James Smolko
@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social
L.A. based illustrator & sketchbook junkie | NC → FL → CA | RCAD ’19 | My DMs open (for work, not weird stuff)
I wrote a story about a lunatic medievalist venturing into the swamps of North Carolina to hunt the legendary Beast of Bladenboro. You should check it out! sabretooth1100.itch.io/the-black-kn... #horror #cryptids #monster #shortstory #writing #author #vampire #story #book #ebook #bladenboro
HELL YEAH NEW COVER by @james_smolko_art who can be found on Instagram and Tiktok! #searats #bookcover #art #indieart #bookcoverartists #cyberpunk #gritty #grimdark #hopepunk
A book cover illustration I recently did for Sea Rats by @vigneashley.bsky.social A gang of desperate scrapper mice join a mercenary fleet hunting the badger pirate, Ruddigh the Red. Book 1 is now free Amazon. ()==[===========> #BookCover #FantasyArt #SciFiArt #Illustration #IndieAuthor
Excited to reveal the cover for Pigborne, a grimdark tale in the spirit of Redwall. The story will be released in late May as part of the Chain Story Project. Artwork by the ultra-talented James Smolko: www.jamessmolko.com
𝕻𝖎𝖌𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓𝖊 Recently wrapped up this book cover illustration for Pigborne by @thomasgrayfson.bsky.social, a grimdark tale in the spirit of Redwall. It releases this May as part of the Chain Story Project. #BookCover #FantasyArt #DarkFantasy #Illustration #IndieAuthor
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 erang.bandcamp.com #darkfantasy #pointandclick #dungeonsynth #dungeonsanddragons
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?
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 #characterdesign
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 #weirdfantasy
Betrayed. Drowned. Remembered only by the sea. Music by Erang Check out more of his stuff at erang.bandcamp.com #dungeon #grimdarkart #grimdark #medievalart #darkfantasy #illustration #swordsandsorcery #rpgart #digitalart #darkfantasyart #dungeonsanddragons #retrofantasyart #ttrpg #dnd
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
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 #illustration #art
Once more, the Little Grimoire is fed. This time, A Weakened Great Barris. Music by Erang. Check out his music at erang.bandcamp.com #darkfantasy #grimdark #characterlore #sketchbooktour #fantasystory
Another page from The Little Grimoire: Gloam, the Frog Doomsayer. Music by Erang. Check out more of his stuff at erang.bandcamp.com #darkfantasy #grimdark #characterlore #drawing #thelittlegrimoire
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
Fun fact: the reason gnomes wear pointy hats is so the rain funnels into their mouths. That's how they hydrate.
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
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
Casually thought I'd show off some of the letterings I've done over the years, some commissions, some personal, all hand drawn.
My sister just passed her pharmacy tech exam. I asked if she can get me free tylenol and she said no. Honestly, kind of a waste.
Tried to carve out some time to draw yesterday, but the knife just bent. Cheap time I guess.
Hey artist friends! Anyone here with experience designing type / hand-lettering who’s looking for a job right now? DM me!
