Starving Artists

Deep Water Games, Fairway 3 Games, LLC, Zafty Games (Zafty) · Board game · 2017
Ludopedia 6.7 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 30–60 min Weight 1.9/5
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rating Ludopedia
6.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Starving Artists is that game that puts you in the shoes of a struggling painter, seeking fame at all costs. If you enjoy tight resource management and the satisfaction of completing collections, this is your blank canvas! The experience is light yet full of strategic decisions, perfect for those who want a challenge without too much complication and with a super charming theme.

Highlights
  • Creative and engaging theme
  • Fun resource management
  • Satisfying set collection
  • Easy to learn
  • Great for beginners
Keep in mind
  • Can feel repetitive
  • Limited player interaction
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Embark on the challenging yet rewarding life of a starving artist in Starving Artists, a game for 1 to 4 players that dares you to achieve fame in the art world in 30 to 60 minutes. Here, life is tough: money is scarce, and every penny you earn is reinvested in paints. After all, without them, how will you create your masterpiece and avoid the fate of a soulless corporate job? Your goal is simple: paint enough to become a recognized name, whether by the quality or quantity of your creations.

On your turn, paints are your only currency and your most valuable resource. You can use them to buy new canvases, dedicating yourself to artistic creation, or you can choose to work to get more paints, ensuring your palette never runs dry. Each round, the excitement builds as you get the chance to put your completed paintings up for sale. With luck, they will not only bring in more paints but also the food needed to continue your journey. The game draws to a close when an artist runs out of resources or achieves an impressive number of paintings, whether in total value or volume. Get ready to dive into the strategy of collecting sets of colors and managing your resources to stand out in this competitive art market!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Theme: Art Theme: Painting / Paintings
Publisher Deep Water Games, Fairway 3 Games, LLC, Zafty Games (Zafty)
Designer Mike Wokasch
Artist Vaughn Reynolds

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,535owners
213wishlist
30want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the main objective in Starving Artists?
The main objective is to become the most famous painter, either by accumulating a high value in paintings or by producing a large number of them before the game ends.
How many players can participate and what is the average duration?
The game can be played by 1 to 4 players, with an average duration of 30 to 60 minutes, which is about 15 minutes per player.
Are paints the only 'currency' in the game?
Yes, paints are the fundamental resource for all actions, from buying canvases to selling your artworks.
Is it a complex game to learn?
No, Starving Artists has a low complexity (BGG weight of 1.94), making it very accessible and easy to pick up the rules.
What happens at the end of each round?
At the end of each round, players can put their completed paintings up for sale to get more paints and food, essential for the artist's survival!
Is it a good game for solo play?
Yes, it offers a solo mode, which is great for those who want to practice their strategies or simply enjoy the game without the need for other players.
Who is this game best suited for?
It's ideal for those looking for a light abstract strategy game with hand management and set collection, who appreciate an artistic and fun theme. Perfect for beginners or for a quick session between heavier games.

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