iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by James Smolko

Luke Anderson @sabretoothprints.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

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

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Reposted by James Smolko

Thomas Grayfson @thomasgrayfson.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

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?

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 12/10/2025

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

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Reposted by James Smolko

Inkwell @inkwell.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

We at NYCC artist alley I-15

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Fun fact: the reason gnomes wear pointy hats is so the rain funnels into their mouths. That's how they hydrate.

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

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

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

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

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Reposted by James Smolko

CIHstudios @cihstudios.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Casually thought I'd show off some of the letterings I've done over the years, some commissions, some personal, all hand drawn.

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

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.

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Tried to carve out some time to draw yesterday, but the knife just bent. Cheap time I guess.

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Hey artist friends! Anyone here with experience designing type / hand-lettering who’s looking for a job right now? DM me!

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I tried to brainstorm my next project but the only ideas I had were “draw nothing” and “start a small farm.” Neither involves paper.

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Reposted by James Smolko

Meg @meganroseruiz.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I drew Labubus from memory

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Reposted by James Smolko

Gary Barker @garybarker.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Since there is new product based on our Garfield/Turtles mash-up 30+ years ago, I thought it was time for "Garfello" to return to the comics!!! Got a bunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle blank covers. Here is the first one. Thanks!

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Posted my drawing and somebody asked if it was “abstract?” I told them yes, it’s abstract disappointment. They unfollowed me like a professional.

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Finally done. I hope everyone appreciates the orb because I had to google “how to draw circle” 14 times. #illustration #comic #drawing #penandink #wizard #art @truegrittexture.bsky.social

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Please help me name this wizard. I want something mystical, like “Frank.” Serious suggestions only. #characterdesign #drawingtips #tutorial #artcommunity #illustration

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Trying out some new brush pens! Apologies if I mispronounce anything, I haven’t spoken since 2003. #art #penandink #brushpen #review #drawing

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Sometimes I just like to draw little guys idk why. Anyway, this is Crandall. #art #drawing #doodle #littleguy

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

I feel like I've been posting my art into the void for years now, but on the bright side the void has been very supportive. It keeps echoing back "nice."

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Fun fact: Elvis invented sandwiches. Before him, people just ate bread separate. I got to meet him once at Walmart, but he was shorter because he wasnt wearing the hair. #art #drawing #elvis #sketch #comic

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

Time is a meat grinder and I'm the sausage. I keep begging the clock to stop but it just screams at me. I tried to smother it with a towel, but it screamed louder through the fabric. #comic #art #drawing #penandink #humor

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Reposted by James Smolko

🙋‍♂️HumanBuddy💁‍♂️ @budbuddyguy.sheshed.lol · 23/08/2025

Just found out my vape is literally just a can of Axe body spray???

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

It’s worth noting that back when I was getting sober, I watched a lot of KingCobraJFS. I think that I sort of saw him as a dark reflection of what could’ve been. Anyone who followed him knows he struggled with alcoholism, and I really wish he could’ve gotten the help he needed… [1/2]

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James Smolko @jamessmolkoart.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Confirmed by his dad — KingCobraJFS has passed away. RIP sweet prince. Sharing a handful of Cobes doodles l've made over the years. Somehow, he always found his way into my sketchbook, becoming a strange kind of muse whenever I was stuck for ideas. You better not make me miss you, boy! #kingcobrajfs