I'd be perfectly happy if you took this and just cleaned it up and removed the AI slop out of it. Seperate layers for weapons and effects.

I can describe how things should look at each individual frame, I just lack the skill to make it.

I’m looking for an experienced pixel artist and animator to help develop a Viking-inspired action-idle RPG in Unity.

The game combines survivor-style progression with more deliberate, active combat. The visual goal is essentially:

SNES pixel graphics for a Path of Exile combat experience.

This is not an idea-stage project. I have already built the primary game infrastructure, including:

• Quest and dialogue systems
• Experience and leveling
• Skill trees
• Character progression
• Combat systems
• Enemy behavior
• Save and data systems
• A working main-character prototype
• Several functional enemies

I handle the programming, Unity implementation, rigging, game mechanics, writing, lore, and general project management. I need someone who can take ownership of the game’s character art and combat animation quality.

Below is the link to Unity Play with a previous V0.1 project. It's a bit of a different game, but it still resides in the same universe with the same art style, and I am still working on it. The primary difference is this is a fishing game while the next game will be more combat oriented.
https://play.unity.com/en/games/b0692706-b1c1-4bd7-9ec5-3aa3c107ca41/fjordbornv01

Initial Assignment

The first milestone will be redesigning and polishing the existing main character, then creating a set of fluid combat animations.

The character must support multi-directional movement and attacks, including at minimum:

• Idle animations
• Walking or running
• Basic weapon attacks
• Directional melee attacks
• Special attack abilities
• Hit reactions
• Death or incapacitation
• Consistent proportions and equipment across every frame

The combat should feel powerful and readable, with strong silhouettes, clear anticipation, impactful contact frames, and satisfying follow-through.

Depending on the final camera system, animations may use four or eight directions. Experience creating convincing diagonal attack animations is especially valuable.

Artist Requirements

Please apply only if you have demonstrated experience with:

• Multi-directional pixel-art characters
• Humanoid attack animations
• Melee weapons and combat poses
• Consistent anatomy across animation frames
• 16-bit or modern-retro pixel-art styles
• Sprite sheets prepared for use in a game engine
• Maintaining a consistent palette, scale, and visual language

Experience with ARPGs, survivor games, roguelites, or action RPGs is a major advantage.

A portfolio containing animated humanoid characters is required. Static portraits, environments, or isolated character concepts alone will not demonstrate the skills needed for this role.

Art Direction

The game’s setting is a reinterpretation of Norse and Viking mythology. The tone is:

• Dark without being relentlessly depressing
• Serious, but occasionally witty
• Brutal, mythological, and memorable
• Designed for players who enjoy metal, fantasy, mythology, and old-school action games

The target audience could loosely be described as the “rock-and-roll dad” demographic: adult players who want satisfying gameplay, strong lore, memorable characters, and a game that respects their time.

The project is part of a larger shared universe being developed under Cognitive Craftworks. Three game concepts currently exist within this universe, although this project is the immediate development priority.

Compensation

This is primarily an unpaid hobby/revenue-share collaboration. I can offer small symbolic bonus payments on completion of animations, but I am not currently able to pay standard commission rates. I’m looking for someone who genuinely wants to co-develop the game and share ownership of its artistic direction and future revenue.

Really, if you aren't passionate about helping me to make the game, having your name on it, and sharing in the revenue it makes, then this isn't a project for you. I'm a solo indie developer making this game without any investor backing. I hope this game will make $500-$5000. 

One day I hope to have a paid studio, but I'm a few years away from that. Just being honest here.

Workflow

The initial collaboration would begin with one limited character-animation milestone. This lets both of us evaluate:

• Communication
• Art quality
• Animation consistency
• Turnaround time
• Feedback compatibility
• Whether the game is a project you genuinely want to help shape

I am comfortable using AI-assisted tools for ideation or workflow acceleration, but the finished artwork must be cohesive, intentional, editable, and production-quality. I am not looking for uncorrected AI output, generated inconsistencies, or asset-flip-quality work.

How to Apply

Please send me:

1. Your pixel-art portfolio
2. Examples of animated humanoid combat
3. Examples of four-directional or eight-directional characters
4. Your preferred compensation arrangement
5. Your general weekly availability
6. Your Discord or preferred contact method
7. A brief explanation of what interests you about the project

Please do not apply without relevant animation examples.

I can provide gameplay footage, current character assets, reference materials, technical specifications, and a live demonstration of the existing Unity build to qualified applicants.

Sorry, total newbie.
If I buy this asset, can I import it into Photoshop?
I want to create 8-directions for this character and then use him, and others, in my game.

Love it!

So saucey