Fantasy Illustration for Magic: The Gathering
Client: Wizards of the Coast ·
This piece was created for Magic: The Gathering's upcoming Secret Lair DanDan set. The set was revealed a few days ago at MagicCon Atlanta.
I had the opportunity to recreate the art for an older, existing card and wanted to include my own implied storytelling in this piece. The only narrative guidelines provided were that a mermaid would be holding a charm, however there were no indications beyond that. How did the mermaid acquire the object? Where does it specifically take place? What should the atmosphere feel like? I believe that the ways in which individual illustrators choose to fill in narrative gaps are one of the most meaningful avenues of differentiating ourselves as creative thinkers.
The original oil painting measures 16"x20"
Bernard Lee
Artistbernardleeart.com
California, United States
English, Korean
I was born and raised in Southern California, graduated with a BFA in Illustration from Syracuse University and worked for a time in New York City. As a former Art Director, I have had the privilege of collaborating with countless talented illustrators on award-winning projects. I now spend my days creating illustrations for the publishing, editorial and entertainment industries, and teaching as a professor in California. My work has been seen in annuals and shows around the world.
Recognition /
Society of Illustrators NY 59, 60, 61, 64
Society of Illustrators LA 55, 57, 58, 59
American Illustration 40, 41
Communication Arts ‘19, ‘20, ‘21
Clients: Variety Magazine, Scientific American, Macmillan, Vice, Imaginefx, Hachette Book Group
Skills
Software: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate
United States
I was born and raised in Southern California, graduated with a BFA in Illustration from...