Image to Likeness Project

Request for Proposal

Required: Illustrators for children’s religion program

1. BACKGROUND

The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton (Eparchy) is looking to hire several illustrators to support a new religious education program, titled Image to Likeness, that will be used by the Ukrainian Bilingual Program in Edmonton and Sherwood Park Catholic Schools and will also be available to parishes and families of the Ukrainian Catholic Church (Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Church) around the globe. Eventually, the project will provide religious educational content for children grades Kindergarten to 12. The project is scheduled to deliver a pilot in September 2022 for Kindergarten and Grade 1, followed by subsequent grades to be gradually completed by December 2024.

The materials will be delivered in an online multimedia format, with an option for print copy where appropriate. Layout and design of the program lessons (print copy plus illustrations) will be done in InDesign, which will then ported to Flipsnack (a presentation software application that provides for online viewing). Age-appropriate illustrations will be used throughout and include stock photos, pictures, and custom drawings specifically produced for the program. The first set of illustrations, defined in this RFP, is focused on Grades K to 3. Illustrations for subsequent grades will be planned at a later date.

2. SCOPE

The Eparchy is looking to hire several freelance illustrators to produce drawings of various styles and themes suitable for children from Kindergarten to Grade 3 under the following scope:

All illustrations must be submitted in digital format
Digital illustrators will be considered for certain illustration groupings
Will work with the writing team and graphic designer to confirm subject matter and any required details specific to the topic
Must have ability to capture the beauty and vibrancy this new religion program focusing on faith (Eastern Catholic Church in the Byzantine tradition), culture (Ukrainian), inclusiveness and community
Must have ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Delivery:

Approximately 200 illustrations are required, all to be delivered in digital format
Work will be distributed among successful candidates based on style, creativity, availability, experience and other factors determined by the project team
Drawings from different illustrators will likely reflect a unique “look and feel” depending on lesson topics and themes, which will provide more diversity and interest
Work will begin sometime in March 2022, with a target completion of March 2023
Certain illustrations may be reused in whole or in part throughout the grades (these illustrations may be most suited to a digital illustrator)
The Eparchy will retain ownership of all illustration deliverables

3. REQUIREMENTS

Drawings form an important part of the religion program, particularly in primary grades. Pictures bring to life the written materials and engage students in a relatable manner by reflecting real life situational scenes. The drawings have two main groupings: classroom group and general illustrations.

Classroom Group – includes a series of illustrations which depict a specific group of children who are classmates. This group will be represented in Kindergarten through to Grade 3, and will show some maturity in their physical look and environment as they age in each grade. The classroom group will be shown in various scenes including a classroom, playground, street, church, at home etc. The characters will be developed in a cartoon style (with exaggerated features) and would include children and adults. Ideal for one digital illustrator.

i) General Illustrations – depict scenes unique to a particular topic where stock illustrations cannot be found. These illustrations will have a more realistic look. Multiple illustrators may be hired for these images.

The Appendices provide samples of preferred styles selected by the writing team. Included in the Appendices are:

Appendix A – Sample Classroom Group illustrations (cartoon style; less realistic)

Appendix B – Sample General Illustrations for lesson development (more realistic)

Appendix C – Other images, stock illustrations and graphics that may be used in the program (these do not require an illustrator)

4. SUBMISSION / RESPONSE

All interested illustrators are welcome to submit the following information:

Resume and contact information
Related samples of work / portfolio (early childhood themed materials preferred)
Rate or fee schedule (per hour or per unit)
Availability

Closing date for submissions: Monday February 28, 2022