Master Concept & Digital Artist | Piotr Jabłoński

Not coincidentally, some of my earliest and most profound sketching inspirations came from behind the scenes of my favourite games. I realized early on that concept artists are silent storytellers. Behind the scenes, they create fantastical landscapes and captivating characters that make new worlds believable and (unbelievably) engaging.

One artist who impacted my sketching journey the most was Piotr Jablonski - a Polish illustrator and concept artist for video games such as Destiny, Dishonored 2 and Diablo IV.

Piotr Jablonski is a master of contrast, light, composition and form. He weaves these elements together like it's nothing to create intricate works with a remarkable sense of depth. Accompanied by unique individuals and distinctive creatures, his pieces take on life and character. His works greatly remind me of master painter Zdzisław Beksiński, with their 'haunting beauty' and exploration of the surreal. On top of that everything he creates seems fresh and varied. Piotr J. sometimes keeps it simple, still and Intense, and sometimes he goes all out intricate and dynamic.

Immersed in his art I picked up my first drawing tablet and started exploring the digital realm. To this day, his ability to balance detail with suggestion is a constant source of inspiration for me. It serves as a reminder that a sketch doesn't need to be fully rendered to be powerful. Sometimes, the most captivating stories are hinted at with a few well-placed lines and a play of light and shadow.

Check out Piotr J's Artstation if it's the first time you hear about him!

Thumbnail Video: TOMCAT Brothers - animation on Vimeo