ledzep Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 That is a hell of an idea. I hope you include the artwork for the 8-bit computer programs, those old large black box games had some of my favorite artwork, Missile Command and Scram in particular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapetino Posted January 27, 2014 Author Share Posted January 27, 2014 That is a hell of an idea. I hope you include the artwork for the 8-bit computer programs, those old large black box games had some of my favorite artwork, Missile Command and Scram in particular. Thanks, ledzep. We are going to be including at least *some* 8bit computer art. It all depends on what we can acquire. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eyeball Mural Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Three cheers for this idea!!! Are there any updates to report? Is there a Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or tipjar somewhere that I can contribute to? Is there a pre-order list I can get on? Are you accepting deposits? A book like this is long overdue. Atari's art history and graphic design language are important and integral parts of the Atari experience, and they deserve to be preserved and appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moycon Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 I agree. Sounds like an awesome book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhd Posted March 26, 2014 Share Posted March 26, 2014 Our Plan A is to sign with a large publisher. Are discussing it with two different ones, so we'll see how that pans out. One benefit of using an established publisher is thst you will have their staff to assist you with the rights issues for the illustrations, etc. In a previous job, I worked with both individuals and established publishers in licensing photo rights. It was so very much more pleasant (and faster) to deal with the established publishers as they understood copyright law and standard industry practices. I assume that Atari (or whomever) will be more willing to negotiate with a known publisher rather than an unknown, first-time, individual author. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Awesome project man! Can't wait to pick up a copy!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabriel Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 A book packed with Atari art sounds fantastic. There are a few pieces I'd like to see as prints, but I'm not much of a print person, preferring art books instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbotelho Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 I will certainly like a copy. I love anything that involves atari especially it's artwork,best ever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaztee Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 A bit late to the party, but I will definitely be buying a copy of your book. Atari artwork helped them prize too much pocket money out of me as a kid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cimerians Posted April 10, 2014 Share Posted April 10, 2014 I've been waiting for something like this for a long time! Will definitely buy one. I had a poster size promo of Warlords but I don't know what happened to it. I got it in the 90's off the internet somewhere I can look for it and donate it but I have a feeling it's gone from all the moves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruiser7 Posted April 11, 2014 Share Posted April 11, 2014 This is a fantastic project. I've been a big fan of Atari art since the beginning. I even make computer wallpapers and icons out of images I've downloaded. Count me as a definite buyer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colecomaniac Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 I am curious to know more about the story behind "Haunted House" In my opinion, the working title's (Nightmare Manor) cover art for the game looks far better than what came out for the released version. The Nightmare Manor art conveys a much more darker and spookier game image. Since most of the game occurs in the dark, it's more fitting to have dark artwork rather that the released version which predominately uses light brown/white colors. It also captures many of the game elements (Ghost, Spider, Bat, Eyes). My guess is that it was probably rejected due to religious reasons. Wonder if the original game concept included the assembly of a crucifix which was later changed to an urn. Attached is a picture of a label I fabricated for one my extra Haunted House cartridges. The Atari artwork I used was found on the web many moons ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rom Hunter Posted April 12, 2014 Share Posted April 12, 2014 I remember reading something about that. IIRC the original Haunted House artwork was to haunting for kids. BTW: this book is becoming wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapetino Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 (edited) I am curious to know more about the story behind "Haunted House" In my opinion, the working title's (Nightmare Manor) cover art for the game looks far better than what came out for the released version. The Nightmare Manor art conveys a much more darker and spookier game image. Since most of the game occurs in the dark, it's more fitting to have dark artwork rather that the released version which predominately uses light brown/white colors. It also captures many of the game elements (Ghost, Spider, Bat, Eyes). My guess is that it was probably rejected due to religious reasons. Wonder if the original game concept included the assembly of a crucifix which was later changed to an urn. Attached is a picture of a label I fabricated for one my extra Haunted House cartridges. The Atari artwork I used was found on the web many moons ago. Curious to hear which art you meant. Steve Hendricks' original art for the game looked like this: http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3205643/atari_finalart.jpg But it was changed because a woman in marketing didn't like the placement of the eyes on the woman. So, they used the art from the inside of the manual to serve as the box art. Also, this art was also used for some promo pieces, but I'm not sure who the artist was (yet). http://atariage.com/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2010/post-5874-127177498956.jpg Edited April 14, 2014 by lapetino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapetino Posted April 14, 2014 Author Share Posted April 14, 2014 BTW: this book is becoming wonderful. Thanks so much! We are working hard on it. BTW, we've set up a place where people can sign up for info and updates: http://artofstella.launchrock.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zwackery Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Curious to hear which art you meant. Steve Hendricks' original art for the game looked like this: http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3205643/atari_finalart.jpg But it was changed because a woman in marketing didn't like the placement of the eyes on the woman. So, they used the art from the inside of the manual to serve as the box art. Also, this art was also used for some promo pieces, but I'm not sure who the artist was (yet). http://atariage.com/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2010/post-5874-127177498956.jpg Ah, my old bedspread! You want me to see if the artist's signature is somewhere on the flat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7800Lover Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 I am definitely interested. I'd buy a copy of this book for sure. Good luck to you in making this a reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreepwoodMac Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Happy to hear this project is coming along, Tim - and happy to see thumbnails of Berzerk and Demons to Diamonds on the main page! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colecomaniac Posted April 14, 2014 Share Posted April 14, 2014 Curious to hear which art you meant. Steve Hendricks' original art for the game looked like this: http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3205643/atari_finalart.jpg But it was changed because a woman in marketing didn't like the placement of the eyes on the woman. So, they used the art from the inside of the manual to serve as the box art. Also, this art was also used for some promo pieces, but I'm not sure who the artist was (yet). http://atariage.com/forums/uploads/monthly_04_2010/post-5874-127177498956.jpg Never mind. Did some searching and found the picture again. Thanks www.atarimania.com . Looks like it was an old ad for Haunted House. Still a very cool picture for the game. http://www.atarimania.com/pubs/hi_res/pub_haunted_house.jpg . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapetino Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 Never mind. Did some searching and found the picture again. Thanks www.atarimania.com . Looks like it was an old ad for Haunted House. Still a very cool picture for the game. http://www.atarimania.com/pubs/hi_res/pub_haunted_house.jpg . Yep, very cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lapetino Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 Ah, my old bedspread! You want me to see if the artist's signature is somewhere on the flat? Thanks for the offer, but I think I have it -- I just don't know who that last-named person is yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbotelho Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 There are so many cool images to choose from when it comes to the atari. My personal favorites are Berzerk and Yars Revenge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eyeball Mural Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 I realize this project emphasizes the art related to the home consoles (especially the 2600) but the coin-op and pinball art might deserve a mention, or even a chapter. I've just been browsing the art for pinball games like "Airborne Avenger" and "Middle Earth," and it would be a shame if a little space couldn't be found for stuff like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eyeball Mural Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Here's a news story about the International Center for the History of Electronic Games and its acquisition of "the largest and most comprehensive assemblage of archival records and other documentary items related to Atari’s coin-operated games anywhere in the world." Again, I realize this is not necessarily the focus of this book's interest, but the acquisition reportedly contains — among other materials — design documents and pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork. The authors may find this worth investigating. http://www.icheg.org/blog/chegheads/2014/04/icheg-preserves-atari-coin-op-divisions-collection/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eyeball Mural Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 (edited) Some non-Atari art from Cliff Spohn, who illustrated the boxes for over a dozen Atari 2600 games: https://www.flickr.com/photos/68089753@N07/9541256020/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/68089753@N07/9538470831/ http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/09/10/atari-2600-cover-artist-cliff-spohn-designed-uk-poster-for-computer-chess/ http://hopelies.com/2013/09/10/a-poster-for-computer-chess/ Edited May 18, 2014 by The Eyeball Mural Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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