Martina Facková
How a love for fantasy led to an art career…
The details, motion and realistic scenes and characters were something I wanted to be able to do so badly
Tell us a little about your background as an artist.
I was drawing and painting all my life in a local atelier, but art never seemed as a viable professional path. During my school years I got more and more determined to at least try to pursue my dream of being a professional artist, and I managed to get my first art job at a local outsourcing studio.
After I finished my Master’s degree the studio closed and I had to ask myself questions like, “Who even am I as an artist, what do I want to paint?” I stumbled upon Adam Duff´s online mentorship and chats with him helped me confidently paint what I loved (which was dark, dramatic fantasy illustration) and approach other educators and generally just take this art thing head on. I went to a couple Schoolism workshops, did a mentorship with Winona Nelson, I won a Muddy Colors Scholarship and went to IMC where I got to meet Lauren Panepinto, Karla Ortiz, Dan Dos Santos and other professionals from the field. After seeing my work they were all very encouraging of me submitting my portfolio to Magic: The Gathering, and in a couple of months I got my first card!
What does Magic: The Gathering mean to your art? Has this universe informed your creative choices?
From the beginning, Magic: The Gathering art has been my ultimate inspiration. The details, motion and realistic depictions of scenes and characters were something I wanted to be able to do so badly.
Are there any artists who have worked on Magic: The Gathering who have inspired you?
Oh gosh, so many! But my biggest influences from Magic: The Gathering must be Piotr Jablonski, Karla Ortiz and Cynthia Sheppard.
Tell us a bit about your process. Are you traditional or digital? How do you approach a new piece? What tools do you use?
I do all my new work digitally. My process is quite straightforward. After receiving the brief I fantasise about the scene, I look for design inspiration on Pinterest, in movies, in nature and wherever I can. I pose myself in front of the mirror, I try out different lighting options and I sketch a couple ideas. After one sketch is approved I gather as much reference material as possible and slowly render out the piece until I’m satisfied with it.
What about the Dominaria expansion excites you as an artist?
Dominaria is a classic high fantasy setting, which in many ways reminds me of my own country and places I grew up in. Old castles with mouldy smell and rich history, green plains, dark forests and snowy mountains with knights on horses are all things very close to my heart and served as an inspiration for my work from when I was just a kid with crayons. It’s unbelievably satisfying to be able to paint these things for a living.
How do you feel about being part of such an extensive universe with such a large and loyal following?
I definitely feel very grateful. Having so many eyes on my work keeps me determined to make each new piece my next masterpiece.