Design & Illustration Brief: Bringing a Children’s Book to Life

Design Brief for Children’s Book Layout and Design

You’ve now shortlisted a book designer or several potential graphic designers on Fiverr and PeoplePerHour for your forthcoming project. It’s time to check their availability, see if their pricing aligns with your budget, and verify their experience with similar ventures. Below is a template email to get you started. Feel free to tailor it to your book’s specifics and your expectations.

Project Overview:

Hello [Designer/Illustrator’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I am reaching out with an exciting project that I believe aligns perfectly with your expertise and creative flair. I’ve penned down a children’s book story that I’m truly passionate about, and I’m in search of a talented individual like you to breathe life into it with captivating illustrations and a compelling design. The goal is to have a print-ready book that aligns with the guidelines set by Ex Why Zed.

Book Details:

• Title: “Milo’s Magical Moonlight Adventure”
• Target Audience: Children aged 5-9 years
• Number of Pages: 40 (including front and back cover)
• Dimensions: A4 (297x210mm)

Design & Illustration Requirements:

1. Illustration Style: I envision a whimsical and dreamy style with a touch of realism. The story has elements of magic, nature, and adventure, and the illustrations should reflect that.
2. Character Design: The main character, Milo, is a curious young boy with a vivid imagination. I have some rough sketches and ideas for his appearance, but I’m open to your creative interpretation.
3. Layout & Page Flow: The story has varying pacing, with some moments of excitement and others of introspection. The layout should reflect this pacing, with dynamic spreads for action-packed scenes and more serene layouts for quieter moments.
4. Typography: The font should be child-friendly and easy to read, complementing the illustrations without overshadowing them.
5. Colour Palette: I imagine a palette that transitions from dusk to midnight blues, with pops of moonlight silver and magical golds. However, I’m open to suggestions that enhance the story’s mood.
6. Print-Ready Format: The final design should be in line with Ex Why Zed’s print guidelines, ensuring a smooth printing process.

Reference Material:

I will provide:

• The complete text of the story, with notes on specific scenes or moments I have in mind.
• Some rough sketches and mood boards to give you an idea of the style and feel I’m aiming for.

Communication & Feedback:

Open and timely communication is essential. I’d love to have regular check-ins, perhaps at the end of each illustration or design phase. While I have a vision for the book, I deeply value your expertise and creative input, and I’m open to collaborative discussions.

Timeline & Budget:

I’m hoping to finalise the illustrations and design within [specific time frame, e.g., “6-8 weeks”]. Please let me know if this timeline works for you. Additionally, I’d appreciate a detailed quote, including any potential extra costs for revisions or additional illustrations.

Wrapping Up:

This book is a dream project for me, and I’m confident that with your expertise, we can create something truly magical. I’m open to your creative input and look forward to seeing how you envision the world of “Milo’s Magical Moonlight Adventure.” Please let me know if there are any additional details you need or if you’d like to discuss any initial ideas.

Eagerly awaiting your response!

Warm regards,

What Comes Next?

Hopefully, within a few hours or days, you’ll receive a positive reply that propels your project forward. With a bit of luck, one of the designers you’ve reached out to will emerge as the ideal choice.