From my Sketchbook to the World: The story behind my Magic cards

Many people ask me how artwork for Magic: The Gathering is created. Today, I want to reveal the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most special projects of my career: the creation of the artwork for the Slippery Bogle and Thousand-Year Elixir cards.

It all started on paper (literally!)

Contrary to what many imagine, the process didn't begin with sophisticated software. The creation of these artworks was entirely manual . The initial studies, the concept of volume, and the sketches of how each layer would overlap were done in my sketchbook .

For me, paper has a response that digital can't replicate at first glance. Scribbling, erasing, and feeling the form in the notebook was fundamental so that I could later sculpt each detail with the precision that Paper Art demands. Every cutout you see in the final card first passed through the tip of my pencil on physical paper.

The "butterflies in my stomach" feeling and the community's affection.

Launching a project for a franchise as huge as Magic gives you butterflies in your stomach, but the reception from the fans has been simply wonderful .

I've been following everything on Twitter and Instagram, and it's impossible not to smile at the community's creativity. Seeing my art turn into memes , appreciation posts, and discussions about the details of the layers is the greatest fuel an artist can have. This organic feedback shows that Wizards' choice of a style as tactile as mine really resonated with those who play and collect.

The Sculpting Process

After the sketchbook, the work goes to the workbench. The technique I apply — combining my background in Design and Animation — serves to ensure that, even though it's a static image on the card, you feel like the Slippery Bogle could jump out at any moment or that the Thousand-Year Elixir has a real internal light.

It's an exercise in "ninja" patience:

1. Handwritten sketch in a sketchbook.

2. Surgical cutting of each layer.

3. Setup and lighting for photography, where the magic of shadows happens.

   
   

Take a piece of this story with you.

Seeing this art circulating around the world is incredible, but nothing replaces the quality of a Fine Art print. For those who want to see every detail of these layers up close, I've made signed Fine Art Prints available here in the shop. It's my way of sharing the original sculpture with you.

And you, have you seen any memes or posts of my letters around? Tell me in the comments, I love seeing what you guys are creating!