Erik’s Curiosa is excited to welcome Jeffrey Laubenstein, a legendary artist with a storied career in the fantasy gaming industry, to the ranks of Sorcery: Contested Realm. Jeffrey brings a wealth of artistry to our upcoming Arthurian Legends set, marking a significant addition to Sorcery's already renowned gathering of artists.
Jeff’s journey into the world of fantasy gaming began in the mid-1980s, where he quickly established himself as a pivotal figure, working with esteemed companies like FASA, White Wolf, and Wizards of the Coast. His role as the art director of the Earthdawn project and his illustrations for the early Shadowrun game books not only defined the visual style of these games but also brought countless characters to life, particularly through his memorable NPC portraits.
Now, with the addition of his work in Arthurian Legends, Jeff's talents grace the world of Sorcery: Contested Realm. His recently revealed piece, Weightless Squire, exemplifies his ability to blend whimsy with depth.
“The Weightless Squire was a pleasure to paint,” Jeff shares. “It’s a lovely idea. I thought the notion of a helpful squire—off to assist his liege in battle or in tournament jousting—would want to be swift in his aid. Being joined by a gang of fairies, his burden is lightened and made all the more expedient. I hope his smile is reflected in the players as he flies off to get the job done.”
Jeff's artistic process for Weightless Squire was deeply rooted in nostalgia, reminiscent of the early CCGs that first captivated him. “As with CCGs of the past, Sorcery gave a quick prompt and allowed me, as the artist, to explore and bring the narrative sense to the scene. I thoroughly enjoyed making the illustration and hope the nostalgia I felt for early CCGs comes through in the playfulness of the art,” he explains.
Jeff’s enthusiasm for joining the Sorcery community is palpable. “I am very happy to be a part of Sorcery, and I look forward to creating more pieces for the ongoing Realm.”
Join us in giving Jeff a hearty welcome to the Sorcery community, we’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait to share more of his contributions.
You can find out more about Jeffrey Laubenstein and our Sorcery artists here.