Studio Illustrator — Long-Term Collaborator

The Studio & Purpose

Atelier Agolée is a private publishing atelier for heirloom books dedicated to the creation of custom-written and illustrated volumes drawn from real lives. Each project is developed through a disciplined, listening-led process and translated into a carefully composed narrative and physical form. We are seeking a long-term Studio Illustrator to collaborate closely with our team on commissioned works across our heirloom works.

Scope of Work

You will work in intimate collaboration with the studio's editorial and illustration leads to:

• •Develop original illustrations for bespoke, one-of-one books
• •Translate complex emotional narratives into visual language
• •Maintain consistency of tone, pacing, and aesthetic across projects
• •Participate in creative discussions about structure, symbolism, and atmosphere
• •Refine and revise illustrations in response to narrative development
• •Contribute to the long-term visual identity of the atelier

This position is conceived as a long-term collaboration, not a short-term freelance assignment.

Desired Experience

We are looking for someone who:

• •Works with subtlety, restraint, and emotional intelligence
• •Understands narrative illustration beyond decorative imagery
• •Has experience in book illustration (editorial, literary, or fine-art leaning preferred)
• •Can adapt visual language to sensitive themes (legacy, identity, professional life, memory, grief)
• •Is comfortable working at a deliberate pace
• •Is open to revision and dialogue
• •Values continuity and long-term collaboration

Technical skill matters. Interpretive maturity matters more.

Medium & Aesthetic Identity

We are open to:

• •Watercolor (traditional or digitally rendered)
• •Mixed media
• •Minimalist ink work
• •Digital illustration with organic texture

We are not seeking:

• •Cartoon aesthetics
• •Trend-based illustration
• •Template-driven design

Terms of Collaboration

• •Project-based compensation, defined clearly per commission
• •Ongoing collaboration across multiple books (preferred long-term relationship)
• •Clear scope defined per project
• •Creative alignment conversation prior to each commission
• •Full credit as illustrator on published books and selected digital materials
• •Full credit as Studio Illustrator within the project context
• •Permission to include selected work in the illustrator’s portfolio, subject to client consent and appropriate discretion
• •Confidentiality agreement due to the personal nature of the stories

We work slowly and intentionally. Our illustrator must be comfortable with depth over speed.

Application Requirements

To formally apply for this collaboration, please submit the following specific materials:

The Portfolio

Provide a direct link or a PDF (maximum 15MB) featuring 5 to 10 completed works. You must include at least two examples showing your illustrations integrated alongside typography or within a sequential book layout.

The Process Note

In 300 words or less, select one narrative piece from your portfolio and break down its lifecycle. Detail your exact medium, the steps from initial sketch to final render, and the total hours required to complete that specific piece.

Logistics & Rates

Please list your current city and time zone, your capacity to take on a 7-to-8 week commission this season, and a concrete rate card (e.g., your standard fee for a full-page spread, a half-page, and a spot illustration).

Applications should be sent directly to stories@atelieragolee.com with the subject line Studio Illustrator Application. Registries close strictly on 15 March 2026.