Portfolios Reviews at MagicCon: Las Vegas

While we know everyone is excited to play some games and crack some packs at MagicCon: Las Vegas, did you also know attending MagicCon might help advance your artistic career! Portfolio reviews are available to aspiring artists looking to break out into the world of Magic art! This is a fantastic opportunity to get professional feedback on your portfolio from some of Wizards of the Coast’s own Art Directors and learn how you can up your artistic game.  

Don’t just take our word for it though. Magic Art Directors Deborah Garcia, Jameela Wahlgren, and Sarah Wassell - some of the lovely individuals you can meet at the portfolio review booth - took some time to answer a few burning questions you might have about how they got their start in Magic art, and why you should take the time to apply for a portfolio review today!

1. What was your first step into the world of Magic art?

Deborah Garcia: I first saw the art of Magic in college in 2012, when a friend who was a fervent player let me look through his cards. I was familiar with the art of D&D, and I had not realized that there were some overlap of artists and that there was a place for so much fantasy art outside of video games. 

Jameela Wahlgren: When I was really young my big brother played Magic, and I would sit under the table and look through his card binders. I stumbled upon the card Graxiplon and couldn’t stop thinking about what this incredible world was that had creatures like that! 

Sarah Wassell: As a graphic designer on the packaging team. 

2. Why should people come to portfolio review? 

Deborah Garcia: Portfolio reviews are a wonderful opportunity to get feedback on the current state of your portfolio. Reviewers who are professionals in the field use their expertise to share industry information about furthering the reviewee’s skillset to reach their goals, point out areas where the artist can or need improve, and offer guidance in a professional capacity, such as answering questions the reviewee may have about process or the kind of work they want to get into. 

Jameela Wahlgren: If they want an extra set of eyes on their work to point out strengths and weaknesses, if they want to hear suggestions for what to improve, or ask process/industry questions to a Magic AD.

Sarah Wassell: To get professional art director’s feedback on their style, execution, what to work on—or even, what to disagree about, which shows what you want to fight for in your art.

3. What do you look for when doing reviews? 

Deborah Garcia: What I mainly look for is cohesiveness as a whole. A portfolio should reflect the work that a candidate wants to do, and not everything that they can do. If they want to paint a Magic card, I want to see a capacity for making art that we ourselves would commission. Examples of dynamic fantasy compositions, character, creature, item or environment work is a huge plus. A candidate does not need to show that they can do everything, but they should show me what they do best.

Jameela Wahlgren: Polish. It sounds vague but with so many amazing artists out there to ADs need to be really picky about choosing who to work with. A portfolio should be free from anything that would make an AD move on to someone else. Perspective, anatomy, edge variety should all be excellent. Ability to paint multiple body types, faces, surface textures and magical effects are all important. Polish also applies to more stylized art but with those portfolios I’m looking for excellent craftsmanship, creative compositions, beautiful color palettes and style consistency rather than technical skills like anatomy and perspective.

Sarah Wassell: Range. Variety. Style swings. Passionate interests.

4. What’s the best advice you can give for artists trying to be recognized? 

Deborah Garcia: Show up to conventions and artist alleys and make connections. Attend the art courses offered by working artists in the industry. Many working artists who are already established kindly offer their expertise and experience in helping teach and uplift other artists in the industry. And of course, submit your portfolio! Be open to critique and making changes and improvements. Show that you can expertly do the work that you want to be making. 

Jameela Wahlgren: Balance your time and effort between improving your skills and making yourself visible. If you’re highly visible online but your skills aren’t there yet it won’t help you get work. If you spend all your time practicing and honing your skills but never post what you make online, no one will be able to find you. So have a functional portfolio page or website that shows only your strongest pieces, have your email listed in multiple places (please don’t use a contact form) and keep working on your skills whenever you have the opportunity, making sure to create the kind of art that you want to get hired for.

Sarah Wassell: Post your work in multiple places. Don’t be afraid to try different art styles. Commune with other artists. 

5. Favorite piece of Magic card art?

Deborah Garcia: That’s easy! Kindred Discovery by Vincent Christiaens, which is in Commander Legends: Baldur’s Gate. I still remember the feeling of delight and elation when he submitted his final. Beautiful execution, incredible detail, utterly charming!

Jameela Wahlgren: I don’t know if I can pick one favorite, but I do spend a LOT of time thinking about Omar Rayyan’s cards.

Sarah Wassell: In the set that I’m commissioning! Which is still secret. Surgical Extraction by Steven Belledin, Sengir “Tom Waits” Vampire by Kev Walker, WOE Enchanted Tales, Garna by Benjamin Ee.

Portfolio review applications close Monday, September 2nd at 11:59 PM PST, so make sure to submit today and make the most out of your MagicCon experience!