V:TES North American Championship 2007

The Artist

Leif Jones has been creating V:TES art for since the release of the Sabbat War expansion. I've personally been a big fan since coming across his art for Dolphin Black. More recently, Leif has been instrumental in setting the mood for our storyline events with the creation of cards like Legion and Alan Sovereign (Advanced). So the decision to contact Leif for this project was an easy choice.

We decided early on that we wanted to set the tone for the 2007 NAC by doing something nobody has done before. We thought some original art by a well-known V:TES artist would be a great start.  We also knew we wanted art that was not really dark and serious.  Yes, the V:TES theme is dark and gothic but we're advertising a "good time" and not the game itself. So we proposed something light and fun.  The idea being that Theo Bell loves Los Angeles so much, that he decided to stay. Even the blazing sun isn't enough to deter Theo from the beautiful beaches. Coincidentally, Leif mentioned that he'd done art for Theo Bell in the past for White Wolf. 

My only concern for the art was that Theo would be recognizable. I wanted to see Theo in beach clothes. However, too much beach wear and nobody knows who he is. Too little and he doesn't look like he's enjoying the sun and sand.  I listed all of Theo's signature items: hat, leather jacket, shotgun, and so on. I also suggested that Leif consider sunblock and maybe a Bloody Mary for Theo's hand (my wife's fine suggestion!). But the details were left to Leif to choose what items were included. We inked the deal and then I excitedly waited for the rough sketch in my email inbox.

Forget the rough sketch! Leif went nuts on me and finished the whole thing right away. I was thrilled with the results. Once again, he had exceeded my expectations. Leif commented that he had fun doing the piece and was really happy with the results, mentioning that it was possibly the most "realistic" art he'd done. Leif also said that it was challenging having to do the art in broad daylight instead of the usual darkness that surrounds most V:TES art. 

We're thrilled to feature Leif's art for the event. Hope you enjoy it too.

You can see more of Leif's work on the web at www.LeifJones.com.