Hi,
I'm George Stephenson, and I'm going to tell you now that I'm merely 14. I'm not going to try and lie to you. However, I am a reasonably capable programmer who can achieve the task I have set for myself ahead. If you really have issues with my skill, I can supply a few dropped WIPs.

I am currently creating a game for the next Yoyo Games competition at http://www.yoyogames.com

It is for the third competition that is not yet listed on the main site, but you can see the entrants for the current competition if you'd like an idea of the kind of skill we'd be up against. I have written the payment as UNPAID* because although I can't guarantee a payment, any prize won (up to $1000) will be split down the middle with the artist.

The theme for the competition is to be co-op, so I have decided to make a very retro, horror survival platformer, inspired by the likes of 28 Days Later. The players would have to work together to get through the levels. Online and Single-Player will come later.

The art style is ultimately up to the artist if they would like to choose, but I'd like a very Cave Story/Super Metroid looking game. I think it would be interesting to be put that style in a more realistic world. Remember, I'm very new to this game designing world, so I don't know how things usually go down.

The amount of work will hopefully be manageable for you, it will not be a horribly complex game. I'm hardly asking 'ZOMG LIK MMORPG'. After all, the comp deadline is likely just under 2 months now.

The work will consist of two players with basic animation, a few enemies including one or two bosses, backdrops, tiles, varying object, the HUD, and maybe a menu or start screen. I think that'll be the minimum, and if that's all your willing to do, I'll make the most of what I have, but the game could get bigger if you can do more.

To work with a real pixel artist would be a wonderful experience for me, and all I can offer you is that feeling of helping out a guy, and maybe a small bit of cash in your pocket. I understand I haven't got the work I need straight set out for you. If this is unorthodox, inform me and I'll come back when I know exactly what sprites I need and where I need them. That said, if you're too busy to talk with me what kind of direction the game should be going, and to wait for me to catch up, I might not be quite right for you.

However, I think you can use your common sense as to how big a platformer with a dev time of two months will be.

My E-mail/MSN is gf.s@hotmail.com, and you can PM me here. I think an IM is going to be necessary, if you have a different one from MSN I'll be happy to get it.

So, thanks for reading my cluttered writing, and I hope you have fun hopefully applying. 
Thanks,
George Stephenson