensure the tone of the artwork resonates with a sophisticated, teenage/Young Adult (YA) audience (think: intellectual, modern, and layered).
Deadline Discipline: Work within a project timeline. Because our digital library releases are scheduled, meeting the agreed-upon due date is non-negotiable.

What We’re Looking For:
A strong illustration style that is not just limited to characters but also their environments and "moods" that add on to the story to help best resonate with teenagers & young adults (YA).
Technical Skill: Proficiency in digital illustration tools (Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
Prior experience illustrating stories, books, zines, or long-form content is a plus (not mandatory)
Ability to convey emotion, nuance, and realism (over fantasy or exaggeration)
Openness to feedback and collaborative iteration
Reliability with timelines and commitments
Alignment with Bibliobug’s values: curiosity, empathy, nuance, and social consciousness

Formal credentials are not required. We believe creativity doesn’t always need credentials. If you believe in your power of visual storytelling and see a strong alignment with this role, please do apply. 

Commitment & Logistics:
Duration: Project-based 
Hours: Flexible, milestone-driven.
Location: 100% Remote.
We require you to have your own laptop/tablet/iPad

This Role Is Not For You If:
You’re looking for quick visibility without depth
You’re unable to commit to timelines or revisions
You prefer complete creative autonomy without collaboration