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Behind the Art: Welcome to Night City Artist Q+A

We’ve seen a hugely positive response to the art of Cyberpunk TCG. Today, we meet five of the artists behind some of our most powerful pieces, and learn more about their connection to the characters and world depicted in their art.

WEIRDCO TEAMNOVEMBER 13, 20269 MIN READ

Our creative team put a lot of time and effort into ensuring the Art of Cyberpunk TCG evokes the diverse vibes and styles of Night City and its inhabitants. We’re incredibly proud of what our artists have created, so today we’re sitting down with five of them to ask a few questions, and learn more about their connection to Cyberpunk and the characters they’ve depicted.

Sasha Yakoleva: Won’t Let You Down (Beta Iconic Secret Rare) - Riv Yangpiev via Divebound Studio

Blog Media - Sasha Iconic art

Hi Riv! Were you a Cyberpunk fan before this project? If so, what do you like most about the visual identity and style of the Cyberpunk franchise?

Yes! I first got into the Cyberpunk world through the buildings and environments in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. I was also following the Cyberpunk fashion community a little bit back in 2020, and I completely fell in love with the designs, aesthetics, and overall vibe.

How do you feel about the character you had to depict in this piece? Did you find anything about them exciting, inspirational, or challenging?

I’ve never had the opportunity to explore so many different things in a single piece before! There was a lot to capture, but I also made sure I took the time to really understand and feel the character — her story, what drives her, her traumas, and even her inner child.

If I had to summarize the whole experience in one word, I’d say this piece felt like a "playground" for me.

You can see the overall story of Sasha and who she is as a person in just one piece of art. Also, I was so pleased to make the scene of Sasha and her inner child hugging, to show how her mission is accomplished, her relationship with herself, and also her relief!

It was such an honor to be a part of capturing that moment!

What are you most proud of about this piece?

I am really proud that I was able to recreate everything I mentioned in that last point in a black and white ink style inspired by the GOAT Yoji Shinkawa and many other manga artists.

Have you worked on Trading Card Game art before? How does it feel to see people actively collecting and playing with your artwork every day?

Yes, I have! It’s amazing to see the reactions from players and the impact that each card can have during the game. I definitely get a little proud whenever I see people attacking with one of my cards. Hahaha!

Are there any other specific Cyberpunk characters that you'd like to bring to life through your art in the future?

Lucy!

Where can people go to find more of your work?

You can see more of my work on my instagram!

Dum Dum: Maelstrom Triggerman (Retail Iconic Rare) - Kuya jaypi via Pandart Studio

Blog Media: Dum Dum Iconic Art

Hey Kuya! Great work on Dum Dum! Were you already familiar with Cyberpunk before this project?

Absolutely! I’m a massive fan of both Cyberpunk 2077 and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

What makes the visual identity of the Cyberpunk universe so compelling to me is its incredible contrast. It seamlessly blends gritty, dark, and high-tech themes with vibrant, neon color palettes that elevate the entire scene. There’s a dynamic balance between high-stakes seriousness and dark humor, making the world feel rich, diverse, and alive. Being able to contribute to a franchise with such a distinct visual DNA was a dream opportunity.

How did you approach depicting such a multi-faceted character?

Depicting Dum Dum was an incredible creative challenge! I wanted to capture his chaotic energy and psychological depth, making him feel genuinely threatening, unpredictable, and intense, rather than a one-dimensional villain.

Every artistic choice in this illustration was intentional. The split lighting was used to highlight his complex psychological duality, while the fisheye lens perspective was designed to push the viewer right into the middle of the action, creating a sense of immersion where you feel like you're standing directly in front of him.

What I love most about the final piece is how Dum Dum’s unsettling grin pulls you right into his head space. Every time I look at it, I feel the raw mood of the moment, and I’m so excited for collectors and players to experience that exact same rush when they pull this card!

Are you happy with the result?

I am thrilled with how the final card turned out, and I'm deeply grateful to Pandart Studio for trusting me with this illustration. A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to Pandart Studio Founder Chéngwěi Pān (潘诚伟), Art Director Foritis Wang (森森), Project Manager Shī Wénqiàn (施文倩), and Project Supervisor Dèng Hànchí (邓瀚驰), whom I worked closely with and who always provided fantastic artistic suggestions throughout the process.

Have you worked on Trading Card Game art before?

Yes! I have a profound love for the TCG community. TCG fans engage with artwork in such a unique and passionate way. They genuinely care about the creators, love hearing the story behind every stroke, and celebrate the artistry in every set.

Seeing players hold your cards in their decks, collect them in binders, or ask for a signature at events is always a huge honor. It’s incredibly rewarding to know your art is a tangible part of their gaming memories.

Are there any other specific Cyberpunk characters that you'd like to bring to life through your art in the future?

I would love the chance to illustrate Lucyna Kushinada (Lucy)! I’ve created fan art of her in the past because I’m so drawn to her iconic design, emotional narrative arc, and presence in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Bringing her to life for an official card illustration in Cyberpunk TCG would truly be a dream come true!

Where can people go to find more of your work?

You can check out more of my illustrations, concept art, and upcoming projects on ArtStation and Instagram!

Hanako Arasaka: In a Gilded Cage (Retail Iconic Rare) - Akram

Blog Media - Hanako Retail Iconic Art

Hello Akram! Can you start by telling us a bit about your connection to the visual identity and style of the Cyberpunk franchise?

I often find myself drawn towards art that has a more raw, serrated edge to it. Cyberpunk of course is layered with that energy. It’s a world that inspires both fascination and horror, which is an absurdly interesting feeling to explore.

How did you feel when you found out you were going to be working on a Hanako Arasaka piece?

Naturally this was an exciting piece to work on given Hanako’s importance in the world and plot of Cyberpunk 2077. I think the biggest challenge was trying to capture her character in the piece. There are so many facets and perspectives to take on her story, and yet she is committed to keeping it all hidden. Trying to find a way to elucidate some of that in the composition and details whilst remaining true to her refined, detached presentation was a tricky balance.

How did you balance your own distinctive style with the aesthetics of Night City?

I was unsure if my usual style would work in a setting like Night City, and at first tried to bend it towards something more visually expected. But with some encouragement and experimentation I found something that’s hopefully an interesting and unique blend.

How does it feel to see people collecting and playing with your artwork every day?

It is still surreal to think about! Often you have a very different relationship to something you created, I just hope players will like this artwork!

Which Cyberpunk characters would you like to work on next?

There are a few fan favourites, Songbird and Lucy for instance, both for their character and style. Though I enjoy small intricate details, so honestly I’d be happy to work on any character as long as they’re sporting some interesting chrome!

Where can people go to find more of your work?

My online handle is @akramness and I mainly post on X and Instagram!

Adam Smasher: Metal Over Meat (Beta Iconic Rare) - Toni Infante

Blog Media - Adam Smasher: Metal Over Meat

Hi Toni! Were you a Cyberpunk fan before this project? If so, what do you like most about the visual identity and style of the Cyberpunk franchise?

I was actually playing Cyberpunk 2077 when the brief for this piece came through! I loved Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and the strong visuals, contrast and dynamic feel is always part of my style, so it felt really natural to work on it.

Did you find anything about Adam Smasher especially exciting, inspirational, or challenging as an artist?

Whoever the subject of my art is, I always try to engage with them deeply, and find what resonates with me about them to push storytelling through my art. With Adam, I focused on showing him as an unstoppable force. Something brutal and inevitable.

What do you like most about this piece?

I'm very happy with how the silhouette translated into the small format of the card. With all the smoke and fire around in that Japanese inspired style, the finished piece looks amazing in the Iconic Rare printing treatment.

I was amazed the first time I saw one, and I have signed several already!

How does it feel to know that a piece of your art is now a highly sought after card for thousands of TCG players?

It felt surreal at first, I was not familiar with all the fandom behind TCGs. Seeing people playing with my cards makes everything more real, and the best part of this job is connecting with all these people and sharing our passion for these characters and worlds.

Which other Cyberpunk characters are you drawn toward as an artist?

I always like tragedies, so any of the characters of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners would be a blast to work on!

Where can people go to find more of your work?

I'm everywhere, or I try to be! You can find more of my work on my website, X or instagram!

Yorinobu Arasaka: Steel Dragon – Tulio Brito, Lead Artist at Mooncolony

Blog Media - Yorinobu Arasaka

Hi Tulio! Were you a big Cyberpunk fan before this project?

Absolutely! I still remember watching the Cyberpunk 2077 trailer at E3 2018. What I love most about Cyberpunk is how it feels to me like classic fantasy with a futuristic twist: Netrunners are mages, gunslingers are archers, corporate elites are elves, and chromed-out outcasts are orcs. It has all the familiar RPG archetypes, but in a world that feels much closer to our own reality.

How do you feel about the subject of your piece, Yorinobu Arasaka?

I absolutely loved portraying Yorinobu. He has such a unique design and personality. I think TCGs are a great opportunity to explore known characters in greater detail. It gives you a chance to showcase more of their abilities and skills, and connect with them on a deeper level.

This isn’t the only piece you’ve worked on for Cyberpunk TCG. Which of your contributions to the game are you most proud of so far?

Across my art for the game, I'm most proud of capturing the look and feel of Cyberpunk's characters and environments. I really focused on matching the game's lighting, atmosphere, and design language, making each illustration feel like an actual scene from the game rather than just a recognizable character placed in a random environment.

Have you worked on Trading Card Game art before? How does it feel to see people actively collecting and playing with your artwork every day?

Yes! I've worked on other TCGs before, and it's always amazing to see your artwork printed and become a physical part of a game. Knowing that people are collecting, playing with, and enjoying your illustrations makes the experience even more rewarding.

Are there any other specific Cyberpunk characters that you'd like to bring to life through your art in the future? If so, what do you like about that character?

I'd love to explore more of the incredible abilities of characters like Solomon Reed in his prime, or Adam Smasher and David at their most extreme versions.

Where can people go to find more of your work?

People can find more of my work on my personal ArtStation, as well as on Mooncolony’s ArtStation.

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