Video game art dealer from the Netherlands

[Maarten Brands]

Hi there you all,:thumb:

I found this forum because of the Killzone Art collection we launched this week. Great site! I'm an art dealer at international art dealership Cook & Becker (http://www.candb.com). We specialize in digital art and art and artists from the games & entertainment industry. We exhibit and sell worldwide.

We work together with designers and studios to create special art collections and designer items and we have unique works and collectibles by video game designers such as Keita Takahashi (Katamari Damacy), Masaya Matsuura (Parappa the Rapper), Sony, Jesse van Dijk (Bungie Studios) and Maciej Kuciara (Naught Dog Inc.) to name some.

I thought I'd join to look around and to answer any questions you might have about our art and items. We only just launched so I'd really appreciate the feedback!

Thanks guys!

[Biggav4000]

Hi :welcome: to the forum
I have taken some time to look at the website,they are some fantastic works of art there hopefully i may be able to invest in some in the future.:thumb:
Enjoy your stay here :beer:

[Maarten Brands]

Thanks!

We always hope to have some stuff that will be affordable to a broad range of (art) collectors. However, with the prints for example we want them to last for over a 100 years AND the studio's/designers sign a contract with us that they can never be reproduced outside this edition. So, that yanks up the price a bit :)

The Keita Takahashi baby bodysuits are the most affordable we have atm. Also, I was looking around the forum to find the right thread to post this:

http://www.candb.com/en/artwork/52/vib-ribbon.html

They're statuettes from (in my view) one of the best/unique game designers in the world Masaya Matsuura. He created 50 statuettes for the 1999 cult game Vib Ribbon and he signed the last 9 for us personally.

http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/articles/1004/masaya_matsuura-vib_ribbon_3_370x565_marked.jpg

[AndyTheCollector]

:welcome: and enjoy your stay here! Amazing artworks I must say! :thumb:

[Maarten Brands]

Thanks Andy! I can't believe I never found this site before :)

Oh, and I just remember we shot a video at the gallery last week where you can also see some stuff: http://youtu.be/0rJlx_dZsrQ

[mosavon]

Very nice Art, what is the shipping price like to the UK?

[Maarten Brands]

@Mosavon. That depends on the weight of the item really. Unframed prints and items under 1 kilo are +/- GBP 15,-. Although we're thinking of bringing that down a bit.

For Dibond mounted prints or framed art we build custom-made crates. Which is heavy, but with art you need to be careful. Most stuff won't exceed GBP 25,- though.

Only the very heavy stuff can get pricey.

[mosavon]

Shipping sounds reasonable enough to me, love the Killzone prints and limitation...what other prints are in the works?

[Maarten Brands]

Ha, I can't really say at the moment unfortunately :) other than for this year we've made some deals with publishers and studio's to launch the art collection around the same time as the titles are released. Plus that we've made an effort together to create concept work and specially created pieces specifically for the art market (which means they need to make art at crazy high resolutions).

The Stahl Arms piece from Killzone was one of the first to have been created specifically for print for example. At 110 cm's wide, it's a large piece. Both the Guerrilla directors/founders bought one themselves, they liked it so much :)

Our focus is mostly on independent game artists and/or autonomous work but every year we'll do at least 5 big studio/game projects. Killzone for this year is our first. Late last year (when we launched) we did our first with Vanguard Games (of Greed Corps and Gatling Gears).

Also, buried to much in the site's ToU but we provide a 30-day return policy for buyers.

[toxicatom5]

Welcome to the community!

Can you tell me a little more about the Dibond Canvas with Liquid Gloss finish? This appears to be an upgrade as compared with the museum grade, but I have no real knowledge in this area (and don't fully understand based upon the information on the website); is the main difference durability/longevity? Or is the artwork more vibrant on the Dibond?

Any chance you could post a couple photos comparing the two finishes?

Lastly, any idea what the shipping would be to the US for the Dibond Canvas (say 12" by 24")?

I've been looking at these for a couple days and there is one that I would very much like to purchase, just need some more information to help me choose the finish option!

[Kohr-Ah]

This is awesome! Video game art does not get the recognition it deserves.
I would pay a small fortune for a piece from Panzer Dragoon Azel. The art of that series was just so beautiful.

[Maarten Brands]

@Toxicatom

Great feedback, thanks! I agree that much information on the website must be presented more clearly. These sorts of comments help a lot, thanks!

The basis of every artwork is the Giclee print. These prints can be framed in a wooden frame (traditional), but we also mount these prints on Dibond plates.

The durability and the quality of the Giclee is the same in both instances (museum-grade). So there is no quality difference.

Dibond is what you typically see how they present high-end art photography. It is an aluminium sheet + composite flat surface that ensures the print can't 'bend'. It allows you to hang the print without a "frame". (our frame + dibond options are all 'ready to hang'. The glues we used do not impact the durability.

Personally, for digital created artwork Dibond it my preferred choice (although some people like the more traditional look of framing). When the print is back-mounted on the Dibond plate we pour a 100% transparant epoxy on the front (the liquid gloss). That needs to harden for about a week and then you have a glass like surface with rounded edge. It makes the work a bit more vibrant and 'deep'.

Here is a picture of a Dibond mounted print wih liquid gloss:http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/articles/1004/guerrilla_games-stahl_arms_killzone_1_394_376x565_marked.jpg

A work with a black wooden frame is on the left: http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/articles/1004/candb_gallery_killzone_903x565_marked.jpg

We offer a 30 day return policy but we have never have anyone not pleased with the Dibond/Liquid Gloss works :)

Shipping to the US would probably be about EU 75,-. The prints are delivered in custom packaging.

Any other questions, please let me know!

[toxicatom5]

@Toxicatom

Great feedback, thanks! I agree that much information on the website must be presented more clearly. These sorts of comments help a lot, thanks!

The basis of every artwork is the Giclee print. These prints can be framed in a wooden frame (traditional), but we also mount these prints on Dibond plates.

The durability and the quality of the Giclee is the same in both instances (museum-grade). So there is no quality difference.

Dibond is what you typically see how they present high-end art photography. It is an aluminium sheet + composite flat surface that ensures the print can't 'bend'. It allows you to hang the print without a "frame". (our frame + dibond options are all 'ready to hang'. The glues we used do not impact the durability.

Personally, for digital created artwork Dibond it my preferred choice (although some people like the more traditional look of framing). When the print is back-mounted on the Dibond plate we pour a 100% transparant epoxy on the front (the liquid gloss). That needs to harden for about a week and then you have a glass like surface with rounded edge. It makes the work a bit more vibrant and 'deep'.

Here is a picture of a Dibond mounted print wih liquid gloss:http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/articles/1004/guerrilla_games-stahl_arms_killzone_1_394_376x565_marked.jpg

A work with a black wooden frame is on the left: http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/articles/1004/candb_gallery_killzone_903x565_marked.jpg

We offer a 30 day return policy but we have never have anyone not pleased with the Dibond/Liquid Gloss works :)

Shipping to the US would probably be about EU 75,-. The prints are delivered in custom packaging.

Any other questions, please let me know!

Very, very helpful! Thanks for the info!

[nipperkipper]

Welcome to the forum

There is some truly fantastic art on your website and as soon as i have budgeted i will be buying some soon.

I have a question however, when browsing the site all the No 1# appear to sold out/unavailable. Is it because these are generally reserved for the creators/directors or do they just sell out very quickly and instantly?

The reason i ask is i know you said you have signed deals with publishers for a upcoming games and i just want to know what my chances are at getting a No 1# 1st of an edition

[Maarten Brands]

Thanks Nipperkipper!

As for the No. 1's. These just sell out the fastest. We do not reserve them for the artist or creator per se. However, most buyers just click the first number on the list when ordering and don't go specifically for the No. 1's.

The Killzone art just went on sale last Thursday and no pieces will ship for a couple of days yet. If there is a piece that you like and you specifically would want the No. 1 of at this time (or just reserve it - no purchase obligation), drop me a line anytime at maarten(at)candb.com and I can ask the other buyer if he/she would object to taking a No. 2 or other number.

Other than that, send me (this goes for everybody) and email with your contact information in any case and I'll make sure to give you a preview of upcoming new art before it goes online so that you can have first pick.

No problem at all!

[ingmar1988]

Very nice site, with great art :)

Its to bad im a relatively poor student so i cant really afford the bigger prints, but i must say they look amazing.

My favorite is this one

http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/artwork/625/jesse_van_dijk-after_the_breaking_of_the_world_1_625x485.jpg

[vhal_x]

That is one stunning print ! xx

[mosavon]

I'm so interested in purchasing some of your art, i think its fantastic they are so low in numbers and that you get to choose which number you want.

They look stunning to be honest. I am an appreciator of Art in general so these have very much caught my attention.

[Maarten Brands]

@Ingmar

Yeah, that is a fantastic piece. I shot a clip of it (in Dibond & Gloss) hanging in our gallery: http://youtu.be/0rJlx_dZsrQ

It's made by Jesse van Dijk, one of the finest digital landscape artists in the games business. He now works for Bungie Studios and some Hollywood Studios. (and previously for Guerrilla Games).

Some of the more affordable Vanguard and Killzone stuff is by him as well. Let me know if you need to know which ones (for legal reasons studios don't want to name individual artists on their IP to openly) :)

For example, this small print will be less than US 100 and is also by Jesse van Dijk: http://assets5.pinimg.com/upload/133911788890062219_sovR8lQQ_c.jpg

[Maarten Brands]

@Mosavon

Interesting to know that you're both a video game enthusiasts and an art lover. Our ideal customer really :)

Our curational team is comprised of video game enthusiasts and art collectors + art specialists (some who have no knowledge of games). That makes for very interesting discussions during the selection process :)

Anyway, any questions let me know (my phone contacts are also on the site)!

[mosavon]

@Mosavon

Interesting to know that you're both a video game enthusiasts and an art lover. Our ideal customer really :)

Our curational team is comprised of video game enthusiasts and art collectors + art specialists (some who have no knowledge of games). That makes for very interesting discussions during the selection process :)

Anyway, any questions let me know (my phone contacts are also on the site)!

Haha very true, also im a fan of Killzone so im definitely your ideal customer :rotf:

Expect some sales :ok:

[vhal_x]

I wish I had the money right now, as all of those prints are gorgeous! And with me moving house soon (fingers crossed) I could really be doing with a nice focal point in my new livingroom :P xx

[nipperkipper]

Thanks Nipperkipper!

As for the No. 1's. These just sell out the fastest. We do not reserve them for the artist or creator per se. However, most buyers just click the first number on the list when ordering and don't go specifically for the No. 1's.

The Killzone art just went on sale last Thursday and no pieces will ship for a couple of days yet. If there is a piece that you like and you specifically would want the No. 1 of at this time (or just reserve it - no purchase obligation), drop me a line anytime at maarten(at)candb.com and I can ask the other buyer if he/she would object to taking a No. 2 or other number.

Other than that, send me (this goes for everybody) and email with your contact information in any case and I'll make sure to give you a preview of upcoming new art before it goes online so that you can have first pick.

No problem at all!

Many thanks for the information, i have sent you a pm with my email address. May i ask how often your site will be updated with art from a new franchise or new game

[gurpswoo1]

I know I'm a little late to the party but welcome to the forum.

Is there any chance you will be doing any work with Ninja Theory (http://www.ninjatheory.com/games.php) specifically Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and Heavenly sword.

I can definite confirm that there is interest and demand for some sort of art work for those two games and that studio.

[Maarten Brands]

@Nipper. There is no real standard update process but I'm expecting once every two months a "big franchise or IP" release, and every three/four weeks a new individual artist or selection of work.

The studio stuff can sometimes take up to 6 months to negotiate and prepare (gulp).

@gurps. We have been talking to Ninja Theory for a long time. They want to do it but we need to clear the rights still with Namco Bandai (and Capcom for Devil May Cry).

Out of interest, any particular image that you saw/have in mind?

Also, what would be other good places on the web for me to talk to collectors and enthusiasts?

Thanks again!

[gurpswoo1]

That great news thanks for letting us know.

As for websites for discussion of Video game art, one of the best places is creativeun-cut (http://www.creativeuncut.com/art_pandoras-tower_a.html)

Here are some of the Artwork I like from the two Series above:

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-03/hs-misc01.html

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-03/hs-nariko-09.html

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-03/hs-environment-misc15.html

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhggzw04UH1qctq9do1_500.jpg


Enslaved:

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-14/ens-monkey-side.html

http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-14/ens-environment-art01.html

http://heavenlynariko.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/enslaved-odyssey-to-the-west42.jpg

http://donotargue.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/concept005.jpg

[Maarten Brands]

See some work there from Talexi (http://www.talexiart.com). I think he did that one promo image of the new DMC as well.

[ingmar1988]

Amazing artwork there, would look awsome as painting.

I entered the contest and subscribed to the newsletter, so hope i win something :D

[RyuShinEX]

wow, the art.

[Maarten Brands]

Glad you like it!

[Solid Crash]

That's some beautiful art you've got there. Keep us updated.

[Maarten Brands]

Will do! Also, if you want to get a heads-up of upcoming art you can register for our newsletter.

[Maarten Brands]

Thought I poll you guys to see what the interest is for:

Unique Mirror's Edge Art

Yay or nay? :)

Also, I want to do something special with the work of Sawaki Takeyasu (Okami, El Shaddai). You think that could be interesting?

Clip of the gallery I uploaded to Youtube recently btw. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rJlx_dZsrQ

[marek]

Thought I poll you guys to see what the interest is for:

Unique Mirror's Edge Art

Yay or nay? :)

Also, I want to do something special with the work of Sawaki Takeyasu (Okami, El Shaddai). You think that could be interesting?

Clip of the gallery I uploaded to Youtube recently btw. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rJlx_dZsrQ

Made an account here just to say 'Yay' to the Mirror's Edge Art!!

I have been looking at the killzone art over and over again and i keep thinking of buying it. But I would definitely go for the Mirror's Edge Art!!

[Maarten Brands]

Thanks for the feedback re: Mirror's Edge! I'm pretty positive I can tell more about this game at a later time :) As well as some other titles/artists that we've been cooperating with.

@Marek. What are the particular Killzone artworks that you have your eye on?

[marek]

I've always liked the mirror's edge art style with the white/red colors

I've been looking at the ice platform and Jungle1 artworks. Seeing as they have the same dimensions they would probably make a great set!

[Maarten Brands]

Those 2 make a great set indeed, I agree! What is special about them as well is that these pieces (and Stahl Arms for example) have been made in a larger pixel size by Guerrilla during production than is normally the case.

That meant that when we sat down with Guerrilla we could make these in a larger format than is usually the case with digital artwork.

With a liquid gloss or Diasec finish the Killzone pieces are really something special. By all means, send me a private message and I can probably make you an attractive deal on these!

[mosavon]

I like these two :beer:
http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/artwork/625/guerrilla_games-ice_shipwreck_killzone_625x485.jpg
http://www.candb.com/site/candb/cache/artwork/625/guerrilla_games-stahl_arms_killzone_236_625x485.jpg

[mosavon]

Just thought i'd chime in on the Mirrors Edge debate, big "YAY" from me :beg:

[Maarten Brands]

I'm on it! :)