Welcome to the next installment of our blog series, where we explore the vibrant world of Magic’s original artists. Last weekend, at MagicCon Amsterdam, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Poole, a legendary artist whose work has defined many of my favorite Magic: The Gathering cards.
As he signed multiple high-end cards from my Machine Head deck, as well as classic staples in my collection, like Counterspell and Mana Drain, we had a delightful conversation. He joked about how he still gets nervous signing mint high-end cards like mine, worried that his pen might splurt ink or that someone accidentally bumps the table. He’s always relieved when the signature turns out okay.
To mitigate this, he usually starts with one of the cheaper cards to check the ink and then moves to the most expensive, working his way down to the cheapest. It makes sense, and it’s a thoughtful approach. Mark was incredibly kind and really took his time with each signature. I also bought an 8.5×11 inch art print of Library of Alexandria, a stunning piece that I’m thrilled to add to my collection.
Mark Poole’s Artistic Journey
Born on August 31, 1963, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Poole demonstrated an early affinity for art, often drawing and painting from a young age. His passion for the visual arts led him to pursue a formal education in the field, and he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina. With a strong foundation in classical techniques and a keen interest in fantasy themes, Poole was well-prepared for the unique challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
Poole’s journey into the world of Magic: The Gathering began in the early 1990s. At the time, Wizards of the Coast was an emerging company, and they were on the lookout for new talented artists to help bring their ambitious new card game to life. Poole, with his distinct style and imaginative approach, was an ideal candidate. He was among the first group of artists commissioned to create the initial set of cards for what would become a groundbreaking game in the world of tabletop gaming.
The Beginning
Poole’s debut in the world of Magic came with Alpha in 1993, where he illustrated iconic cards such as Ancestral Recall, Island, and, of course, the ever-popular Counterspell. His work is characterized by a classic fantasy style that captures the imagination and transports players to the mystical world of Magic. Poole’s illustrations often feature detailed landscapes and evocative scenes, setting the tone for the the game.
One of the unique aspects of working on Magic in its early days was the freedom and creativity allowed by the game’s art director, Jesper Myrfors. The guidance given to artists was often loose, encouraging them to explore and express their artistic visions. This environment suited Poole, who thrived on the opportunity to create immersive and imaginative worlds within the small frame of a card.
Magic and Beyond!
When Magic: The Gathering was released, it became an instant hit, far exceeding the expectations of its creators and artists. For Poole, this success opened the doors to a prolific career in fantasy art. His work on Magic quickly established him as a sought-after artist, not only within the realm of card games but also in other areas of fantasy and science fiction illustration. Over the years, Poole contributed to numerous Magic sets, including Legends, The Dark, Ice Age, Alliances, and many others. His ability to consistently produce high-quality artwork that resonated with players made him a mainstay in the Magic community.
Despite the label of “card artist,” Poole has embraced his role in the gaming world, continually contributing stunning artwork that captivates and inspires players. Beyond Magic, Poole has worked on various other projects, including illustrations for other card games, book covers, and even video games at Blizzard Entertainment. His versatility as an artist and his dedication to his craft have allowed him to build a diverse and impressive portfolio.
The Edge-Man Artwork Hall of Fame
Within the realm of Magic, there exists a collection of artworks that hold a special place in the hearts of players and artists alike. Throughout this series, we’ll establish “The Edge-Man Artwork Hall of Fame” to pay tribute to the contributions of each original artist. It’s crucial to recognize the context of their early endeavors, particularly during the creation of the inaugural set. At that time, the game’s potential remained uncertain, prompting a cautious approach characterized by careful resource management. Despite the constraints, certain pieces evoke a sense of nostalgia, akin to revisiting old friends, art that is worthy of induction into The Hall of Fame.
Induction into the hall of fame requires artists to have their artwork printed on Magic cards by the end of 1994. The Edge-Man will carefully select one card from each artist’s body of work as his personal favorite, while the artist will likewise choose their own favorite. Consequently, every artist will have two cards inducted into the Hall of Fame, immortalizing their impact on the Magic community.
Poole’s Favorite Artwork
Among his extensive portfolio, Poole has a particular fondness for illustrating lands and mystical creatures. One of his favorite projects is the Legends set, where he had the opportunity to create several memorable pieces. His artistic style leans towards realism with a touch of fantasy, creating immersive environments that players can almost step into.
Among the myriad cards, one holds a particularly strong connection for Poole: Birds of Paradise. This card not only features a stunning depiction of a vibrant bird amidst lush foliage but also represents Poole’s artistic achievements within Magic at the time. Its intricate details and evocative atmosphere make it a standout piece in his collection.
Fun fact: the original art for Birds of Paradise was designed for Tropical Island. Myrfors felt the bird was to prominant in the foreground but he loved the artwork, so rathar than reject the art outright, Richard Garfield designed Birds of Paradise to fit the art and included it in the set.
The Edge-Man’s Favorite Poole Artwork
Poole boasts a plethora of iconic cards to choose from: Ancestral Recall, Balance, Birds of Paradise, and more, all of which have cemented their status as Old School staples. Ultimately, I believe Library of Alexandria stands out as my favorite Poole artwork. It features a scene that invites the viewer into a world of knowledge and mystery, adorned with Poole’s distinctive attention to detail and color palette. There’s just something about it that resonates with me.
The inductees into The Edge-Man Artwork Hall of Fame for Mark Poole are Birds of Paradise and Library of Alexandria. Do you concur with these selections, and which artist would you prefer to see highlighted in the next installment of the “Gathering of Artists” blog?
The Edge-Man 
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