Hello,

I figured this would probably be the best way to get your attention, though a few of you may already know me as "That guy who does all the Dishonored fanart."

First of all, I just want to say how excited (and I continue to grow with excitement) over the eventual release of Dishonored, I've done an admiral job at not reading to much to surprise myself, outside of looking at a few screenshots. I preorderd Dishonored back in 2011 soon after the first concept art was released. No gameplay had been shown and only a few interviews were released. I was THAT excited for this game and already knew it was going to hold a special place in heart. The minute I saw some actual screen shots I felt inspired to create art and to draw this mysterious Corvo despite having no idea what he looked like outside of a mask.

Fast forward to this year, I've found myself in a unfortunate predicament where I had to cancel my preorder which means no preorder bonuses for me (since that information was just released). My current job (I work as a lead artist and graphic designer for a Digital Printing/Design/Embroidery store) has made life very difficult for me. At times my manager has decided to hold checks from me on the bases "She could not pay me." This has caused life to grow to stressful levels when I have to pay bills along with other things. I lost well over $800 to help pay for my sister's wedding (a beautiful wedding by the way) and I do it again if it meant helping family. The list sorta goes on, but like Corvo I'm sure he found a way out of his problem. The reason I had to cancel my preorder is because I have decided to enlist in the Navy which means I wouldn't be home to acquire my copy of Dishonored for quite some time.

The reason I'm writing this letter is because I just wanted to thank Arkane Studios for creating what I will know to be an amazing game. The brilliant team at Arkane has poured endless hours and their love for the city of Dunwall and it has reflected on me as I have felt inspired and have already fallen in love with this environment and characters the team has created. While I won't be there for the release for Dishonored, I can't wait to, at some point, play this beautiful story. Thank you Arkane, you are truly a group of talented individuals who care about what they do and it shows in attention to detail and art.

Sincerely,

NePaul.

P.s. I plan to do one last Dishonored piece before I ship out.

Also in case people were wondering about the Dishonored Fanart:

http://jellyfishopera.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-dear-corvo.html

http://jellyfishopera.blogspot.com/2011/10/dishonored-honor.html

http://jellyfishopera.blogspot.com/2011/09/dishonored.html

Wow. Great story, but so sad to hear about your situation. Thank you for serving our country.

I'd like to add my thanks as well and also my admiration for your talent. I'd seen your ME art and like that game, you've captured everything we've seen so far with Dishonored. Best wishes.

Your story touched me and I loved the Fanart. Thank you for posting this!

Thank you everyone, for your kind words. It kills me that while in basic and for a few months after I will not be able to illustrate which is my passion in my life. My art has to take a seat for now, but when I get to chance I will continue what I love and live to do.

Wow, I have great respect for you for looking out for your family first and going in the navy, I wish you the best of look in your future and hope all goes well. Your fan art is great, I hope that when you finally get to play the game you enjoy it is a much as anybody else, you deserve it!

Wow. You're awesome. Thanks for telling us.

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words from everyone. I try to help out my family (Just Parents and sisters, but we all live fairly distant from one another) as much as possible even when that means giving them my all as well as people in general. I'm certainly drawn to the world of Dunwall because it requires so much help and the whole "little people vs. the corrupt" is always something I'm drawn too. Sometime in the future I'd like to continue my passion and love of becoming a full time concept artist, but for now it must sadly take a seat.

If only the world was full of people like you... Never give up on your dream, you are a great artist and I wish you the best of luck.

I hope Arkane reads this though, it's rare that a game company becomes more than a game company and a source of inspiration like they have. I can only name a few developers that mean that much to me, haha now a dream come true would be working with them some day!

Not to try to scare or jinx you, but stay safe out there.
Maybe they'll ship a copy out to you, and then hire you as a concept artist when you get back!

Don't worry, I made sure the whole team knew about your post. Thanks a lot for you support and artworks Jellyfish, you can't imagine how much we appreciate it!

You guys are amazing! Thank you for noticing his amazing post! Becoming my favorite company, Arkane.

Wow, you guys are truly great! You're people, not a company! That is awesome.

I love alot of your artwork. I wouldve ordered some prints but I'm only 17.

On another note, I was beginning to grow disillusioned with the whole gaming industry; My last video game purchase was Skyrim.
Then Dishonored came along and from what I've seen so far, its giving me quite a postive impression. Cant wait to get my hands on it. Arkane seems to be crafting a beautiful game that brings back childhood memories of Deus Ex and Thief.

Anyways, good luck in the Navy NePaul (thank you for serving), and also, thank you Arkane games.

This.
And if you didn't tell me this was fan art I would have assumed you stole this from Arkane studios themselves, because....damn this is good.

Thanks Arkane Dishonored Looks Incredible!

Do a hardcoe immersive sim next! Do Arx 2! Use mode, gimped character at start, grid-based inventory, tons of interaction, heavily simulated gameplay mechanics, the whole bag!

Dark Souls was hardcoe & successful....

Thank you so much! It means a lot to me to read this. You guys are one of a kind and truly a team of individuals and artist who have found a way into my heart.

And thank you to everyone for the well wishes and I appreciate all the kind words shared on my art. I spend most of my time illustrating because it's not just I adore doing, but it is a passion and a love that has grown apart of me.

I confirm, everybody at Arkane read your message, good luck NePaul!

I hope that the artists, and especially Viktor Antonov, managed to see them as well.

That really means a lot to me. Not just the acknowledgement of my situation and inspiration from the team, but that a company truly takes the time to notice the people out there that want to see you succeed and prosper.

I'm going to make sure my final piece is something extra special for you Arkane.

Some amazing artwork, hope they somehow incorperate it into the game or onto a Game Informer cover or something, its too awesome to pass up!

Haha if I had a chance to be featured in the game that would be ace!