Malcolm McClinton’s Warlord images were typically done traditional using watercolor, often on giant poster-size sheets of paper. Specializing in dynamic poses and groups, Malcolm’s art was used on an astounding 213 cards spanning across all of Warlord. You might recognize his work from actions like Mass Blessing and Pull the Strings.

What got you interested in artwork in general and why was it gel pens? What was your first foray into illustration and how did that come about?

I had always been drawn to science fiction and fantasy, but illustrating it was only a hobby, something I would do to relax. Most of my efforts had been in academics. After earning advanced degrees in physical Anthropology and Archaeology, I spent the next 7 years in the field excavating. But, I experienced burn out and took a job at Dark Horse Comics managing their pre press department. Seeing all the incredible art reunited my creative drive and after three years I left to pursue my own painting and projects. I have been illustrating as means of making a living ever since.

How did you come to hear about and work on Warlord? Were you black-mailed into it?

I had started working for AEG, doing illustrations for their Doom Town and 7th Sea CCG. I initially did a bunch of cards on speck for these two games and they seemed to like them enough to buy them, and started what was about a 10 year relationship illustrating for AEG games.

Did you get assigned specific races, factions, or classes? What kinds of images did you enjoy creating the most and why?

If I had a specially it was group shots, crowds of soldiers, zombies, samurai... I used to paint very large in sometimes a loose style so that I could cram as much into them as I could.

What's it like rediscovering pieces you did decades ago - do you notice a significant change in your style then and now? Looking back over them, do any of your contributions to Warlord stick out as your favorite?

well almost everything I do is digital these days, and that has drastically changed my style. Most of my early work was in water color. Because of its transparent nature, water color is such an unforgiving medium and you can imagine this method of creating images lead lots of problems and starting over. It made me a little hesitant, especially using blacks and dark shading and much of my early work has a kind of flat lighting to it. But once I started using the computer and had the ability to undo and try again. I have become much more experimental, the whole process is now more dynamic and spontaneous.

We're doing a Warlord art colosseum style battle royale! Who's your champion and why?

Lady Tornhawk, cuz she kicks ass!

Alright, thanks for answering these and engaging the community in this way! What's going on with you these days? Anything you want to plug?

This last year I’ve taken a step back from freelancing and am instead working on my own project. I’m working on a shared horror universe called Hotel Leviathan. Its keeping me busy and happy and challenged as a writer and illustrator.