Fantasy Illustration: Designing Art for RPG & CCG Cards

Q: Week 1: Introduction to Fantasy Card Illustration & Visual Development

Learn the foundations of designing fantasy card art for CCGs and tabletop RPGs. Raymond breaks down how professional illustrators interpret a creative brief, identify narrative goals, and begin sketching visual ideas. Students explore reference gathering, worldbuilding, and composition planning to set up a compelling card concept.

Design collectable and playable cards for tabletop games and more.

Taught by Raymond Bonilla

A vibrant artwork showcase featuring contemporary and abstract paintings at Visual Arts Passage art gallery.

Live & Online

Beautiful red heart symbol representing love and emotion.

Interactive

Sand hourglass timer with flowing sand in a glass and wood frame.

4 Weeks

All Skills

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Learn how to create professional card art for fantasy, tabletop, and CCG games.

In this 4-week online workshop, acclaimed illustrator Raymond Bonilla guides you through the full process of designing and painting a collectible fantasy card—from interpreting a creative brief to completing a polished final illustration.

You’ll learn to visualize characters, build dynamic compositions, and use light and mood to tell powerful stories within a small frame. By the end, you’ll finish a portfolio-ready piece of card art and gain the professional skills needed to work in fantasy illustration, game art, and narrative painting.

Week 1: Introduction to Fantasy Card Illustration & Visual Development

Learn the foundations of designing fantasy card art for CCGs and tabletop RPGs. Raymond breaks down how professional illustrators interpret a creative brief, identify narrative goals, and begin sketching visual ideas. Students explore reference gathering, worldbuilding, and composition planning to set up a compelling card concept.

Week 2: Composing Dynamic Scenes for Tabletop & CCG Art

Focus on building visual impact within a small frame. This week covers storytelling through composition, gesture, and value structure. You’ll study how to lead the viewer’s eye, balance clarity and drama, and stage characters or environments for collectible card illustration.

Week 3: Painting Techniques for Fantasy & RPG Illustration

Move from sketch to finished painting using Raymond’s professional workflow. Lessons include lighting, color harmony, brush economy, and texture. Students see how to translate traditional painting methods into digital tools—or vice versa—to achieve painterly realism in fantasy card art.

Week 4: Final Rendering, Polish, and Professional Presentation

Bring your illustration to completion and prepare it for a professional portfolio. Raymond demonstrates how to refine edges, enhance atmosphere, and finalize details for fantasy and tabletop game art. You’ll learn how to present your work to art directors, build a cohesive portfolio section for CCG or RPG publishers, and showcase your piece effectively online.

Course Dates
Nov. 11 – Dec. 9, 2025

Course Time
Tuesday, 4:30-6:30pm PT (7:30-9:30pm ET)

Group Critique Time (optional)
Weds, 5-7pm PT (8-10pm ET)

Flexible Attendance
Recordings of all classes are posted next day.

Mediums
Digital or Traditional

Price
$279

Enroll

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn about fantasy card illustration and tabletop game art in this workshop?

You’ll learn how to design and illustrate professional card art for fantasy, CCG, and tabletop RPG games. The workshop covers concept development, composition, storytelling, and painting techniques that help you create production-ready artwork for card-based worlds and characters.

Who is this fantasy illustration course designed for?

This course is perfect for illustrators, concept artists, and painters who want to expand into card-based fantasy worlds or tabletop gaming projects. Whether you’re building a portfolio or learning industry standards, you’ll gain skills that apply directly to professional fantasy and game art.

What skill level is required to take this CCG art workshop?

Intermediate to advanced artists will benefit most from this course, but motivated beginners are welcome. The focus is on professional workflows, so a basic understanding of drawing, painting, or digital art will help you make the most of the lessons.

What kind of assignments will I complete for this fantasy card art class?

You’ll complete one major project—a finished fantasy card illustration built from concept sketches through to the final rendered artwork. Assignments mirror real-world briefs from tabletop and card game publishers, giving you valuable portfolio material.

Will I receive feedback on my CCG or RPG illustrations?

Yes. Students receive direct, personalized feedback from Raymond Bonilla during live sessions. Each critique is designed to help you strengthen composition, lighting, and narrative choices within your card art.

What materials or software do I need for the tabletop illustration workshop?

You can work digitally or traditionally. Most students use Adobe Photoshop or Procreate, but traditional painters are encouraged to use oil, acrylic, or gouache—whichever medium best suits your fantasy art style.

How does this course help me build a career in fantasy or tabletop game illustration?

You’ll learn professional practices for illustrating card art for the tabletop and fantasy publishing industries, including how to interpret briefs, present your work, and connect your portfolio to the types of art directors and studios commissioning this kind of work.

Will the live sessions be recorded?

Yes. Every live class is recorded and made available to students for replay. You’ll have access to all demos, critiques, and lectures, so you can review lessons and techniques anytime during the workshop.

Award-Winning Illustrator for Magic: The Gathering and Wizards of the Coast

Raymond Bonilla is an award-winning illustrator and fine artist based in Buffalo, New York, best known for his work with Magic: The Gathering and Wizards of the Coast. His paintings for Magic capture rich atmosphere, realism, and narrative depth, bringing the game’s worlds and characters to life with cinematic clarity.

Beyond his contributions to Magic: The Gathering, Bonilla’s illustration and fine art have earned Gold Medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York and Los Angeles, features in Communication Arts, and exhibitions at Abend Gallery, Principle Gallery, and Meibohm Fine Arts. His work is collected nationwide and celebrated for its mastery of light, tone, and storytelling.