Explore MtG art: Cynthia Sheppard

Cynthis Sheppard debuted in Magic with a single card in 2011’s Innistrad set. Since then she has gone on not only to illustrate other magic cards, she has also worked for Wizards as an art director, bringing new artists into the game.

The artist with her art

This picture was taken in 2013, showing Cynthia with a copy of Young Pyromancer, more on that card later.

Cynthia Sheppard art: six of the best

This art from Magic Origins has an interesting twist; this angel’s headgear was later worn by the planeswalker Liliana Vess after the angel fell to Liliana’s zombie horde.

Meren of Clan Nel Toth by Cynthia Sheppard

This illustration was used for a special Secret Lair collection to mark International Womens’ Day in 2020.

Not, as you might think from the art, Rubinia Soulsigner.

Zendikar’s angels later discovered they had accidentally devoted themselves to the Eldrazi. Like Greg Staples, Cynthia Sheppard has illustrated some memorable angels. Also like Greg Staples, her art consists of much more than this.

This wasn’t an especially remarkable creature the first time round, but when a reprint appeared illustrated by Cynthia Sheppard, it became a card I’ll never forget. I do believe it’s the eyes.

It’s not so easy to tell from the card itself, but Cynthia Sheppard deliberately drew this pyromancer as a Chandra Nalaar fan. He has her picture around his neck, a knock-off copy of her* goggles, and his clothes are as similar as can be. he also summons elementals, just like (some versions of) Chandra!

*okay, Jaya Ballard’s goggles that Chandra took.