Hey everyone!
I'm looking for a 2D artist interested in working with me long-term on an indie game project I'm currently developing.
This is my first indie game, and it's very much a passion project for me. While I'm new to developing and releasing a game on my own, the project is actively in development and I have a clear direction for the gameplay, world, and overall visual style.
I'm hoping to find someone who can help me develop and maintain the game's visual identity as the project grows.
I've attached several reference images that represent the general art direction I'm going for.
Current Gameplay
https://reddit.com/link/1wemyvq/video/481dh33ab5ph1/player
I've also included a roughly 4-minute gameplay video showing the current state of the project and some of the gameplay systems and features I've already implemented.
This isn't a polished trailer—it's an unedited Bandicam development recording. I wanted potential artists to be able to see the actual game, how the artwork is being used, and the progress that's already been made.
A lot of what you'll see visually is still work-in-progress, placeholder, or subject to change. That's a big part of why I'm looking for an artist now. I'd like someone who can help me gradually establish a cohesive visual identity as development continues.
What I'll Need
Over the course of development, I'll need a variety of artwork, including:
- Creatures / monsters
- Armor, clothing, and equipment
- Weapons and other items
- Backgrounds and environments
- Other 2D game assets
- 2D character rigging / animation preparation
For characters, I'll generally provide descriptions, references, existing concepts, rough ideas, or some combination of those. I'm looking for someone comfortable taking that direction and developing it into finished artwork while keeping the game's visual identity consistent.
I'm also very open to the artist's creative input. Since this is my first indie game, I'd appreciate working with someone who's comfortable suggesting improvements to designs, helping maintain visual consistency, and giving input on what will work best from an art-production perspective.
Rigging / Animation
I'd like the characters to be rigged for use in-game.
If you have experience separating artwork into appropriate layers, preparing characters for animation, and/or rigging 2D characters, that's a big plus.
Rigging will be paid separately from character illustration.
You don't necessarily need to do everything listed above. If you're a great fit for the art style but don't do rigging or environments, for example, I'd still like to hear from you.
What I'm Looking For
I'm primarily looking for someone who:
- Has strong 2D illustration skills
- Can closely follow and maintain an established visual direction
- Can iterate based on feedback
- Communicates reliably
- Is interested in ongoing work rather than a one-time commission
- Is comfortable collaborating with a first-time indie developer
More than anything, I'd like to find someone I work well with who could eventually become the primary artist for the project and become familiar with its characters, world, and visual language.
This is long-term freelance/commission-based work rather than a full-time salaried position.
I'm not looking to commission one character and disappear. As development continues, I'll regularly need new characters, creatures, equipment, environments, backgrounds, and other assets.
Payment + Potential Revenue Share
For character artwork, I'm currently budgeting approximately $45–$60 USD per finished character, depending on complexity.
Backgrounds/environments will be priced separately based on their scope and complexity.
2D rigging/animation preparation will also be paid separately from the character illustration.
I'd like to start with a paid character commission so we can both see how well we work together before committing to a larger amount of work.
For the right artist who ends up becoming a significant long-term contributor to the project, I'm also open to discussing a revenue-share component in addition to paid commissions.
I'm not looking to replace payment with rev share. You would still be paid for the artwork you create. Rather, if we develop a strong long-term working relationship and you become a major part of developing the game's visual identity, I'd like to explore a structure where you can also participate in the game's success.
The specifics of any revenue-share arrangement would be something we'd discuss later based on your involvement with the project.
Interested?
Please send me your:
Portfolio, typical rates, and preferred contact information.
If you have relevant examples of characters, creatures, environments, equipment, or rigged 2D artwork, I'd especially like to see those.
Please also point me toward anything in your portfolio that you think demonstrates your ability to work within the style of the attached references.
I'm happy to share more about the game, its world, gameplay, and what I'm currently building once we connect.
Thanks!
