About

We are seeking a talented illustrator to bring our children's short story to life. The ideal candidate will have experience in creating colorful and engaging illustrations that capture the imagination of young readers. You will work closely with our team to understand the story and its characters, ensuring that the artwork complements the narrative beautifully. A portfolio showcasing your previous work in children's illustration is required. If you are passionate about storytelling through art, we’d love to hear from you! Character Sheet: Tooth Decay Jack Overview Role: Misunderstood helper, once thought a monster. Size: No taller than Ellie’s thumb (about 4–5 cm). First Impression: Tiny, neat, and hardworking. Slightly weary but full of care. Important Note: Jack should never look frightening — he is small, approachable, and a little magical. Appearance Head: Round, friendly face with a crooked but kind smile. Rosy cheeks, toothpaste-mint coloured eyes. Flat cap (navy or dark green) always perched on his head. Clothing: Dark green or navy jacket, stitched with small pockets. Brown satchel slung across his chest, stuffed with brushes, bottles, and tools. Tiny workman-style trousers and boots. One boot often has a crumb, toffee smear, or speck of food stuck to it. Tools: Starry hammer: silver, glints as he works, makes “tink tink tink” sounds. Trowel: small, simple, used for smoothing Bright Cement. Moonlight jar: glowing, soft silvery light. Ledger: tiny notebook with neat handwriting, bookmark made from a ribbon of floss. Size Reference Always shown small compared to Ellie. Suggested comparisons: Standing in Ellie’s open palm. Standing next to a toothbrush. No taller than her thumb. Fits comfortably inside her mouth during dream scenes. Expressions & Poses Smiling warmly (when he’s explaining or teaching). Sad or drooping smile (when misunderstood or called scary). Focused and tinkering (hammer raised, or carefully smoothing Bright Cement). Proud but gentle (standing with hands in pockets, watching the City of Smiles). Playful glimmer (winking or tipping his cap). Key Scene Illustrations First Appearance: Peeking shyly from behind a tooth tower wall, hammer in hand. Sad Reaction: Smile droops when Ellie calls him scary. Fixing the Cavity: Kneeling at a crater in a tooth, smoothing Bright Cement with a glowing trowel. Calling the Helpers: Pointing dramatically as Bristle Brigade and Rinse Riders arrive. Rested Jack: Standing relaxed by the clock tower cusp, hands in pockets, cap tilted back slightly. Final Rest: Hammer on a shelf, cap hung on a peg, ledger closed with ribbon of floss. Personality in Art Gentle, determined, never fierce. More like a miniature builder or caretaker than a monster. Should look a little tired sometimes, but kind and dependable. When smiling, his crooked tooth should make him unique, not scary.