Remembering the Life and Artwork of Ron Spears

The Mana Forge Digest

Ron Spears, a key Magic artist, passed away recently, leaving behind iconic artwork and a lasting impact on the game.

Key points

• Contributed over 100 pieces of artwork to Magic
• First piece was Veiled Sentry in Urza's Saga (1998)
• Served as Magic art director from 1998-2001
• Defined iconic characters like Akroma and Atogatog

What you get

• Influential artist for decades
• Defined early Magic characters and planes
• Contributed to competitive staples and booster packs
• Artwork featured on most Magic sets since 1998

Why it matters

Ron Spears was a cornerstone of Magic's visual identity, leaving an indelible mark on the game’s artistry. His work has been integral to Magic from its inception.

Details

Spears began his career with Veiled Sentry in Urza's Saga (1998), one of the earliest sets

He served as a Magic art director at Wizards of the Coast, guiding visual style and contributing artwork himself

His vivid traditional style defined characters like Akroma and Atogatog, making them instantly recognizable

Good to know

• First piece (Veiled Sentry) in 1998
• Served as art director from 1998-2001
• Continued contributing to Magic until at least 2024 with Ravnican lands and Lorwyn Eclipsed

Read the original on Wizards (https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/remembering-the-life-and-artwork-of-ron-spears) • Source: Wizards of the Coast