Impaginazione Manuale GDR Fantasy "Illantri"

Job ID: 39339788

Budget: €30 – €250 EUR

Project Title: Editorial Design & Layout for "Illantri" Fantasy RPG Manual (Image Spaces to Be Included)

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING:

AI-generated proposals or those using non-publishable AI assets will be automatically rejected.
We are looking for original and professional work.

Project Description:

We are seeking a talented Graphic Designer / Editorial Layout Artist for the layout creation and typesetting of the core rulebook for a new fantasy role-playing game (RPG) called "Illantri". Important: This assignment does NOT include the creation of illustrations or maps; the designer must create a professional layout that includes appropriate spaces where these will be inserted later by us.

The Setting:

Illantri is a continent sculpted by ancestral magic, rich in mystery, deep history, and a strong connection to divine and arcane forces. It is a world of contrasts, where the arcane magnificence of Illan cities like Ebur contrasts with the ruggedness of the Wildlands and the primal strength of the Mennesker clans, not forgetting the dark threats lurking in the shadows. This fascinating world requires a design that reflects its solemnity and deep magic.

Objective:

To create a visually stunning, professional, and functional manual that evokes the feeling of an ancient, solemn, and ceremonial tome, almost as if carved in marble. The design must immerse players in the world of Illantri, representing its multiple facets with elegance and clarity, while facilitating the understanding of rules and setting. The manual must harmoniously integrate spaces for future illustrations and maps.

Scope of Work:

Layout Design: Create an original, professional, and thematic graphic layout for the entire manual (cover excluded, unless specified otherwise), including well-defined placeholders or spaces for illustrations and maps (guidance on expected sizes/types will be provided). Each section should be designed to facilitate the integration of visual elements without compromising text clarity.
Typesetting: Organize and typeset the provided text (source material is in Italian - currently in .docx format) into logical chapters with a clear visual hierarchy, managing text flow around the designated image spaces.
Typography Selection: Choose appropriate, readable, and elegant fonts that fit the Illantri style, with typography that evokes the solemnity and majesty of the world.
Creation of Minor Graphic Elements: Create supporting graphic elements such as custom icons, thematic dividers, decorative drop caps, symbols for stats, magic items, and currency, reinforcing Illantri's magical and mysterious theme.
Functionality: Ensure that tables, character sheets (if applicable within scope), indexes, and cross-references are clear and easy for players and game masters to use, without compromising aesthetics.

Required Style:

Book Atmosphere: Solemn, ceremonial, majestic, and functional. The manual should feel like an ancient artifact, a legendary tome reflecting the epic scope and magic of Illantri.
Layout/Style References: Official D&D 3.5 manuals (like Forgotten Realms) are a good baseline for structure, clarity, and text/image integration. However, the design must be adapted to reflect Illantri's unique aesthetic, balancing decorative complexity (baroque/ancient) with structured readability, avoiding clutter. The visual tone should be darker and more "serious," evoking the mysterious and powerful feel of an ancient, magical world.
Visual Elements: Considered use of negative space, subtle decorative borders, thematic dividers, and elegant management of the empty spaces intended for images are essential. Images should harmonize perfectly with the layout and structure, integrating seamlessly rather than interrupting the flow.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in editorial graphic design, specifically in book/manual layout (preferably RPG or fantasy) that integrates numerous images.
Excellent knowledge of Adobe InDesign.
Excellent aesthetic sense and ability to create a strong, coherent visual atmosphere, knowing how to manage spaces for elements not yet present.
Understanding of typography principles, visual hierarchy, and readability in complex layouts.
Ability to work with long and complex texts, organizing information clearly and anticipating the visual impact of future images.
Precision, attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
Good communication skills (English communication is required).

Final Deliverables:

Complete Adobe InDesign package (.indd, .idml, fonts, links to created graphic elements).
All created graphic elements (icons, symbols, dividers) in source files and high-resolution formats.
High-resolution, print-ready PDF (technical specifications will be provided).
PDF optimized for web/digital viewing.

What to Provide When Applying:

Portfolio: Links to previous work, particularly book/manual layouts (ideally RPG/fantasy) that clearly demonstrate management of layouts with integrated images.
Practical Test: You will be provided with a 1-page dummy text document (lorem ipsum). Show me how you would typeset and style this page, including one or more clearly defined spaces/placeholders for hypothetical images (you don't need to insert images, just design the space and its frame/style if applicable). Attach the image/PDF of your test page to your application.
Quote: A detailed cost estimate for the layout design, typesetting, and creation of minor graphic elements (icons, symbols, etc.).
Estimated Timeline: A realistic delivery time estimate.
Brief Approach Description: How you intend to approach the project, interpret the required style, and manage the design of the image spaces.

Note on Rights:

If your proposal is selected and the work is completed and paid for according to the agreed amount, you will waive all rights to any future earnings resulting from the sale of this manual. A formal agreement will be drafted regarding this.

Attention:

If the result of the work is satisfactory, we may agree together on the realization of the entire project, including the creation of other sections of the manual and the expansion of the design for possible future volumes.

Thank you!
We look forward to receiving your creative and professional proposals to bring the world of Illantri to life!