itch.io

Hello, I have a project I'm developing and I am in need of an artist.
If you're interested shoot me a DM on Discord: boredkappa

I sent you a DM request on Discord

Hello!

I'm currently developing a narrative card battler with roguelike elements (working title Nine Lives), inspired by games like Slay the Spire, Inscryption and Cult of the Lamb. I’m looking for a 2D artist experienced or not, who would like to collaborate on this project as a hobby.

Style Goal:
2D semi-realistic (similar rendering level to Slay the Spire — painterly, stylized realism)

Mood & Palette:
Deep blacks, dark purples, ethereal blues, yellow-orange highlights (cat eyes / ritual glow)

Visual Identity:
Gothic-surreal atmosphere with subtle comedic undertones
Living shadows, soft glow effects, slightly distorted forms

I’m searching for an artist interested in helping with:

Backgrounds: Ritual arenas, Surreal environments, Character-specific boss spaces

Card Illustrations: Attacks, skills, special abilities, Stylized semi-realistic compositions, Clear silhouette and readability

Character Art: Full character illustrations

Character Sprites: Spritesheets (idle, attack, hit, possibly small animations), 2D frame-based animation

UI & Icons: Item icons, effects during battle

About AI Usage (Transparency)

So far, I’ve used AI-generated images as placeholders to prototype visuals and test the atmosphere. However, my goal is to replace those with original artwork made by a real artist whenever possible. I genuinely want the project to have a cohesive, handcrafted identity.

Compensation

This is currently an unpaid hobby collaboration. The game is planned to release for free on itch.io. If that changes in the future (for example, a paid version or expanded edition), I am open to discussing revenue sharing.

You will:

• Receive full credit

• Be featured clearly on the project page

• Have material for your portfolio

• Be part of the creative discussions

Although this game is being developed as a hobby and there’s no fixed deadline, I am serious about finishing it and not just “collecting ideas”.

Current Project Status

• Core combat system: being implemented

• Character mechanics: Defined

• Loop structure: Defined

• Narrative concept: Written

• Art: Placeholder stage

This is not just a concept — development is already underway (about 70% of the way there I think).

Contact

If you're interested, please send:

• Portfolio link or examples of similar style work (if you have any)

• Your availability

You can:

• Reply here

• Send me a DM

If you love surreal horror, ritual aesthetics, cats (for all you fellow cat lovers), and narrative-driven deckbuilders, this might be a fun collaboration, let’s build something strange together.