Illustration Intern Onboarding

Written By Mario Xu

Welcome to Storybee!

We're thrilled to have you here as part of our creative team. This document outlines the key priorities, artistic standards, and professional expectations that guide our collaboration. Please review this guide thoroughly, as it sets the foundation for what we expect from our interns.


Artistic Vision & Creative Priorities

At Storybee, our mission is to bring stories to life through vibrant, engaging, and emotionally resonant illustrations. The visual identity you help us create is a critical part of how our stories connect with young readers.

What We're Looking for in Illustrations:

  1. Full Colour Artwork

    • We value rich, expressive palettes. Avoid line-only work or grayscale unless approved by Mario.

  2. Use of Texture

    • We want illustrations that feel tactile and dynamic. Avoid flat blocks of colour. Layering, brush variation, and thoughtful surface texture are great ways to help bring a page to life.

  3. Depth of Field

    • A clear foreground, midground, and background should be established in each piece. This complexity adds a level of sophistication that is expected of all Storybee Foundational Series books.

  4. Effective Use of Negative Space

    • Your illustrations must leave room for text and pacing.

    • Be intentional about areas of visual rest to support narrative flow and reader focus.

  5. Audience Awareness

    • Our core demographic is Grade 4 and up.

    • Characters, tone, and visuals should be age-appropriate, imaginative, and relatable to middle-grade readers.

  6. Visual Storytelling

    • Even if the written text lacks a clear narrative, your illustrations should create one.

    • Find ways to weave emotion, progression, and connection into every spread.

Ask Yourself:

  • Are you comfortable working in full colour with texture and depth?

  • Do you understand how to structure a scene with clear visual hierarchy?

  • Can you identify and use negative space effectively?

  • Are your illustrations suitable and appealing for readers aged 9–12?

  • Can you independently build a visual narrative even when the text doesn’t?

  • Are you committed to attending meetings, communicating clearly, and meeting deadlines?

We are sure that you are more than qualified with your learning, it is your time to shine!


Professional Standards & Team Expectations

We are passionate about creativity, but we are equally committed to professionalism. 

We're looking to build a team of full-time illustrators who are not only talented but also reliable collaborators.

Storybee Values:

  1. Punctuality

    • Attend all scheduled meetings and arrive on time. We value your time and ask the same in return.

  2. Communication

    • Keep lines of communication open. Share updates regularly, respond to messages, and clarify any uncertainties early.

  3. Accountability

    • Meet deadlines consistently. If challenges arise, communicate in advance so we can find a solution together. A dependable process is just as important as the final product!


Deliverables - By the end of your time as an Illustration Intern for Storybee, you will deliver:

 1. Completed Illustrated Book(s)

  • The FINAL illustrations will be delivered as PSD files with clearly labeled layers through the shared Google drive folder.

  • Process JPEGs showing each stage (in different folders):

    • Roughs

    • Lineart

2. Time-lapse Videos (Procreate Users)

This is for promotional purposes to show our readers your process. The content will be edited and published on social media platforms, our website, and other digital channels.

3. Your Creative Journey Illustration

Create a personal, reflective illustration showing your experience making the book. What is the best way to share your creative process with the world through a beautiful illustration?

  • Any size or format

  • Include moments like:

    • Inspiration

    • Creative blocks

    • Feedback & revisions

    • How you felt at the end

Think of it as a visual journal, or map. Be honest, expressive, and make it your own. This is an opportunity for you to consider what being a storyteller looks like to you so get creative!

Example

Looking Ahead

We are actively seeking illustrators for full-time contract roles. While project-based work may start as a trial, only those who consistently meet our creative and professional expectations will be considered for paid positions.

Thank you for being part of Storybee. We can’t wait to see your creativity take flight!

If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out.


The Storybee Team

Mario Xu
Next

Storytelling as an Illustrator