I always do thumbnail sketches before the initial drawing, but watching these really helps even more! thank you

I have faced this situation both in unpaid and paid terms.
For the unpaid, at that time I accepted because I didn't have work and the style they wanted was quite simple (just flat rendering and they already have the characters). But they ended up accepting me so after all the test illustration is not wasted.
The paid one, I ended up didn't get chosen.

For me personally, I will accept it as long as:

• They have a website and it looks pretty serious
• I don't have any project and I quite need money
• The script is not complicated and requires very detail illustration
• The deadline is reasonable
• if possible, I will offer only sketch instead of finish illustration
• Make sure the test illustration will be part of the book and not wasted

But I think everyone has different concern and requirements. I also agree the real legit publisher should have offered a fee for the test illustration. After all, I wish you luck and I hope it helps a bit!

wow, congrats @Nyrryl-Cadiz ! thanks for sharing it

wow! I really love them. I like your playful characters and furniture. I am pretty sure you're on the right track!
I think just like others, I also thought it's a living room instead of a bedroom because of the plants. Maybe can put like toys, soccer ball, or something else on the top of the cupboard instead of flowers in the vase. Just need to give a little bit personality to the bedroom
can't wait to see more!

I think A reads better

@NessIllustration thanks Vanessa for your info! really appreciate that. Ah, I am sure I didn't check out that section from Astound's website. That's interesting to know. Thank you for your encouragement too!
I wish you have a great collaboration with Astound!

congratulations @NessIllustration ! I always enjoy reading your posts because they are so informative and you never hesitate to share your experiences. Thank you for doing that!
I actually being contacted by that agency (Itsme) some months ago. But I didn't reply because I couldn't dig more information from their website, so I thought it was a kind of scam
But if I read from your experience seems they are legit. Do you have an idea of how the agency of the agency (Itsme) gets the benefit of finding artists? are they also take a percentage? But I totally understand if you can't discuss it

It's so nice of you to always share your experiences! good luck to you

@Gary-Wilkinson it's so hard, I love them all. I love the concept from number 4 the most (for me it looks like some human shape clouds dancing). I think it looks very magical and whimsical. I also love the angle the most.
Number 5 is also interesting and more colorful.
Can't wait to see more!

@xin-li I really love your works! I especially love how they all look so whimsical and rich in colors. I absolutely agree with @JennyJones they all fit perfectly and cohesive. I also agree that you need some in-door scenes to show how you handle the environment. What I want to add is probably some sequential art and some different races child. Good luck to you!

@Gary-Wilkinson amazing! love this painterly strokes!