James Smolko
@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social
41 followers 23 following 60 posts
L.A. based illustrator & sketchbook junkie | NC → FL → CA | RCAD ’19 | My DMs open (for work, not weird stuff)
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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?
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
Reposted by James Smolko
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
Quote with your yellow art! 💛
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
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
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
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
Fun fact: the reason gnomes wear pointy hats is so the rain funnels into their mouths. That's how they hydrate.
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
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
Praise Cobra’s magic, TWU!
I disagree with her, but I respect her professionalism.
Reposted by James Smolko
Casually thought I'd show off some of the letterings I've done over the years, some commissions, some personal, all hand drawn.
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.
Tried to carve out some time to draw yesterday, but the knife just bent. Cheap time I guess.
Yes to both. It would be an ongoing position were you would design title logos.
To clarify, this isn’t a one-off project or commission, it’s an actual job. My 9-5 is at an ad agency, and we’re looking to grow our design team. Work can be done remotely, but it’s a big plus if you’re in the L.A. area. Great fit if you’re comfortable in Illustrator and enjoy designing type/logos.