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View Full Version : Open Call: Monsters and the Modern World - Unbroken Games


Brand
08-18-2006, 05:29 PM
Hi all,

Unbroken Games is posting an OPEN CALL for artists interested in creating realistic images of monsters in modern world and near future scenarios.

The setting: Worlds long removed from our own have reappeared and monsters walk the world once more. Our only warning were the myths we long dismissed as the colorful stories of our fearful ancestors. Fearful, it now seems, for good reason.

The game deals with the world of myth and nightmare colliding with mankind and the resulting struggle for civilization. To get an idea, think Rifts, as in a global setting, with the rise of monsters an unhappy fact of life the world over, but without the tech and power gaming. Or think Call of Cthulhu, where you aren't necessarily expected to live a long and happy life, but where CNN reports on the torpedoing of Devil's Reef and the battle of Innsmouth. However, unlike both those games, this takes a hopeful tone, neither apocalyptic nor necessarily pre-apocalyptic. In that regard, recall the first ten minutes of Reign of Fire, but if we were more than holding our own against the dragons. Or think Dog Soldiers, Predator, Phantoms, and 28 Days Later. We are not yet shattered - and the world goes on...or tries.

We're posting this to see who's particularly interested in type of imagery- artists for whom these ideas generate some excitement. We're primarily looking for scenes demonstrating the expected certainties of the modern world being dashed upon the impossible, the relentless, and the surreal. And, less subtly, themes of astonishment and awe, desperation, survival, horror, and heroism.

We're also looking for gritty action scenes, intriguing compositions, and general visions of the monstrous confronting humanity.

Details:

Who we are: Unbroken Games is a start-up game publisher currently working on the project described above - a stand-alone rpg called BORDERLANDS (http://www.unbrokengames.com/). As you might guess, this means when it comes to artists, we're extremely flexible and on a fairly tight budget.

How we work: As we have yet to build a reputation and conduct most of our work through online communication, we'd like to keep things simple. We prefer to pay 50% immediately on approved rough composition sketches (rough pencils, etc) and 50% on delivery of final approved high res files or scannable images. We generally operate on a work for hire model. While we will work without a contract on minor pieces - we will prefer a mutually signed contract for any substantial commissions. All of the above is negotiable.

We find one generally gets what one pays for and expect to pay competitive rates. For established artists commanding top rates, we hope you will consider our flexibility of schedule (including open-ended arrangements), the creative vision of the content, and our commitment to provide immediate detailed constructive feedback. However, we have had excellent results giving new artists their first commission, so we encourage everyone interested to respond. Unfortunately, we're more price sensitive than we'd like.

Here are a couple of color pieces we've done so far:

http://www.unbrokengames.com/Images/vamp5.gif
http://www.unbrokengames.com/Images/dragonairliner-mbradbury.gif

Note that these are just samples and we are open to seeing a wide variety of styles. Color and b&w are both wanted.

If you are interested, please reply to this thread, PM me, or email me at unbrokengames@gmail.com. Please include at least one sample of your previous work or a link to an online portfolio, any comments about your current work-load if relevant, and an idea of your rates.

We have several ideas for new compositions, but please share your ideas as well!

Hope to hear from you!


Best regards,

Brian Surette
UBG

Mekorig
08-20-2006, 07:29 AM
Mail sended.

JiminyCrikkit
08-20-2006, 08:45 AM
Based on your little summary up there, and on the "Myth Wasn't" image, I don't suppose you're looking for writers as well? This sounds hugely interesting...

Brand
08-20-2006, 09:28 AM
Hi JiminyCrikkit,

We have discussed the possibility of hiring writers. We're still working out some developmental and editorial issues before we feel comfortable bringing on writing talent. Budget, of course, is also a consideration.

All that said, if you're interested, please do contact me with any portfolio and rate information and we will certainly take a look. The same goes for any writers who stumble across this thread.

However, please be patient, as we are commissioning art relatively early in the process and it may be some time before we're ready for written copy.

Email me with any questions - unbrokengames@gmail.com

Thanks,

Brian

JiminyCrikkit
08-21-2006, 07:12 AM
Thank you for the information, Brand. I'll put together a portfolio of suitable writing samples and get it to you in the next few days. Please let me know what you think, once you've figured out those issues you mentioned. No hurry, by any means.

Thanks again,
Martin.

Brand
08-24-2006, 06:51 AM
Hi everyone,

Thank you for the fantastic response. I'm still going through portfolios but will try to respond to everyone.

Once our art pipeline / cash flow fills up for the near future, I will update here.

Cheers,

Brian

NeuroZombie
08-24-2006, 07:12 AM
The links seem to be coming up as "refused connection" for me...:(

Brand
08-24-2006, 12:59 PM
Neuro- which links? The image samples? I just checked them from the Boston area and they worked for me here.

Let me know if you still have trouble.

Brand
09-08-2006, 06:53 AM
Hi everyone,

We have selected a few artists for pieces that will take up the next 2 months. I will update here again as we start a new round and keep all submitted portfolios in consideration. We're only doing a few pieces at a time as concepts evolve - i.e. spreading the art out rather than commissioning it all in a frantic rush near the end. More than a bit piecemeal, I'm afraid.

I will continue to look at submitted portfolios for future work- esp. realistic (as opposed to traditional anime/cartoon) styles, pen and ink, and line art, which is probably what we'll need for the next group of images.

Cheers,

Brian
UBG