2D artist needed

[gostyloj]

I am looking for a 2d artist to create an iconic character for my cell phone game.  This character will have a "high" resolution version for use in the logo and will have a lower resolution image for use in the game.

The dimensions for the in game version will be 25x25 pixels which is why I think he would need to almost be an emoticon.  This is definitely open to discussion and your experienced input.  This 25x25 version will also need to be animated to do several different actions.

I am currently in a round of fundraising and this is meant to be a paid contract.  As part of the consideration I am going to ask the artist to accept some but definitely not all of the payment in stock.  The stock will represent partial ownership in the company and will not be immediately available for trade.  The stock will be use for dividend payouts if the company is profitable or will be converted to cash if the company is sold. 

Please include links to your portfolio if you are interested.

[gostyloj]

One thing that has been brought up is that some people are not willing to work for stock.  Please note that it is very possible that this can be a cash contract.  Your willingness to take stock may affect my decision of who to use, but this is a very important part of the game and I won't turn down the person who is going to do it right.