IX 2026 Recap

This post needs more time than I can give it currently, so I will do my best, as things are very, very busy right now. If you follow me on social media, you might be aware that at the start of IX this year there was a lot of ... excitement. Which led to the craziest 24 hours in IX history. 

First and foremost, a MILLION THANKS to Patrick Wilshire, the entire IX team, the entire Googleworks team, and Reading PD. Everyone stepped up and got things done. It was amazing to watch and so encouraging about the state of the world. Now, I cannot give a lot of details, as things are ongoing and, frankly, I do not have all the details and so do not want to mispeak. So I will tell you some of what I know. The things that happened to me. 

On the Wednesday preview night of IX, a person moved through the venue and proceeded to steal everything that wasn't nailed down. And that is not metaphorical... they stole art, tools, lights, and more. Late in the evening, word got out that items were missing, and that is when I realized I too had been robbed. At the time, it was a single artist proof with art on the back, and while it sucked, I accepted it. Thursday morning wasn't the best start for IX, but we made the best of it. That was when it was realized items were still disappearing, in real time. And that was when I realized a large stack of originals from my second book were gone. I was gutted. An artist proof is one thing, but my art from the book was another. And I was ready to pack up and leave. 

In that moment, I knew the thief was still there and active. That is also when I knew the thief was profoundly stupid... and thought they were the smartest person there. The Googleworks has a robust security system with facial recognition built in. The team on site quickly logged all of the theft events caught on camera and even located the suspect actively interacting with people at the show. The police department acted quickly, and the suspect was arrested. The individual needs help and was not a stranger to the community, as they have attended other events... events where items were stolen. 

Long story short, ALL of my stolen items were found on the suspects when they were arrested, and I received all of my items back. Items from other artists could be seen clearly in the suspect's car, and in time everyone got their items back, even some artists that hadn't realized they had been robbed. Like I said, it was a crazy and eventful 24 hours at IX. And I am indebted to all those who worked so hard to get everything back. Do NOT mess with IX.

Now, for some images from the show... 

The Grand Bazaar at IX in 2026

All the things for all the people and monsters

Mietze once again on display and showing his sculptures

A record player was added this year to the experience

My view of things for the weekend

The hotel was even representing

The artist proof that was stolen, returned, and purchased

Some of the art that was stolen

I decided to keep some of these, and they are now more precious to me, and one has sold 

The artist proofs I drew during the live drawing demo

As always, Miezte is well received

A picture with the legends Boris and Julie

One final shot before IX ends... until next year

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wedsneday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Random Old Drawing - Charmander

I should be posting my IX recap... it has been nearly two weeks... BUT...

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2012 and is a redesign of a Pokémon. I only did a few of these before I moved on to other monsters, but I had a lot of fun. Enjoy!

Bound Cleaver Redesign

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Just Some Random Art

Super busy. Lots going on. Here are some completely randomly selected pieces that I have done over the years.

That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Firday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Remaining IX Magic the Gathering Artist Proofs now AVAILABLE!

I am back from a wild and unique IX. I created some exclusive Magic the Gathering artist proofs with Pokémon art and the remaining cards are now available on my store. Only two left this time, so you might need to be quick. 

Available are a Pidgey and a Rattata!

That's all for another exciting MOnday on the Blog! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Random Old Drawing - Bound Cleaver

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013 and is a redesign of an original creation from 2005 that I submitted and was accepted for the miniatures game, Dreamblade. While the original design was accepted, in the end, it was never turned into a mini. Jump ahead eight years, and I really wanted to see this design improved upon with everything I had been learning. I wrote at length about this here on the blog in 2013. Enjoy!

Bound Cleaver Redesign

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

IX 2026 NEXT WEEK!

I have been so involved with writing that IX has snuck up on me. Somehow, IX will be starting next Wednesday, and I am not necessarily ready for the show. I have been frantically getting ready while also writing AND dealing with all my responsibilities at the university... but it has not been enough. 

I am sure by the time I am setting up on Wednesday, everything will be as it should be. One thing I do know is that Rikala, Homarid King, will be with me next week! OH! And another thing is that I will have several IX exclusive Magic the Gathering artist proofs with me. As well as all the usual monsters. After selling out last year, Mitze will be once again sharing the booth with me, as he has been very busy this year making more artwork. 

If you are in the Reading, PA area, I hope to see you there!

Rikala, Homarid King

Magic the Gathering - Mystery Booster Commander

14 x 11 - Pencil, ink, and acrylic on paper with digital finish

Art Director - Kez Laczin
 © 2026 Wizards of the Coast 

 

And I will have some exclusive Magic the Gathering artist proofs with me featuring Pokémon!

My booth for IX 2025!

Everyone's favorite angry small dog artist will be returning with many new pieces! 

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here after IX! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Jackal

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Jackal. Enjoy!

Jackal redesign
© 2013/2026 Christopher Burdett 

 

One of the reasons that I like this one was because of its inclusion in the Monster Manual. It is accompanied with the sentence:

 

"They appear here because of the magical bag of trick." 

 

This was the perfect bit of information that led to how I wanted to depict this creature. And I think it is all the better for it.

 

  That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting Black Crusade - Giant Spined Chaos Beast

Either in late 2010 or very early 2011, I worked on one of several Warhammer 40K assignments. At the time, I was doing a lot of them for very, very low pay, as was common at the time. Learning a lot and making monsters for pennies on the dollar. One of the assignments was for a trio of monsters from the RPG supplement Black Crusade. I was doing so many of these at the same time that many blur together. This one was a big scary monster stomping on some human soldier, fun times.

Giant Spined Chaos Beast 

Black Crusade

7 x 10 - Digital
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

Giant Spined Chaos Beast Drawing

Black Crusade

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

 

 That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Random Old Drawing - Horusians

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013, and I drew this for a project I donated art to that was involved in doing a massive redesign of the Marvel Universe. It was fun, and I made some pieces I was really happy with. No more so than this one. You can see more Horusians elsewhere on the blog. Enjoy! - like, I really like this one for some reason. I think it is the pose, the gear, it just feels like a solid design to me.

Horusians

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Basilisk

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Basilisk. Enjoy!

Basilisk redesign
© 2013/2026 Christopher Burdett 

 That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos - Diablodon

Either in late 2010 or very early 2011, I worked on one of several Warhammer 40K assignments. At the time, I was doing a lot of them for very, very low pay, as was common at the time. Learning a lot and making monsters for pennies on the dollar. One of the assignments was for a trio of monsters from the RPG supplement Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos. I was doing so many of these at the same time that many blur together. This is a big dinosaur thing that was fun to make, but I just wish I did some things differently. But for the amount I was paid and the timeline I was working under, this is amazing.

Diablodon

Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos

7 x 10 - Digital
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

Diablodon

Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

That's all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Random Old Drawing - Frog Turtle

It is Friday, and I am super busy working on the next book and building courses. That means I have reached back into the archives and grabbed a random drawing to share again today. This one goes back to 2013, and I drew this in an airport on the way to the Illustration Master Class. This drawing also marked the moment I realized I can draw pretty fast. I didn't know my drawing speed was fast... but after other artists watched me drawing this, it was determined I was fast. For whatever that means. Enjoy!

Frog Turtle

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

© 2013 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Axe Beak

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Axe Beak. And this isn't my first version of this, but my third. The first one was finished - which I didn't like it, the second was scrapped mid-drawing, and that left the third version that I liked. Enjoy!

Axe Beak redesign (version 2) (2013)
© 2013/2026 Christopher Burdett 

That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting Black Crusade - Corruptis

Either in late 2010 or very early 2011, I worked on one of several Warhammer 40K assignments. At the time, I was doing a lot of them for very, very low pay, as was common at the time. Learning a lot and making monsters for pennies on the dollar. One of the assignments was for a trio of monsters from the RPG supplement Black Crusade. I was doing so many of these at the same time that many blur together. This one was fun, though the face came out a little smiley, but I think that adds to the piece overall. You would think a giant space demon would find a better way to read a book that burns them on contact.

Corruptis

Black Crusade

7 x 10 - Digital
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

Corruptis Drawing

Black Crusade

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have several recent Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added art to the backs. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. I haven't done the Bribe Taker in a while, so it was fun to do one again. RAWR!

The Bribe Taker taking some bribes and breaking knees.

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Ant (Giant)

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my third... fourth... pass through the book with the Ant (Giant). Enjoy!

Ant (Giant) redesign (2013)
© 2013/2026 Christopher Burdett 

That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting Dark Heresy: Daemon Hunter - Plaguebearer

Either in late 2010 or very early 2011, I worked on one of several Warhammer 40K assignments. At the time, I was doing a lot of them for very, very low pay, as was common at the time. Learning a lot and making monsters for pennies on the dollar. One of the assignments was for a quartet of monsters from the RPG supplement Dark Heresy: Daemon Hunter. I always liked these monsters a lot, and I can see things starting to click for me in the creation of these. I thought I would revisit these pieces, share the drawings for them that have never been shared (it looks like I never shared the process either, but that isn't happening today), and show off a monster that is now sixteen years old. This is likely my favorite of the four that I did for this assignment.

Plaguebearer

Dark Heresy - Daemon Hunter

7 x 10 - Digital
© 2011 Fantasy Flight Games

 

Plaguebearer

Dark Heresy - Daemon Hunter

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then... 

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Phaerimm Miniature

Today, I have for you a miniature based on one of my illustrations. I updated the Phaerimm for the release of Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun. When I painted this piece, I hoped that there would be a miniature eventually made of it, and all I needed to do was be a little patient. To start things off, here is my illustration of the Phaerimm.

Phaerimm

Forgotten Realms: Adventures in Faerun

11 x 14 - Digital

Art Director - Emi Tamji

© 2025 Wizards of the Coast LLC

Here are some images of the miniature so that you can compare them to the painting. I love that they did a fairly good job of getting all the creepy hand positions in there. I think it turned out really well!

Phaerimm miniature

Adventures in Faerun

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Unicorn

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my second pass through the book with the Unicorn. Enjoy!

Unicorn redesign (2011)
© 2011/2026 Christopher Burdett 

That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

The State of the Grand Bazaar - September 2026

We now find ourselves in September. My last update on the Grand Bazaar here on the blog was in June, and there has been a ton of work happening. I still cannot be happier with how things are progressing, and it is exciting to see the book taking shape after working on it for the past six years. There is still plenty of work to do, which is why there is a 2027 completion date, and not one in 2026. All of this and MORE was already shared with those following my mailing list, and if you want to see things first and see everything, then all you need to do is join my mailing list.

Still punching the keys!

(This image is out of date, and more writing has been completed since I took this.) 

The State of Writing 

Since I last updated you, I have been focused on writing Reginald's section, and in many ways, this has been the most difficult section to write. Reggie is speaking directly to and upon The Completed Circle (the story within the story of book two), so there was a lot. But I think it all worked out in the end, and he and I have gone on an adventure.  

I have begun working on the fourth column, Agatha's column, and it has been a blast so far. Her sections are different than anything I have done so far, and it has been nothing but fun. I cannot wait to share all of this with you! 

Needless to say, things are progressing well. It is all taking shape, and I just need to stay focused and soon I will have another book for you!

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog. See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Recent Magic the Gathering Artist Proof Art

Today, I have several recent Magic the Gathering artist proofs that I added art to the backs. All available artist proofs and art options can be found on my store. Most of these happened just after Gen Con and were all super fun to work on. Love making Pokemon and animals!

A Psyduck on the back of a Portant that returned to me for this art.

An octopus with swords and axes!

And finally, a pigeon!

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Revisiting the Monsters - Troglodyte

In 2010, sixteen years ago now, I began a personal project to redesign most, if not all, of the monsters in the original Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual. That original MM had a profound effect on me and led me to eventually work on the game. While I was already working on the game when I began this project, it did prove useful, as I have redesigned many D&D monsters in my career on the game. In the end, I completed over 100 drawings for the project and even had a gallery show featuring the work.

I thought it would be nice to look back at some of my favorites. Today brings us back to my second pass through the book with the Troglodyte. Enjoy! 

Troglodyte redesign (2011)
© 2011/2026 Christopher Burdett 

That's another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

The Return of the Beasts - Beastly Scribe

Continuing to look back as I work forward. At one point, I had the time and the energy to do practice drawings, studies, and simply draw for the fun of it. These days I nearly exclusively draw with an intended goal. But fourteen years ago, it was quite different. At the time, I was completing a series of Beastly characters. I was working with reference to build my skill sets, and in the end I made a lot of weird animal warriors. This is a pig with a plan, and is one of my favorites from the set. 

Beastly Scribe

9 x 12 - Pencil on paper
© 2012/2026 Christopher Burdett

That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com