Sign in

Ben Maier

@benmaier.bsky.social
1.7K followers 425 following 256 posts

🦄 Fantasy Illustrator: Book Covers, Magic the Gathering 🦉Concept artist : Characters, Props ✨Teacher: 2D Game Art, Illustration 🌍 www.artstation.com/benmaier ✉️ ben.maier@gmx.eu 🎨 Human Art 🏳️‍⚧️ He/Him 😍 RPGs and traveling

PostsRepliesMedia
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Illustration of a witch's familiar: Elwin, the toad - in his human form #dasschwarzeauge #commissionsopen #privatecommission Commissions open for 2026: DM or e-mail ben.maier@gmx.eu 2/3 slots available.
Digital painting of a shirtless man with shoulder-length blond hair, short beard, standing waist-deep in a lily pond. He is cupping water in his hands. A toad sitting on a rock and a woman with bare legs watching from behind.Illustration with commission info. Portrait 300€, Fullbody 800€, quick sketches: ask for prices. Close-Up of the man's hands with water dripping down. Close-up of the man's face and upper chest. Closed Eyes and soft lighting.
131
Reposted by Ben Maier
Adam Barker @satansmasque.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hey #PortfolioDay I'm Adam, illustrator & concept artist, and here's some of my art :) If you'd like some of your own you can get in touch at: adamrobertbarker@gmail.com If you'd like to see my portfolio and the other places I frequent: adambarkerartwork.carrd.co Cheers :)
226366
Reposted by Ben Maier
Esgalor🍊🌿 @esgalor.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hi #PortfolioDay 🩸 I'm Esther, a Concept Artist and Illustrator from Andalusia, currently working in the videogame industry. Fantasy and colorful characters and creatures are my thing! I'd love to work on TTRPGs some day. esgalorcontact@gmail.com www.artstation.com/esgalor
724591
Reposted by Ben Maier
Quintin Gleim @quintingleimart.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hiii #portfolioday! I’m Quintin, I’m a fantasy illustrator, professor, and art director— currently spending most of my time painting for Magic: the Gathering and really neat book projects! 🖤
1139492
Reposted by Ben Maier
M.E. Morgan @morlevart.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
reposting an old portfolio day post for today 🖤
13612
Reposted by Ben Maier
Nele Klumpe @neleklumpe.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
It's #PortfolioDay again? Here we go! I'm Nele, Fantasy Illustrator and Art Director from Germany. 📨 nele.klumpe@gmx.de ⚔️ artstation.com/neleklumpe
26023
Reposted by Ben Maier
Spiridon @spiridude.com · 14/04/2026
Happy #portfolioday! My name is Spiridon, and I make books, preferably with lots of art in them 🤘❤️
23115
Reposted by Ben Maier
Runa I. Rosenberger @larvl.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hello #PortfolioDay! It feels a little strange to upload these works, since I have a lot of new paintings under NDA which I wish I could show. Thanks to everyone! I'm not good with social media but really appreciate the love my art gets from you every time I stumble in with a new painting ❤️
26625
Reposted by Ben Maier
Isa Art and Illustration @isaillustration.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hi #PortfolioDay ! My name is Isa, and I am a German illustrator who works with Magic The Gathering, book publishers, and various other commercial clients. Open for commissions 2026! Isabeau.Backhaus@outlook.de isabeaubackhausillustration.de
8281104
Reposted by Ben Maier
🌿viktor aleksander🌿🩸devil's minion pilled🩸 @nooskadraws.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
good morning #portfolioday! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 i'm viktor, a trans gay illustrator, looking for work in books, fantasy book boxes, ttrpgs, and comics. historical fiction, fashion, & fantasy is my cup of tea ✨🌿🌸🍵 ✉️ alex_dingley@hotmail.co.uk 🖼️ www.nooska-art.com 🛒 nooskaart.etsy.com ☕ ko-fi.com/nooska [ #art ]
A digital illustration of a scene from AV Wilkes' 'All the White Spaces'. Jonathan, a trans man and the protagonist, stands in the centre, facing the viewer. He stares ahead in horror, his right hand clutching his throat. From his left eye, strands of bleeding red aurora stretch outwards. These auroras show visions of Jonathan's brothers on the Western Front of the First World War:
- A moustached officer smokes a cigarette in a trench, looking away.
- A soldier is twisted in the remains of barbed wire.
- Three soldiers wear gas masks, emerging from clouds of mustard gas.
- No Man's Land exploded to all hell. A tank is submerged in a shell hole in the distance.
- A skull pressed into the earth.
- A soldier holds a rifle and makes his way across the strait of No Man's Land.Two portrait aligned digital illustrations of book covers.
Left: An illustration of Afaeran and King Galdor from the webcomic Wundor. They stand in the centre, facing each other. They are bordered by Ancient Greek inspired white columns and an arch above them. The columns are covered with grapevines, vine leaves, and hanging purple grapes. Afaerun is an oche skinned elf with flowing light pink-white hair, and wears a curved silver and ruby tiara, he smiles as he looks at King Galdor. King Galdor is a purple skinned monarch with a single white horn growing from his head. He has flowing dark purple hair, and wears a red leaf laurel. He holds Afaerun's cheek in a romantic embrace.  
Right: The cover for the book The Need for Dandelions by Alex Larkspur. 
Two men stand back to back surrounded by depictions of dandelions. The man angled to the front is Galen. He has tan skin, red hair, and hazel eyes. A large portion of his face is covered by a burn scar. He wears a yellow tunic and brown pants, along with a pink flower pendant. He lifts up one hand, and looks concerned. The other man, facing towards the back but looks over his shoulder, is Sasha. He has light brown hair, dark brown eyes, and stubble. He is wearing leather armor and green shirt and pants. He is holding a sword. 2 different portrait illustrations side by side.
Left: Alder is a green skinned eladrin elf paladin. He stands nude in a forest. He wears a gold crown of laurels on his head. He looks down at the ground. He holds a sword in one hand, and a sprig of alder branch in the other, he has a shield attached to one arm. He is surrounded by green trees and yellow flowers. 
Right: A digital illustration inspired by the pairing Hansry (Hans Capon and Henry of Skalitz from the game series Kingdom Come Deliverance). The illustration is influenced by a scene in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. It is separated into 3 panels. 
Panel 1: Hans Capon looks behind him in quiet shock at his bodyguard Henry.
Panel 2: Henry has touched Hans' ungloved hand with his gauntleted one in a gentle hold. The panel is surrounded by blooming flowers: herbs and plants that Henry can forage on his journey. Marigold, St John's Wort, Valerian, Sage, Chamomile, and Dandelion.
Panel 3: Henry meets Hans' eyes with an unreadable expression. He quietly yearns beneath it. A digital illustration of a purple, green, and grey-blue themed bookshelf.  The book shelf is filled with old tomes, Victorian inspired knick-knacks such as keys, teacups, candles, and a flask of a potion. On one of the shelves there is a framed picture of an anatomical human heart, along with a skull resting on a stack of books. On another shelf, there is a bust of Diana the Greek goddess.
2377143
Reposted by Ben Maier
Kristina Gehrmann @kristinagehrmann.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hi #PortfolioDay! I’m an illustrator with a focus on fantasy, history & narrative illustration. I want to illustrate more book covers with beautiful badass characters 🙏 🌎 www.kristinagehrmann.com 📩 info@kristinagehrmann.com
A young woman in 15th century inspired black plate armor, looking wistfully and holding a longsword that has a magical golden light emanating from it. Behind her is a rich colorful tapestry with late Medieval motifs that's interwoven with gold thread.Achilles and Patroclos, standing next to each other in front of a raging fire. Achilles is outfitted for battle and looks wistfully into the distance, while Patroclos ties some laces of his armor, also looking sad. Behind them and above there's the mosaic of a warrior in his chariot.Illustration of a knight or paladin or swordfighter in chainmail and cloak, drawing her sword, stepping over a water surface towards the viewer. Behind her, a flock of swans rises up into the sky.
10538182
Reposted by Ben Maier
𝕵𝖎𝖒𝖒𝖞 𝕸𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖕𝖊𝖆𝖈𝖊 @jimmymakepeace.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hello #portfolioday My name is Jimmy Makepeace, I'm an illustrator and sometimes animator based in Bristol UK, I'm looking for more work this year so if you'd like to work together get in touch at: Jimmymakepeaceillustration@gmail.com
A dragon swoops over a blasted landscape, its rider prepares to shoot an arrow from the dragons back.Two women stand ready to fight in a mysterious combined landscape of ruins and alien flora, lit in a violet light.A knight stands holding a mace, they are wearing a filthy cape and have a lantern filled with worms, their hounskull is crowned with a pair of antlers.A barbarian stands atop a staircase wielding a large sword, he is surrounded by skeletons who seem to wish him harm. All are bathed in a scarlet light.
6772228
Reposted by Ben Maier
ToiVarg @toivarg.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
#PortfolioDay
201396375
Reposted by Ben Maier
Madeleine Fjäll @madeleinefjall.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hey #PortfolioDay! I'm Madeleine, an illustrator and concept artist from Sweden. I love to paint anything historical and fantasy with pretty light. Would love to make more book covers!✨ 🌐 madeleinefjall.com ✉️ madeleinefjallart@gmail.com
La belle dame sans merci by Frank Bernard Dicksee version of Hans and Henry from Kingdom Come DeliveranceTwo images next to each other. To the left is an image of my VTM character Ellair, holding himself in anguish with glowing yellow eyes, as his sire's hands try to grasp him from above. To the right is an image of Lucia, with candles in her hair and in her hands, her eyes glowing.A pale changeling sitting in water in the deep dark green forestImage of my characters Ulvar (left) and Niketas (right) looking into each other's eyes in a swedish lake in the early morning. There are reeds, water lilies, a rock and two dragon flies in the foreground.
14961291
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
#Moin #PortfolioDay, I'm a fantasy illustrator and concept artist based in Hamburg. I specialize in characters, book cover, and trading card art. You might know my work from Magic: The Gathering or Das Schwarze Auge. ✨ Open for new projects. 🎨 🌍 www.artstation.com/benmaier ✉️ ben.maier@gmx.eu
Magic the Gathering Artwork 'Eccentric Arachnologist' Batcave influenced Strixhaven Professor with south asian feature and green violett pink dark fantasy clothes weaving a magic spell in green VFX to enlarge a spider on his hand. The students look shocked.Book Cover Illustration in the world of Das Schwarze Auge. An Achmad'Sunni is looking to the viewer with a torch in her hand. Behind her is a heavy armoured byzantine looking dwarf and lizard folk mage, looking at ancient ruins of a long forgotten temple. Deep in the swamps behind a huge ancient temple complex with a serpent lurking in the shadows.A digital painting in the style of old master. A still life painting with textured, heavy paintstrokes of a human skull in yellow tinted light. The image is called Vanitas.Portrait painting of a fantasy medicus or doctor. Brown, short hair, beard, expensive and elegant clothes. He is looking at a glass sphere with ice crystals and cubes inside. It is night time, a window shows blue light. Candles in warm colors. A table with notes. A signet ring on his left pinky.
17722
Reposted by Ben Maier
Elif Siebenpfeiffer @elif7.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Hey hey #PortfolioDay! I'm Elif, I'm a freelance illustrator from Germany working on games and books in the fantasy realm and teaching students. I love everything dark and try to always include some interesting storytelling in my work! 🌎 elifsiebenpfeiffer.de ✉️ info@elifsiebenpfeiffer.de
A dancing couple framed by red flowing fabric in blue and red light dressed in a formal way with hinted dancers all around them. The woman holds a claw over the man's head while the man holds a stake to her back. Illustration of an armored priest and a large armored lioness walking down stairs in front of a large cathedral and fantasy city in sunrise with large yellow cloudsa fantasy illustration of a healer working golden glowing magic on a wounded fighter on a misty battlefield surrounded by fallen warriors.An illustration of smoke forming a glowing skull emerging from a book in which a hand is writing magical glowing symbols
13356127
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
#Coverillustration for #DSA5 Mysterien der Echsensümpfe, UlissesSpiele 2024 Three adventurers exploring ancient ruins in the swamps of #Selem. An #Achmad'sunni, an #Achaz mage, and a #dwarf. A typical adventurer party in such a place. Mist, silence, and something dark lurking in the past.
An adventurer party of an Achmad'sunni, a dwarf in ancient armor and an Achaz mage are discovering an old lizardmen temple in the midst of a a misty swamp. There is a huge temple structure in the back of the image with, maybe, something that might be a hundreds meters long living serpent. The Achaz mage and the dwarf in ancient armor are looking at a lizardmen shrine and trying to understand the meaning. The Achaz is casting a light spell. A close up of the Achmad'sunni woman with turban and serpent eyes. She is holding a torch and is ready to protect her fellow adventurers.
191
Reposted by Ben Maier
Zara Alfonso Illustration @zaraalfonso.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
My newest card Dualcaster Mage for The Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Special Guests! 🖤 AD: Jameela Wahlgren & Sarah Wassell The original oil painting has been sold to a generous private offer. Prints are available & the sketch will be looking for a home soon 😊 #art #mtgsos #oilpainting
Zara Alfonso's oil painting of the official card illustration for “Dualcaster Mage” for Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Special Guests.
9730131
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
What a beautiful project! Only 20h to go.
020
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
I kinda reactivated my Insta. www.instagram.com/benmaierart/ I'll post some of that stuff here, too.
000
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
#stilllife on Desk Yesterday I showed my students how to plan and paint a #digital still life. #Painting from life is probably the best way to understand light and materials.
2150
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
🍂 It's that time of year again... autumn, spooky themes and dressing up! This started as a class demo - me as a #LastofUs character. Main inspiration: www.artstation.com/richard_lyons Do you have spooky self-portraits too? Feel free to share them 🦇 #DigitalArt #SpookySeason #ArtDemo #SelfPortrait
1141
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Some studies from this week end. With the still lives I focussed on work flow: they were done rather quickly. The drawings are from my visit of the MARKK museum in Hamburg. My youngest wanted me to draw all sorts of weapons when he found out that I sketched.
1394
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
🍂 It's that time of year again... autumn, spooky themes and dressing up! This started as a class demo - me as a #LastofUs character. Main inspiration: www.artstation.com/richard_lyons Do you have spooky self-portraits too? Feel free to share them 🦇 #DigitalArt #SpookySeason #ArtDemo #SelfPortrait
1141
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Alternative design sketch of my Voodoo Siren Fan Concept. Inspired by Himba/Hamar culture, but clearly fantasy. Set in the world of Borderlands. #borderlands #borderlandsfanart #fanart #sirendesign #voodoosiren #conceptart #characterdesign #digitalart #gearbox #queerart #originalcharacter
2506
Reposted by Ben Maier
Andrew Mar @andrewkmar.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
Just realized this was released recently despite finishing a few years ago. Terminate/Fraggore for Hit Point Press AD: Brian Walters
744360
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Fan Concept: #Borderlands #Voodoo #Siren 'Ayo' 💀 The idea of combining a Siren’s power with a summonable pet felt natural when I began sketching her (2023) — and seeing similar ideas pop up later with the character of Vex makes it feel even more exciting. 🏳️‍⚧️ Ayo is a transfeminine.
Voodoo Siren Vault Hunter character concept art
1171
Reposted by Ben Maier
Kristina Gehrmann @kristinagehrmann.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
"BLOODY MARY" BOOK RAFFLE! (Europe) I'm giving away 3 signed copies of my graphic novel "Bloody Mary: A Graphic Biography of Mary Tudor" (US edition in English) among all those who share this post! 😊 RULES: 1) You must be 18+ and in Europe to participate. 2) No purchase necessary to enter.
Photo of 3 copies of "Bloody Mary: A Graphic Biography of Mary Tudor" arranged nicely with a rose. A cutout of Holbein's Henry VIII doing thumbs-up is photoshopped in the corner.
97039
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
Fan Concept: #Borderlands #Voodoo #Siren 'Ayo' 💀 The idea of combining a Siren’s power with a summonable pet felt natural when I began sketching her (2023) — and seeing similar ideas pop up later with the character of Vex makes it feel even more exciting. 🏳️‍⚧️ Ayo is a transfeminine.
Voodoo Siren Vault Hunter character concept art
1171
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Alternative design sketch of my Voodoo Siren Fan Concept. Inspired by Himba/Hamar culture, but clearly fantasy. Set in the world of Borderlands. #borderlands #borderlandsfanart #fanart #sirendesign #voodoosiren #conceptart #characterdesign #digitalart #gearbox #queerart #originalcharacter
2506
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Das Schwarze Auge Illustration: Schilfsümpfe Selemgrunds (2024) The plan was to paint a plain landscape. The author described tiny details, though, and it ended up to be more of a scenic piece than a landscape artwork. I used a new approach and I'd be interested in hearing/reading opinions.
5334
Reposted by Ben Maier
Elif Siebenpfeiffer @elif7.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Happy book birthday to us!! 🥳 Today is release day for "Aufstand der Fabelwesen", the third and last book of our German series about saving mythical creatures in 19th century Europe. Along with it, we also got to do a notebook, coloring book and a card deck of 50 creatures 👀
Cover image of the book "Aufstand der Fabelwesen" by Florian Schäfer and Elif SiebenpfeifferAll three books of the series at onceTwo sample spreads of the book interior
45419
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Costume Closet MtG: Through the Omenpaths (2025) AD: Sam Padilla #omenpaths #mtg #mtgart #mtgarena #magic #magicthegathering #fantasyart #duskmourn #magicthegatheringartwork #spirits #ghost
1315
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Costume Closet MtG: Through the Omenpaths (2025) AD: Sam Padilla #omenpaths #mtg #mtgart #mtgarena #magic #magicthegathering #fantasyart #duskmourn #magicthegatheringartwork #spirits #ghost
1315
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
I started warming up with 5-6 min figure studies a while ago (January). I have a huge pure ref with gestures. I open it at the beginning of my day, copy my ~6-ish gesture and put timers. It helps me getting my head into drawing-mode, like a meditation. I wonder how other artists start their day?
3100
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
🍂 It's officially Autumn! 🍂 Quote repost with your Autumn themed #art #autumnart #illustration *NO A/I Magic the Gathering Card I did back in 2018. Autumn is coming. I love wind 🍃🍂
0150
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Since there are many spiders in Through the Omenpaths, I thought it would make sense to post my Twin-Silk Spider for good company. It's an old card (2019) and not a very strong one. But painting it was fun. Title: Twin-Silk Spider Magic the Gathering: Modern Horizon Art Director: Cynthia Sheppard
3323
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ollie @olliemnjones.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Refinery
digital painting of a night-time scene of a deer looking at a refinery off in the distance
3773175
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ollie @olliemnjones.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
I made this piece for @jacobgeller.com 's new book 'You're not Overthinking It'. This image is for his essay 'Designed for Violence' You can order it here: www.lostincult.co.uk/overthinking
digital painting of 2 children standing in a dimly lit hallway in a school. Beyond, the reflections of other children can be seen in the floor
212594537
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Since there are many spiders in Through the Omenpaths, I thought it would make sense to post my Twin-Silk Spider for good company. It's an old card (2019) and not a very strong one. But painting it was fun. Title: Twin-Silk Spider Magic the Gathering: Modern Horizon Art Director: Cynthia Sheppard
3323
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Worked a bit more on my Minoan Hero Character Concept.
2286
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Eccentric Arachnologist MtG: Through the Omenpaths AD: Emily Mazza #omenpaths #mtg #mtgart #mtgarena #magic #magicthegathering #fantasyart #strixhaven #witherbloom #magicthegatheringartwork #spiders
825668
Reposted by Ben Maier
Elizabeth Peiró @elizabethpeiro.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Supportive Parents MtG through the Omenpaths AD: Emily Mazza Another one for Omenpaths, also in one of my favourite recent planes. What can I say, I have a soft spot for Magic schools...
A lesbian couple cheering from the grades of a fantasy sport game
18751155
Reposted by Ben Maier
Julia Metzger @juliametzgerart.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
MtG: Yera and Oski, Weaver and Guide Through the Omenpaths AD: Sam Padilla (c) Wizards of the Coast 2025 maybe one of my favourite card illustrations so far of mine. (Now, if only we could have a print version 😅) #art #juliametzgerart
19663132
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
Eccentric Arachnologist MtG: Through the Omenpaths AD: Emily Mazza #omenpaths #mtg #mtgart #mtgarena #magic #magicthegathering #fantasyart #strixhaven #witherbloom #magicthegatheringartwork #spiders
825668
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Worked a bit more on my Minoan Hero Character Concept.
2286
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
The Chosen of Demeter Concept art for a fictional game character. Set in an ancient Minoan setting in which she is trying to flee and fight her way out of the Labyrinth of Knossos - invaded by humanoid Egyptian bug-invaders. The character was designed for a 3D game art student project.
0142
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
A little process #documentation / #breakdown of my #digital #stilllife. #steps: A) Drawing B) Value Grouping C) Color Block In (incl. Use of Gradient Maps) D) Painting Half Tones E) Rendering (incl. Textures) F) Painting Speculars/Highlights/Reflections/Bounce Light #art #digitalart
1110
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Some studies from this week end. With the still lives I focussed on work flow: they were done rather quickly. The drawings are from my visit of the MARKK museum in Hamburg. My youngest wanted me to draw all sorts of weapons when he found out that I sketched.
1394
Reposted by Ben Maier
Ben Maier @benmaier.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Das Schwarze Auge Illustration: Szinto Mündung (2024) I loved developing the Cthulhu-esque atmosphere of the landscape. The first sketch was done in pencils. I then quickly moved in Blender to establish the atmosphere/light and the camera. Doing a speed sculpt of the tentacle monster was fun.
710224