Charles Urbach

Charles Urbach is a writer and artist with more than a decade of work in design, publishing, and illustration. He began work in graphic design in the early 1990’s just as the technology of design was moving away from traditional cut and paste techniques into computer based technologies. While working nights for regional newspapers across New York State, he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts illustration. By blending techniques learned in the academic and professional worlds, Charles developed a unique approach to artwork that combines the technology of digital image manipulation with traditional fine arts media and techniques. The result of those explorations is hand drawn artwork that is edited and enhanced digitally, taking full advantage of the effects and versatility afforded by technology, while remaining true to fine arts concerns.

His artwork, like the techniques employed in its making, is a blend of ancient and modern. His work explores fantasy and surrealistic imagery by drawing on a rich tradition of spiritual, literary, and mythological sources. Like a traveler on a journey, his work ventures into varied territories, not resting for long in any specific genre or subject matter. Everything from humor and children’s illustration, to high fantasy and spiritual symbolism find their way into his work. As a result, his art is recognized for its varied subjects and dynamic visuals that appeal to many different audiences and age groups. His most recent projects include illustrations for Wizards of The Coast "Magic: The Gathering," Sony Online Entertainment's "Legends of Norrath" and "Star Wars Galaxies" games, Alderac Entertainment's "Legend of the Five Rings" game, and Fantasy Flight Games' "A Game of Thrones" game. Charles’ personal artwork is published through his in-house studio and available via conventions and art exhibits throughout the country.

Charles and his wife Laura are frequent participants in Midwest conventions and avid proponents of all forms of creative expression in fandom. When they’re not on the road, they live in rural Pennsylvania with their feline muses, Sam, Moxie, Rufus, and Tiger.