James Smolko

L.A. based illustrator & sketchbook junkie | NC → FL → CA | RCAD ’19 | My DMs open (for work, not weird stuff)

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

As some of you may know, I got married this weekend! Savannah Fehling and I wedded at A Little White Chapel in the high desert of Las (“The”) Vegas.

@suhfanna I cannot wait to grow old and gross with you. You’re stuck with me now, woman!

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

A book cover illustration I recently did for Sea Rats by V. Igne Ashley.

A gang of desperate scrapper mice join a mercenary fleet hunting the badger pirate, Ruddigh the Red.

Book 1 is now free Amazon.

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#BookCover #FantasyArt #SciFiArt #Illustration #IndieAuthor

[GR🜍M @grimalisk_]

brothers

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

𝕻𝖎𝖌𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓𝖊

Recently wrapped up this book cover illustration for Pigborne by Thomas Grayfson, a grimdark tale in the spirit of Redwall.

It releases this May as part of the Chain Story Project.

#BookCover #FantasyArt #DarkFantasy #Illustration #IndieAuthor

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

You’re over the AI slop era. Here’s the real dark fantasy you’ve been looking for https://t.co/FLDYTX2KDy via @YouTube

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

https://t.co/ngyUulhnAb

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

https://t.co/QjYBx2xFBn

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

For a little Halloween treat, I present this very special episode of The Little Grimoire. Enjoy!

As always, music by Erang . Find more of his dungeon synth magic at https://t.co/4Zn7vz5tf8

#darkfantasy #pointandclick #dungeonsynth #dungeonsanddragons

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Can someone who’s actually found success with their art online explain how you’re supposed to grow when the algorithm refuses to show your work to anyone?

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Recent Pages from the Little Grimoire. Been toying with the idea of turning the series into a zine or book down the line. Would any of you want to see that happen?

#fantasyart #traditionalart #illustration #darkfantasy #darkart #fantasyillustration #fantasyartist #conceptart

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

His wisdom turned venomous long ago…

#fantasyart #traditionalart #illustration #darkfantasy #darkart #fantasyillustration #fantasyartist #conceptart #characterdesign #darkfantasyart #grimdark #macabreart #occultart #gothicart #weirdfantasy

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

From my Little Grimoire series: Shalimar Malort, The Wanton She-Fish of the Underdeep.

#fantasyart #traditionalart #illustration #darkfantasy #darkart #fantasyillustration #fantasyartist #conceptart #characterdesign #darkfantasyart #grimdark #macabreart #occultart #gothicart

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Betrayed. Drowned. Remembered only by the sea. Music by Erang Check out more of his stuff at https://t.co/4Zn7vz5tf8

#dungeon #grimdarkart #grimdark #medievalart #darkfantasy #illustration #swordsandsorcery #rpgart #darkfantasyart #dungeonsanddragons #retrofantasyart #ttrpg #dnd

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Once a mighty king, he now roams as a tattered husk, his rusted diadem fused to bone, and his gaze reduced to smoldering voids. For his pact with the Veil-Serpents, he was cursed to wander the Witherlands, unburied and unending. #darkfantasyart #drawing #illustration #creepy

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

From my Little Grimoire series: Gloam the Frog Doomsayer once croaked hymns in the Marsh Chapels, but now he bellows visions of serpents and fiery skies. Some whisper he speaks with the Drowned Gods of the Fen, while others say madness alone stirs his throat. #darkfantasy #art

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Once more, the Little Grimoire is fed. This time, A Weakened Great Barris. Music by Erang. Check out his music at https://t.co/4Zn7vz5tf8 #darkfantasy #grimdark #characterlore #sketchbooktour #fantasystory

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Another page from The Little Grimoire: Gloam, the Frog Doomsayer. Music by Erang. Check out more of his stuff at https://t.co/4Zn7vz5tf8 #darkfantasy #grimdark #characterlore #drawing #thelittlegrimoire

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Jagobtin Lathberd once split men like kindling with his fire-scarred axe, until vengeance left him hollow. Now, he builds beams and coffins in silence. #grimdark #darkfantasy #characterlore #fantasystory #drawing

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

Fun fact: the reason gnomes wear pointy hats is so the rain funnels into their mouths. That's how they hydrate.

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

A tome of lives unremembered, where forgotten legends still draw breath. Comment your suggestions and I will pick one to draw. #darkfantasy #sketchbooktour #characterdesign #lore

[James Smolko @JamesSmolko]

A butcher taught me to draw fingers by laying out hot dogs in a row. Unfortunately, my drawings still smell like mustard. #hotdog #arttutorial #howtodraw #glizzy #sketch