We are looking for an experienced pixel artist to create humanoid characters and creatures for a gritty, dark fantasy indie game. We currently have a library of approximately 40 creatures/characters that need to be done in a style heavily inspired by classic SSI Gold Box games and Darklands.
Style Reference
The SSI style helps you understand what we are going for. Thematically, it is helpful to understand some of the games Nurnberg has been inspired by — you can browse through some of the reference art.
The Bestiary
The Underworld & Outcasts
- Criminal Elements: The Villain, Henchman, Lackey, and street-level Thug
- Lethal Specialists: The Guild Assassin, Poisoner, and the terrifying Executioner
- The Corrupt: The Rapacious Friar
Soldiers of Fortune & The Watch
- The Military: Highly disciplined combatants like the Soldier, Sergeant, and Lieutenant
- Hired Swords: The Mercenary, Mercenary Archer, and the runaway Deserter
- Local Forces: The Town Guard and zealous religious fighters like the Hussite
Knights & Nobility
- Armored Elites: The chivalrous Gallant, the High Knight, and the fearsome Evil Knight
- The Court: The surprisingly formidable Lady
Apex Predators & Legends
- Giants of the Forest: Massive, deadly beasts like the Bear, the Dire Wolf, and the colossal European Bison (Wisent)
- The Ancients: The Aurochs, a legendary and near-extinct powerhouse
Predators & Swarms
- Pack Hunters: The Wolf, Wolf Alpha, Plains Wolf, and Feral Dog Packs
- Cunning Stalkers: The Lynx, European Wildcat, and Red Fox
- Vermin & Monsters: The Giant Rat, overwhelming Rat Swarms, and the Giant Spider
Beasts of the Chase (Large Game)
- Prized Stags: The Red Deer (Hart), Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, and Alpine Ibex
- Territorial Hazards: The Wild Boar and the Escaped Bull
- Rare Equines: The Tarpan, an ancient wild horse
Small Wildlife & Game Birds
- Woodland Dwellers: The European Badger, European Beaver, and Otter
- Quick Prey: The European Hare, European Rabbit, and Red Squirrel
- Game Birds: The Grey Partridge, Common Pheasant, Mallard, and Wood Pigeon
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Animations | One core sprite sheet per creature, 3–8 frames total (at artist's discretion) |
| Required Actions | Ready state (1 frame), attack sequence (1–4 frames), taking a hit / going down / dead (1–3 frames) |
| Grid Size | 64×64 pixels (64×128 or 128×64 permitted for exceptionally tall or wide creatures) |
| Special Colors | Specific hex-code grey for customizable items (shields, helmets) so the engine can recolor |
| Format | .ase / .aseprite workfiles with weapons on a separate layer |
Compensation
Experienced Artists
$5 AUD base design + $3 AUD per frame
Expected turnaround: 2–3 days per creature
Entry-Level / Junior
$4 AUD base design + $2 AUD per frame
Expected turnaround: 7 days per creature
Additional Details
- Payments: Paid directly via PayPal after each completed creature
- Perks: Full credits in the game and a free copy of the commercial release
- Legal: Ownership and IP are transferred to the developer after each payment is cleared. Must be 18 or over.
How to Apply
Method 1 — Recommended for Entry-Level Artists
Load up Aseprite or your favourite sprite tool. Have a go at making a single 64×64 sprite of your choice matching the style and theme we need, choose from:
- A Bandit (armed with a short sword, leather armor) — about 48–55px high, set in 64×64 frame
- A Knight (plate, armed with a two-handed sword) — about 48–55px high, set in 64×64 frame
- A ferocious Wolf — about 25–32px high, set in 64×64 frame
Note: they need to be right-facing (see sample city guard pic as reference). These are test assets only and are never used in the project.
Method 2 — Recommended for Experienced Artists
Send us some pixel pictures you have done that closely match the style. We may offer you a paid trial for one image.
Apply Now
Email your application to marcel@astrodog.com.au with your Aseprite attempt or pixel pictures you have made that closely match the style.
Important Notes
We regret that we do not negotiate terms, pay before delivery, or respond to "look at my portfolio" type responses, and you will be required to post in the reddit thread where you found the ad to prevent scam responses. A contract will be offered if accepted, ownership and IP are assigned to the Nurnberg project, full credit for your art is provided, as is a complimentary copy of the game when released.