Games can definitely be art ! This is so beautiful and otherwordly I wish I could help you out (and not just because Im desperately looking for commissions XD) but the one key thing you seek and I definitely lack, is socialmedia-fu / connections (or Im misunderstanding your job offer post)
But it all looks fascinating for sure (despite my art skills being in the contrary, Im drawn to more abstract gaming personally.)
technically when reading this, even tough the brief says it is as well, "If you just want to be paid directly (like Paypal) I can consider that but I prefer to see a contest entry." undermines this as not a contest, as it basically means that if he likes someone's work enough to feel sure about it, that someone is commissioned for the $150 with possibly more work and payment following up, however, those he doesnt *fall in love with* immediately can do the sample work to convince him, and if he likes to work with one of them, they get paid the $150 ? How is that different from over 50% of the other commissions here ?
Truth be told tough I haven followed the link (I dont know the site, so I dont go there.) and I usually agree the chasing out of those that try to, well, rip off artists, but I really dont have the feeling that this should be considered as such ?