Illustrate a children’s book. Get published. Earn from every sale.

Emerging Illustrator Partnership Program

At Pretzel Learning, we believe great stories deserve great illustrations, and great illustrators deserve opportunities to grow, be seen, and be paid for their work over time.

Our Emerging Illustrator Partnership Program is designed for artists who are ready to move beyond practice pieces and into real, published children’s books.

What You’ll Do

As a Pretzel Learning Illustrator Partner, you will:

  • Illustrate a full children’s storybook (20–25 pages + cover)

  • Bring characters and scenes to life using our simple, bold, and engaging visual style

  • Collaborate with us to align illustrations with story, pacing, and readability

Each completed book becomes part of our growing digital library used by speech-language pathologists, educators, and families.

Earn Passive Income From Your Work

Instead of traditional hourly pay, this program is built around long-term earnings.

You will receive:

  • A percentage of net revenue from every sale of your book

  • Ongoing payments for as long as your book is available

This means your work continues to earn for you—turning one project into a lasting income stream.

Build a Real Portfolio (That Actually Matters)

This isn’t a mock project or classroom assignment.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A fully published children’s book

  • Real-world experience in illustration for literacy and education

  • A professional piece you can showcase in your portfolio

Why Pretzel Learning?

Our books are more than just stories.

They are designed to:

  • Support speech and language development

  • Be visually engaging without overstimulation

  • Help children focus, learn, and grow

As an illustrator, your work plays a direct role in helping children communicate more effectively.

How the Partnership Works

  • This is a contracted partnership, not an hourly position

  • You work on your own schedule with flexible timelines

  • We provide the story, creative direction, and publishing support

  • You focus on creating the artwork

Once complete, we handle:

  • Publishing

  • Distribution

  • Marketing

Who This Is For

This program is a great fit for illustrators who:

  • Are building their portfolio

  • Want real publishing experience

  • Are excited about children’s books and education

  • Are interested in earning ongoing income from their work

  • Have yet to establish their portfolio fully or finish schoolwork completely

Grow With Us

Our goal is to build long-term relationships with illustrators.

Top-performing partners may have opportunities to:

  • Illustrate additional books

  • Increase their earning potential

  • Become featured illustrators within our brand