Author seeks illustrator for cover/website art - repost

*This is my third attempt in 3 months, this job is posted on 4 separate websites* As I travel too much to source 'local talent' and I do not like the artists in the publishing pool I have had to resort to freelancers. ULTIMATELY I would prefer someone who would like to become the series artist, so there is on-going work. So my preference will ALWAYS be given to someone who is keen on becoming the series artist. The artwork required is some cover art. The cover art: The style is like - [login to view URL] Me and that artist tried to work together but his personal life made too many demands on him and he had to withdraw sadly. The cover art is based on one of his existing images. I do have his permission to use it. I have since found that his inspiration was [login to view URL] Essentially the cover art needs to be that pencil style and suits an artist that understands subtlety. The requirements are: -The work must be completed digitally (I did not think I would have to say this but some people that have applied previously ONLY worked with ink and canvas) -The price MUST be set by you. Anyone saying "I don't know what to charge/I can work with any budget" I will immediately just think "you aren't a professional if you don't know what your time/effort is worth". I am not here for a bargain, I am here to get a quality result. -Submitting a rough/small sketch proving that you understand the style desired and can perform within it. I don't care what it is of, it can be 'anything' you like. So long as you demonstrate that you understand exactly what makes the cover style WORK in your quick sketch we can move to finalist level stuff. If you really just want your portfolio to speak for you that is fine, SAY that if it is the case. Everyone that applies whose portfolio is sufficient will be given access to the current artwork that has far more information on which you can draw from. Seriously it should only be a quick 10 minute sketch. Some people have put in a day worth of effort, which is admirable. I went to hire them, only for them to vanish into thin air. This has happened multiple times. -A level of English good enough that you read books in English for pleasure. For the last three months I have been trying to find illustrators to complete the artwork for my book. Many have flaked, left the job half-done after payment, etc. etc. Do NOT message me saying "trust me" or any other words of encouragement or re-assurance, this will just irritate me. Three months of hearing that everyone is trustworthy, professional, skilled enough to 'replicate' the style (when they cannot), and being let down is very frustrating. You do not need to coax me with words, just let your work and ability to 'consistently' be in contact be the proof.