Hi. We're looking to get some quotes for some 2D/pixel art for our next Palm OS title, as described below.

1. Overview
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We're a small http://www.dejobaan.com - independent studio creating a sequel to our 2001 Palm OS title, Dejobaan BeBop ( http://www.dejobaan.com/bebop - http://www.dejobaan.com/bebop ), and we're looking for someone to create 2D sprites for characters and items in a suburban home setting. Here's a broad description of the work:

- Each character/item will be around 40x40 pixels in size.
- We're looking for roughly 20 characters and 40 household items.
- The target platform (Palm PDA) has a 16-bit color 320x320 pixel display.
- We'd like a colorful, cute aesthetic suitable for both kids and adults.
- The perspective will be mostly straight face-on, but slightly elevated. (We should be able to demonstrate this in an example image.)
- We're flexible on scheduling, but are looking to get started on the artwork within the next month or so.
- This will be a work-for-hire, where we own and can modify the artwork.

Our 2001 title was described as part-Sims, part-Tamagotchi, and our 2006 follow-up will expand on this. In the game, players control individual characters who live and interact within a house. I've detailed the characters and their homes' furnishings (items) below.

2. Detail - Characters
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The characters will be made out of interchangeable head/torso/feet images. When the game wants to draw a full character, it'll first draw the feet; then overlay it with the torso; then overlay with the head.

- Images are drawn with simple transparency -- any purple pixels are treated as transparent.
- We'll supply general piece descriptions such as, "Woman's head; long red hair; light skin; pleasant smile."
- Most characters will be human, but we'll also include some anthropomorphic animals.
- These will all be static (non-animated), with the characters facing forwards so players can see them.

3. Detail - Items
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Items comprise household appliances/furnishings/decorations such as bathtubs, showers, beds, plants, and televisions. Each will be roughly 40x40. In cases where items are just static decorations (e.g., a painting), we'll just need a single image for them. In cases where characters can "use" an item, that item will consist of three sprites: one in which the item's sitting there untouched, and two "in-use" frames that the game toggles between when it's being used. The following image from the first game may better illustrate this animation:

(This image is from the original 2001 title, not the current project.)

In the lower-right corner, you'll see someone lifting weights. Next to him is someone using an exercise bicycle. While a character is using an item, that character's sprite is hidden, and the game toggles between the item's two "in-use" frames.

5. Questions
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We're looking for info on:

- A quote/cost breakdown for such a project based on the need for 20 head/torso/feet sets and 40 items.
- How would that cost scale (e.g., if we wanted 30 head/torso/feet sets and 100 items, or more, or fewer)?
- Timeframe for completion.
- Contact info for 2-3 references.
- Any relevant portfolio work, CV, resume, favorite color. (Blue. No! Yellow! Aaaaugh!)

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If you're interested, drop us an e-mail at support @ dejobaan.com, with subject line, "2D Pixel Artwork."

Thanks for your time!

We now have a good selection of portfolios to look at; thanks to all who replied!