This is Charles Urbach, the artist who drew the original Ghor Clan Rampager (not the FNM), Darkslick Shores, Leyline of Anticipation, Sands of Delirium, Manalith and many more (including Planechase). I do not have a booth in the Art Show this year, but I will be at Gen Con and signing during specific times at BOOTH 2834 Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur's area of the Exhibit Hall. I'm coming to the con primarily for the fans and collectors this year so please bring your cards by and spread the word that I'm there.
My schedule for signings is as follows:
Fri July 31
11am -1pm Signing at L5R HQ Gaming Hall - Bring your cards and what-not to be signed. Non L5R players are welcome to come by for signing.
3pm - 5pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Saturday Aug 1
2pm - 4pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Sunday Aug 2
11am -1pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Hello all. This is Charles Urbach, the artist who illustrated Ghor Clan Rampager, Darkslick Shores, Everflowing Chalice, Sands of Delirium, and many other cards. It's been a while since I've been able to post here, but I wanted to give a heads up that I'll have a booth in the exhibit hall at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, OH next week. If you're going to the convention, feel free to stop by to have cards signed. My booth is 736 in the Exhibit Hall. I'll have prints for sale and blank backed proof cards for most of the art I've done for the game. Last year I saw quite a few players come through, but hardly a fraction of the total participants. It would be great to meet more of you while you were there. I'll also be at Gen Con in August, but if you're headed to Origins don't wait til then. Come by and say hello.
For the folks who asked about Magic play mats, I got word back from the Powers That Be, that play mats are off the table for the artists to make independently. It's possible some of my images will evenetually be licensed out for that, but that's totally up to the folks at WOTC and the companies who license the art for the mats. Sorry!
I do draw custom mats on commission however. I currently have a few waiting in my queue, but if anyone is interested, I can probably work out a production schedule for the future. A few examples of mats I've done are posted in my galleries on Facebook (in the Assorted Events 2011 album, and a few other places). Feel free to contact me by Email, PM, or Facebook if interested. Thanks!
Mr. Urbach probably gets artist proofs of the cards he illustrates, excluding box sets and promos. Each artist is sent 50 copies per card, just like a normal Magic card but with a blank, white back (notoriously useful for sketches).
I am a tremendous fan, and pleased to see him here. Numerous emails have been sent by me to Mr. Jarvis for him to poach Mr. Urbach away from L5R more frequently. He sent me some prints last year and included a detailed description of how each piece was created, which I always thought was a nice touch.
OK now, who are you in real life? I can barely keep real names in my head let alone screen names, convention names, SCA names...
And thanks for those emails to Mr. J. I'm very grateful for every piece he's given me, and I'd gladly do more for Magic if I could get my schedule to sync up better.
Are you given copies of the cards that you do art for? How many copies do you get?
As Blackblade described, yes we do get copies of the cards. I can't speak for other artists, but I receive white backed non-playable proofs (50 is what I hear, although I've never counted mine for cards released in the main line sets. I did not get proofs of promos (like Everflowing Chalice) or Planechase. In those instances I received multiples of the actual product or individual cards. The only time this didn't happen was with Commander, where I got one set of unopened boxes with one Collective Voyage in it. In addition to the proofs of the standard cards, I've received packaged product of whatever the work is in - so while I have no time to actually play, I've got a pretty decent selection of current cards I could make decks with on the mythical day that there is time Wizards is very generous in all areas, and it's very cool to be able to see the final product when it releases.
I pull some of my own playable cards from that product or I trade for extras at conventions and signings. I like to have some on hand for players who don't have them with them. The ones I'm offered more of in trade tend to be the commons, or less popular ones I don't get many Darkslick Shores.
Thanks a lot. Collective Voyage was one of the largest pieces of art I've done for any game 19" x 14". I wanted to get a lot of detail into it as well as evoke the feeling of positive companionship. I turned in an alternate version where the ladies on the rock were more like steampunk explorers than sorceress/fairies. Wizards went with the softer look, but I hope to do something (for Magic or myself) with the other idea at some point.
Darkslick has been popular from its release both in terms of the art and especially the gameplay value. I think Dual lands in general go over well, but that one in particular always seemed to be popular. I can usually tell which ones are in more demand by the number of playable cards I'm able to hold onto. Not just based on rarity but on function.
For example, I have a lot of Leyline of Punishment cards
I can imagine how disappointing that must have been.
"So, whaddya got for me?"
"Your card is going to be a Spirit Bird."
"Is it an insane, bloodthirsty spirit bird, ala Hitchcock?"
"No."
"So...I just get...a dead bird, essentially?"
"That's right."
"*sigh*"
You designed the Moon Heron for Innistrad, didn't you? While the card isn't exactly a play favorite of mine, it's quite beautiful. When Innistrad first came out and I saw someone playing a Moon Heron at the pre-release draft, I immediately asked if anyone had an extra for trade - some cards are worth keeping if only for the aesthetic value of them.
Thanks a lot!
Moon Heron was a lovely piece to work on, but when it was initially assigned, I was a little disappointed. I joked that in a set filled with zombies, werewolves, and evey kind of Gothic undead horror imaginable, I got the "wholesome, feel good" art It worked out OK though.
Glad to hear from everyone. Here are answers to a few of the questions:
Regarding playmats - I currently offer playmats of images I've done for other games, but whether or not I can do that depends on the rights the company extends to the artist. I've made inquiries with Wizards about making them from my Magic art. If they give the OK, then as long as there's interest, I'll have them made. I know the landscape images I've done for other games have been very popular on mats. If anything comes of it, I'll be sure to post it here.
As far as creatures... I just turned in a piece of creature art for an upcoming Magic product. With any company, they offer assignments based on what they think is a good fit for each artist, so up until now it's been artifacts and landscapes. The work coming out soon includes more those subjects, but also some other things. I've done a LOT of creature and Character work for other companies, and would love to do more of that (along with everything else) for Wizards.
While I enjoy and welcome the subject matter I've been assigned, I look forward to working on all kinds of images. I don't consider myself the type of artist who only does one thing - I welcome new challenges and opportunities, particularly when I get to explore my own original concepts. Variety and imagination are the reasons I became an artist and enjoyed fantasy/sci-fi art to begin with.
Awesome! Its nice to see an artist whose done card artwork on the forums (I apologize if there are others on here, don't want to offend!)
I really like your Everflowing Chalice Promo artwork, and Darkslick Shores.
Keep it up sir! Cannot wait to see more artwork from you
Thanks a lot! The Chalice was a real pleasure to work on, and it's neat to see it in foil.
I've done a lot more cards already, many of which haven't released yet. The players usually find out when they've been revelead long before I do!
I started a thread in the sales section with a list of everything that's out. New work will be revealed in M13 and beyond. There's some neat stuff on the way.
Hmm, that's very cool. Digital art has really come a long way. So these originals you're selling aren't exactly the piece from the card then, just minus the digital enhancements?
Correct, the physical originals differ somewhat (and in varying ways/degrees) from the final digital files I send to Wizards, that appear on the cards. Nothing major for the most part, but generally they have a softer look to them with less contrast in light/dark. I've posted my new thread which has some pics of the original work if you're curious. The differences can be hard to see online and even in person unless you look very closely.
Thanks very much for the fast replies. I'll get a thread started in the sales section and see what happens.
As far as the art itself, a lot of people think it's digital, sometimes mistaking the originals for prints because the surfaces are so smooth. There is a component of digital work in the finishing, but all of the art is first drawn in Prismacolor colored pencils on smooth Bristol paper. Only some final touches are added digitially, usually things like soft effects (mist or gentle glows), color alteration, and making some things lighter and some darker. I do some cleanup that way too, and occassionally move elements of the composition or add small details like highlights. For the most part, those are all things that could be done with the pencils, but would take much longer. I've never enjoyed the process of painting much, so the pencils allow me to draw but achieve more "painterly" results.
Thanks again for the replies. I'd be glad to answer any other questions anyone has.
Hello! I'm Charles Urbach, an artist who works on Magic and other CCG's. For a while players have been suggesting I check out these forums as a way to connect with people involved in the game.
I'd like to say hello to everyone and would be glad to answer questions people might have.
I also have a question of my own. I have a number of pieces of original art that I've done for the game and wanted to let players and collectors know about them. From looking at the different forums, it seems the best place to do that is in the Market Street Sales Lot, but since I'm not selling cards for play, but am selling the actual hand drawn original art, I wanted to check in and make sure that was the right place before I posted anything.
Also, when I offer the art online, I normally list my originals on Ebay, but if I understand the rules here, I'm not allowed to link to outside auctions or sites. I have to list them here for a set price. That's no problem, but I'd like to make sure I understand how it works.
Thanks to everyone who plays the game and takes such an interest in the art. The folks I've met at Gen Con and other events around the country have been fantastic.
My schedule for signings is as follows:
Fri July 31
11am -1pm Signing at L5R HQ Gaming Hall - Bring your cards and what-not to be signed. Non L5R players are welcome to come by for signing.
3pm - 5pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Saturday Aug 1
2pm - 4pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Sunday Aug 2
11am -1pm Exhibit Hall Booth 2834
Great Northern Games in the Entrepreneur Alley
Hope to see you in a few days.
I do draw custom mats on commission however. I currently have a few waiting in my queue, but if anyone is interested, I can probably work out a production schedule for the future. A few examples of mats I've done are posted in my galleries on Facebook (in the Assorted Events 2011 album, and a few other places). Feel free to contact me by Email, PM, or Facebook if interested. Thanks!
OK now, who are you in real life?
And thanks for those emails to Mr. J. I'm very grateful for every piece he's given me, and I'd gladly do more for Magic if I could get my schedule to sync up better.
As Blackblade described, yes we do get copies of the cards. I can't speak for other artists, but I receive white backed non-playable proofs (50 is what I hear, although I've never counted mine
I pull some of my own playable cards from that product or I trade for extras at conventions and signings. I like to have some on hand for players who don't have them with them. The ones I'm offered more of in trade tend to be the commons, or less popular ones
Thanks a lot. Collective Voyage was one of the largest pieces of art I've done for any game 19" x 14". I wanted to get a lot of detail into it as well as evoke the feeling of positive companionship. I turned in an alternate version where the ladies on the rock were more like steampunk explorers than sorceress/fairies. Wizards went with the softer look, but I hope to do something (for Magic or myself) with the other idea at some point.
Darkslick has been popular from its release both in terms of the art and especially the gameplay value. I think Dual lands in general go over well, but that one in particular always seemed to be popular. I can usually tell which ones are in more demand by the number of playable cards I'm able to hold onto. Not just based on rarity but on function.
For example, I have a lot of Leyline of Punishment cards
Thanks again.
We can definitely help you out with that
LOL - truer than you know!
Thanks a lot!
Moon Heron was a lovely piece to work on, but when it was initially assigned, I was a little disappointed. I joked that in a set filled with zombies, werewolves, and evey kind of Gothic undead horror imaginable, I got the "wholesome, feel good" art
Regarding playmats - I currently offer playmats of images I've done for other games, but whether or not I can do that depends on the rights the company extends to the artist. I've made inquiries with Wizards about making them from my Magic art. If they give the OK, then as long as there's interest, I'll have them made. I know the landscape images I've done for other games have been very popular on mats. If anything comes of it, I'll be sure to post it here.
As far as creatures... I just turned in a piece of creature art for an upcoming Magic product. With any company, they offer assignments based on what they think is a good fit for each artist, so up until now it's been artifacts and landscapes. The work coming out soon includes more those subjects, but also some other things. I've done a LOT of creature and Character work for other companies, and would love to do more of that (along with everything else) for Wizards.
While I enjoy and welcome the subject matter I've been assigned, I look forward to working on all kinds of images. I don't consider myself the type of artist who only does one thing - I welcome new challenges and opportunities, particularly when I get to explore my own original concepts. Variety and imagination are the reasons I became an artist and enjoyed fantasy/sci-fi art to begin with.
Thanks for the great questions.
Thanks a lot! The Chalice was a real pleasure to work on, and it's neat to see it in foil.
I've done a lot more cards already, many of which haven't released yet. The players usually find out when they've been revelead long before I do!
I started a thread in the sales section with a list of everything that's out. New work will be revealed in M13 and beyond. There's some neat stuff on the way.
Thanks again.
Correct, the physical originals differ somewhat (and in varying ways/degrees) from the final digital files I send to Wizards, that appear on the cards. Nothing major for the most part, but generally they have a softer look to them with less contrast in light/dark. I've posted my new thread which has some pics of the original work if you're curious. The differences can be hard to see online and even in person unless you look very closely.
As far as the art itself, a lot of people think it's digital, sometimes mistaking the originals for prints because the surfaces are so smooth. There is a component of digital work in the finishing, but all of the art is first drawn in Prismacolor colored pencils on smooth Bristol paper. Only some final touches are added digitially, usually things like soft effects (mist or gentle glows), color alteration, and making some things lighter and some darker. I do some cleanup that way too, and occassionally move elements of the composition or add small details like highlights. For the most part, those are all things that could be done with the pencils, but would take much longer. I've never enjoyed the process of painting much, so the pencils allow me to draw but achieve more "painterly" results.
Thanks again for the replies. I'd be glad to answer any other questions anyone has.
I'd like to say hello to everyone and would be glad to answer questions people might have.
I also have a question of my own. I have a number of pieces of original art that I've done for the game and wanted to let players and collectors know about them. From looking at the different forums, it seems the best place to do that is in the Market Street Sales Lot, but since I'm not selling cards for play, but am selling the actual hand drawn original art, I wanted to check in and make sure that was the right place before I posted anything.
Also, when I offer the art online, I normally list my originals on Ebay, but if I understand the rules here, I'm not allowed to link to outside auctions or sites. I have to list them here for a set price. That's no problem, but I'd like to make sure I understand how it works.
Thanks to everyone who plays the game and takes such an interest in the art. The folks I've met at Gen Con and other events around the country have been fantastic.
Thanks again!