, our aim is to have every card tell a story, brought to life through the hand-painted illustrations of some of the world's most talented traditional artists.

One standout example of this approach is 

 set, a stunning piece that captures the transformation of a young squire, masterfully illustrated by 

Today, Lindsey shares her insights into the creative process behind this compelling illustration, one of many unforgettable pieces waiting to be discovered in the Contested Realm.

A Creative Process Rooted in Storytelling

For Lindsey, every illustration begins with research. “The more I research, the more meaningful details I can put into a piece,” she explains. Her approach to 

 was no different, pulling inspiration from historical references, books, and popular media. Originally titled, 

, searching for a way to capture the emotional weight of the moment, she found herself thinking of the young, knock-kneed Arthur from Disney’s 

“I imagined a squire that was watching an assault on his beloved mentor, who was only just too far away to help. Finding his mentor where he was struck down, he picks up his helmet. His vow to take up the knight’s mantle and avenge him is solidified in that moment.”

Lindsey's creative process starts with thumbnail sketches, usually with pencil and paper, though sometimes she paints them. She's also been known to incorporate modern tools like 3D sculpting or even going so far as to stage elaborate photography scenes with models and props. Each technique offers a unique perspective, and Lindsey’s skillset affords her the ability to adapt her approach for each new challenge.

After finalizing the concept and receiving feedback from Erik Olofsson, 

 founder and creative director, Lindsey refines her idea into a digital mockup. This serves as a blueprint for her final oil painting, where her skill and craftsmanship truly shine.


 comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when working with a vertical composition.  “It can be hard sometimes getting the vertical composition to work well,” Lindsey notes. While 

 Atlas cards provide ample space in their landscape format, 

is a Spellcard, requiring her to convey the emotional impact of the scene with a narrower frame. “Something needed to be avenged, and in this case, I want to hint at the fallen knight while bringing the main focus of the piece on the young squire, or heir," she explains.

But how to include both the fallen knight and the young heir without the composition losing its focus? Lindsey’s solution was to use a tree to frame the scene, guiding the viewer’s eye upward. “I think we all subconsciously store imagery in our heads from our favorite books and movies,” she reflects. For her, that meant challenging echoes of Boromir’s dramatic farewell in 

, we're honored to have artists of Lindsey's caliber shaping 

.  Join us in celebrating our artists  in the 

To discover more about the incredible talent behind 

, explore our full roster of artists on the 

Artist Spotlight: Lindsey Crummett and the Making of Vengeful Heir

Shadows stir, and something is brewing in the darkness of the realm.

Today we welcome one of the newest additions to the 

 roster, a talented traditional artist helping to bring our upcoming set 

 A master of mood and atmosphere, Pedro’s work reinforces Gothic’s brooding spirit, yet his range allows for moments of wonder and whimsy.

A traditional illustrator based in Porto, Portugal, Pedro’s artistic passion took root in childhood. “I was a timid child,” he reflects, but his imagination soared through the pages of 

 and he found escape in fairy tales like 

 by Hans Christian Anderson. It was that story specifically which introduced him to the enchanting work of Edmund Dulac; a discovery that was pivotal in nurturing his creative spirit and set him on his artistic path.

Crafting Mood and Mystery Through Tradition

Pedro’s artistic style fuses the expressive equalities of neo-impressionism with a passion for storytelling. Drawing inspiration from masters like Rembrandt and Velázquez, as well as iconic Japanese illustrators from the ‘80s and ‘90s, including Jun Suemi and Ayami Kojima, Pedro’s goal is to create works that stir emotion and atmosphere, embracing the power of suggestion over explicit detail. As he puts it, “Art ought to imply and suggest, rather than describe in a literal manner I want to add enough, just so that the viewer ‘gets it,’ but can also fill in the blanks.”

evolving tapestry, evoking both shadow and splendor. Take for example, his debut piece: “Gift of the Frog” - a nod to the community’s beloved frog-themed cards. A fitting first reveal - after all you can’t show up to a party empty-handed!


From thumbnail to final card, Pedro’s “Gift of the Frog.” Please note: Gothic is still in active development, card image is not final.

 began with an unexpected connection. While designing the album cover for 

, he met the album’s producer, a passionate 

fan, who urged him to share his portfolio with the Erik’s Curiosa team. When 

 founder Erik Olofsson reviewed Pedro’s work, he instantly recognized his talent. The timing was serendipitous: Pedro had recently transitioned from digital art to fully embracing traditional painting, perfectly aligning with 

Connect with Pedro and the Sorcery Community (and Stay Tuned!)

We’re thrilled to have Pedro’s artistry help shape the world of 

for more exclusive sneak peeks, artist spotlights, and gameplay reveals.

Welcome to the realm, Pedro. We can’t wait to see your creations unfold!

Welcome to Sorcery, Pedro G. Ferreira!

For veterans of trading card games, the thrill of building a complete collection of cards is a familiar and exhilarating journey. However, as your collection grows through trades and acquisitions, it can quickly become a daunting task to keep track of which cards you already possess.

But fear not! We have an exciting solution that combines the convenience of modern technology with a touch of old-school charm. Introducing the latest feature from Curiosa.io—a printable PDF Alpha Sorcery: Contested Realm collection checklist!

, the printable PDF collection tracker is now available for Sorcery: Contested Realm enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the 

Track Your Collection with the New Printable PDF Collection Checklist!

Track Your Collection

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Artist Spotlight: Lindsey Crummett and the Making of Vengeful Heir

Welcome to Sorcery, Pedro G. Ferreira!