Calling all NPF graphic artists and illustrators

[Nique]

My company is looking to get a very basic logo package put together. In this thread I would like to get in touch with some artists, and also if anyone else has some ideas for a logo in addition to what I'm presenting here, we'd love to hear it! If you're a reasonably talented digital artist and can provide some samples of previous work I'd like to consider purchasing a design from you. So that you will have an idea of what you're getting into, here's some information about us and what we're looking for;

What we are: Four Heroes Gaming LLC is a small video game retailer preparing to open it's proverbial doors Mid-Fall 2011. We will initially be focused on selling new games online, but hope to quickly expand into offering a variety of games and accessories at reasonable prices along with other incentives.

What we need: We have access to the current Adobe Suite and enough graphic design and web experience to do a lot of design leg-work and maintenance ourselves. None of us are illustrators however, and my concept for a logo is going to need the touch of someone who can illustrate the human form realistically in dynamic poses.

We are, of course, expecting to have exclusive rights to the logo, but are not necessarily opposed to it being used by you, for example, to promote your graphic design portfolio. We will also be paying you. More on this later.

The Idea: The inspiration for this logo comes from the four characters predominantly featured in the logo for Final Fantasy XI. We are looking for a black and white logo that features 4 different characters (2 male, 2 female) standing in proximity to each other in stylized medieval armor and weaponry. Beneath the characters the text 'Four Heroes Gaming' in a stylized font and layout.

Alternatively, we are considering using variants on these four characters that would represent other genres of games (Four Heroes in modernized armor/ jumpsuits with futuristic weaponry, for example).

We will need 2 different versions of the final logo: One will be a detailed drawing of the characters with visible features, but must be simplified enough to be easily identifiable, iconic even. The second will be the same illustration completely filled in as a silhouette of those four characters.

The logo should be finally be presented with all files in a .eps file format. We will need a separate file for:

-The Main Logo
-Any Variants
-Letterhead Layout
-Envelope/ Return Add. Layout
-Business Card Layout

We realize that this may be a bit of a tall order. As I stated this is a paid gig but in the interests of full disclosure, we're on an extremely small budget. We are willing to go without certain 'extras' in order to negotiate a fair price, but just remember that the main benefit for you is likely going to be a good addition to your portfolio. We are primarily looking for a student or amateur looking to get their work out.

If you're interested, please reply in a PM with your contact info (email is fine to start) a link to your previous work (a deviant art account is fine), and a rough estimate on price. Whether or not you're making an offer, feel free to ask any questions here in this thread.