Hello,
For a project like this, I would recommend looking for not just an illustrator, but a studio that has experience with building a complete character system — a main character, different emotional states, poses, expressions, and visual variations, which can then be used consistently on the website, social networks, advertisements, and other brand materials.
Especially with a hosting platform, it is important that the character is not only visually interesting, but also able to communicate different situations — such as onboarding, success, problem, warning, help, and festive moments — without losing its identity.
If the condition is that the project be entirely AI-free, I would specifically check the candidate's portfolio of real character design and visual storytelling projects, as well as their way of working from concept and sketches to the final visual system.
You can also check out Cloud Animations:
https://www.cloudanimations.com/ — they have experience with 2D/3D animation, character animation, and developing visual content for brands.
Good luck with the project!
