Explore MtG art: Greg Staples

Welcome to the first in a new art series, exploring the Magic art of individual artists. First up is UK artist Greg Staples, who has illustrated well over 200 cards since his first set.

Greg’s debut came in the 1998 set Urza’s Saga and his illustrations have appeared in many sets since then. His most prolific set was 2002’s Onslaught set, with 11 new illustrations.

The artist with his art

Greg Staples holding the art for Aria of Flame

The above image is from 2019 and shows Greg holding the original art for the card Aria of Flame.

Greg Staples art: 6 of the best

Archangel of Strife – Greg Staples

Archangel of Strife appeared in the debut Commander set, released in 2011.

Hell’s Caretaker – Greg Staples

This Hell’s Caretaker art was a new take on a classic Magic card. This art appeared in 9th edition, back in 2005.

Did you know? Before illustrating for Magic: the Gathering, Greg’s work appeared in UK comic 2000ad, where he was a popular artist. This is something he shares in common with another prolific Magic artist, Kev Walker.

Magus of the Scroll – Greg Staples

Take an old Magic card, turn it into a creature, and have Greg Staples illustrate. Perfect!

Empyrial Archangel – Greg Staples

This angel graced the skies of Bant in the 2008 Shards of Alara set.

Did you know? Greg Staples didn’t just draw Judge Dredd, he played the grim lawman himself in fan film Judge Minty! You can see the film further down.

Wall of One Thousand Cuts – Greg Staples

From the 2019 Modern Horizons set.

Orzhov Guildmage – Greg Staples

This ghostly guildmage appeared in the original Ravnica block, in 2005.

Further exploration: Greg Staples around the web

The cards

click the image below to see all cards illustrated by Greg Staples on Scryfall.

Prints

Interested in buying some art as prints, including the cards in the gallery above? Visit the Inprint page for Greg Staples!

Art online

Visit Greg Staples’ ArtStation page for a look at examples of his art beyond Magic: the Gathering.

Extra

Here’s that fan film, Judge Minty

And here’s an interview with Greg Staples at a Magic event

Further exploration: Magic art beyond Greg Staples

Click the names below to explore other MtG artists