[casual_games] Art Game Capitalism

[Jason Van Anden]

I am seeking some advice that requires a little background before the
question, here it goes...

I am a fine artist and software engineer who joined this list and IDGA after
I released a game last year as art that became a popular success - Wired,
Edge and USA Today liked it, among others.  It was offered online for free
because it was commissioned by an arts organization.  Art grants are very,
very small compared to even the low side of a casual games budget.  The
reason you apply for these grants for this type of activity is to have a
reputable stage from which to launch your online artwork, and so that you
are not "giving it away" in art world terms.

For the last year, I have lurked on this list and eagerly devoured all
of IDGA's excellent white papers, trying to figure out a good model for
future art/game hybrids. One thing I have learned from this is that free is
not a good policy if one hopes to sustain their art or biz from their art.
It is also frowned upon by others in either field (art or games) because it
screws up everything for everyone who wants to make a living from doing
this.

I am in the process of putting together a grant proposal for new
game/art/toy hybrid I am very excited about - the grant is prestigious, but
not a lot of money.  I want this piece to be staged as art, but as I am
putting the proposal together it seems to me that it could also be a popular
success, in which case I would want to capitalize on it this time.

I am looking for advice, models, suggestions as to how I might both offer
the work as art and leave open the possibility that it can generate revenue.

Jason Van Anden
www.smileproject.com
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