Illustrator needed for Character Design Project

Project Overview:

We are looking to create a collection of cute, original characters that resemble small creatures from another dimension, akin to Patamon meets Gengar.

Project Phases:

Phase 0: Base Creature Design

Design the base shape for the collection.
This will be the "flagship" character (think Pikachu for Pokémon).

Phase 1: Character Variations

Develop variations based on the base shape. The quantities below are for reference and can be adjusted as needed:

Backgrounds: 33 variations (different colors, textures, and environments; more complex backgrounds will have fewer variations).
Forehead: 15 variations (stylized symbols provided by us).
Ears/Horns: 22 variations (includes regular animal ears, horns, and small wings—both devilish and angelic).
Belly: 44 variations (different colors, patterns, and textures).
Fur: 33 variations (different colors, patterns, and textures).
Eyes: 22 variations (moods and accessories).
Accessories: Various hats, face, and body accessories.
Rare Traits (Angelical and Devilish)

Wings: 11 variations.
Aura: 11 variations.
Halo: 5 variations.

Rarest Traits:

Galaxy pattern.
White/pearl pattern.
Patterns with color hues like [Black Carborundum], [Black Labradorite], [Black Quartz with pink and blue fluorite-like veins].
Sparkling (single or multicolor).

Total traits should be above 250 (1 trait = 1 variation of one part above). The more, the better.

Art Style:

Either anime or pixel art style (think Pokémon Gen 6-7/Pokémon Showdown). Pixel art may simplify Phase 2.

Phase 2: Pixel Art Sprites

Create pixel art sprites for all variations:
Idle
Walk
Drink/eat (hand to mouth)
Stab
Slash
Specifications will be provided.

Requirements:

100% usage rights for all designs.
Exclusive characters (no copies or visible refurbishing of other characters).
All source files.

What We Need From You:

Your detailed portfolio.
Estimated time for each deliverable (base character, each trait batch, sprites).
Pricing for each deliverable batch.

Initial Test:

Phase 0 will be the test phase. If the result meets our expectations, we will pay for it and proceed with the next steps.

Examples and Creative Process:

While examples may be provided later, we are interested in seeing your creative process. This will help us understand your unique approach to character design.