CMTM Artist Request for Proposals: Aquarium Signage Illustrations

CMTM Artist Request for Proposals: Aquarium Signage Illustrations

Seeking Featured Artist for Aquarium Signage Illustrations at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine 

About Project: Request For Proposals 

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) seeks an artist to make drawings of all of the species that live in the aquarium at CMTM. These species illustrations will go on new aquarium signage with updated information. The goal of the new illustrations is to accurately depict the species on exhibit and support visitors in identifying the animals and plants they are seeing. The illustrations must be realistic. This project will include illustrations for approximately 40-45 species. These will include illustrations of freshwater species such as crayfish, musk turtles, painted turtles, and trout, and saltwater species such as sea stars, anemones, macroalgae, and sea urchins. Ideally, the artist would be open to contracting with CMTM in the future for additional illustrations as new species come onboard. 

Compensation 

$2,000 for finished design and deliverables, plus $200 stipend for materials

Project Timeline 

1. Submissions Open: March 9, 2026

2. Submissions Close: April 9, 2026

3. Selection Announcement: May 11, 2026 

4. Implementation: May - September 2026 (There is flexibility here based on artists’ timeframe). 

Weeks 2-3: The artist will be responsible for submitting 10 image drafts for initial review. CMTM will respond with feedback within one week of submission. 

Weeks 4-12: The artist will complete illustrations for edits. CMTM will respond with feedback.

Weeks 12-16: The artist will revise images and give the final images to CMTM. 

Guidelines 

• Illustrations must be scientifically accurate and anatomically correct.

• Illustrations must be able to be delivered in a high-resolution digital format.

• Selection criteria will include, but is not limited to: aesthetics, ability to illustrate natural animals and plants clearly and with detail, and ability to work with CMTM in the future to create new images for acquired species. 

Deliverables

The artist is responsible for creating the illustrations and converting them to digital form (or creating them in digital form) for CMTM to use in sign creation. Upon delivery and payment, all rights, title, and interest in the illustrations—including full legal ownership and copyright—shall transfer to CMTM, and CMTM shall retain exclusive rights to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute the images in any format.

Selection Process

The selection process will be conducted by appointed CMTM staff. Staff will meet to discuss the samples and proposal provided by the artist and the project’s ability to meet the stated guidelines and intentions. The artist must also meet with CMTM staff to ensure materials and design are final before work begins. 

Eligibility 

Anyone over 18 is eligible to apply. In an effort to build a more welcoming and inclusive community, CMTM encourages artists and vendors from marginalized communities to apply. 

To Apply 

Email brittanyl@kitetails.org, subject line: “RFP - Aquarium Signage Illustrations” 

Include: 

Link to digital portfolio or examples of your work. 

A letter of interest that includes a description of your concept, implementation timeline, and materials. Please include a specific example in the style you are envisioning using.  Images of animals must be anatomically correct. 

Submission Deadline: April 9, 2026 

CMTM is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual 

orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. 

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