Illustrator/Cartoonist

Illustrator/Cartoonist Wanted! Help bring a real newspaper for kids to life

Freelance · Remote · Monthly printed newspaper · Approximately 10 illustrations per issue

The Junior Times is a new monthly printed newspaper for curious kids ages 7-11. We are looking for a freelance illustrator to help give real reporting warmth, personality and visual surprise without making it feel like a worksheet, a corporate product or something designed for preschoolers. The images should be fun and enticing to our target readers.

This is a physical publication, written and edited by humans for human kids. We are building it carefully and collaboratively. The illustrator will work with the managing editor and newspaper designer to create art that makes young readers want to linger on the page.

This is editorial illustration, not decoration, and the illustrations will align with the reporting and respond to a real story, eg, finding the sharp idea, useful visual explanation or funny things that help a child understand and enjoy the reporting. We value your unique point and view and authenticity. Bring your style and we'll see if it aligns with our vision.

What you would create:

• Approximately 10 illustration placements per monthly edition: usually 6-8 small spot illustrations and 2-4 larger feature, diagram or infographic-style pieces.

• Simple sketches for editorial review, followed by publication-ready final art sized to the designer’s specifications.

• Occasional reusable visual elements, icons or small adaptations drawn from the approved issue artwork.

• Original, human-created work. We do not use generative AI for editorial art, and submitted work may not contain undisclosed AI-generated or unlicensed elements.

The visual direction:

We are looking for work that feels warm, smart, curious and friendly, with some of the tactile charm of an older newspaper or children’s magazine. Think expressive drawing, strong silhouettes, simple visual storytelling, lively texture and color that will reproduce well on newsprint.

The right work may be hand-drawn, collage-like, print-inspired or digitally produced, but it should not feel like glossy corporate vector stock, generic educational clip art, gaming/anime art or overly cute preschool branding. Children should be depicted with warmth and specificity, without stereotypes. We may even use characatures as bio pics for our reporters (and of course our illustrator!).

What we need from you:

• A portfolio that includes prior published work. Please identify the publication or client, your role and, where possible, the live or archived link.

• Evidence that you can interpret an article or brief, develop a visual idea and meet a real editorial deadline.

• Comfort collaborating with an editor and designer and incorporating one consolidated round of reasonable revisions.

• Reliable communication and the ability to deliver final files in the formats and color specifications supplied for each issue.

• An interest in news, nonfiction and creating something genuinely worthwhile for young readers.

How we work:

This is a remote, independent-contractor engagement. Assignments and deadlines will be set in a monthly illustration brief. We expect an efficient process: one sketch review, one consolidated revision round and a coordinated handoff to the newspaper designer. The Junior Times will receive the print, digital, archival, reprint and promotional rights specified in the written agreement; the illustrator may show published work in a portfolio after publication.

Compensation:

The launch budget is $300-$500 per accepted monthly issue package. We know this is below customary commercial editorial-illustration rates and we hope to be able to increase this are the paper grows and generates revenue. This role is most likely to fit an emerging published illustrator, or an established illustrator who has room for a tightly scoped, mission-driven project. We will define the mix and complexity before each issue and will not ask for speculative unpaid work. If the assignment expands materially, scope and compensation must be agreed in writing first.

To apply:

• Tell us briefly why a human-made newspaper for kids appeals to you.

• Send a portfolio link featuring prior published illustration work and point us to two or three pieces most relevant to this project.

• Describe your tools and process, typical turnaround time and availability for a monthly publication schedule.

• Confirm that you can work within the stated launch budget and approximately 10-piece package, or propose the smaller package you could responsibly deliver for that budget.

EMAIL these items to [email protected]

The Junior Times welcomes illustrators from varied backgrounds and visual traditions. What matters most is a distinctive point of view, dependable editorial practice and respect for young readers.

THANK YOU!!