100 Proof | Miniature Paintings on Magic Cards

[@RhysticStudies]

Donny Caltrider has curated the first Artist Proof show titled "Magic: the Gathering in Miniature." The exhibit will take place at Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra, CA from January 21 to February 5, 2023. 🎨 Check out the press release for more details here: tinyurl.com/APgallery

[@SkeletalCommissar]

How did it go?

[@nathanl8622]

It's really easy to get cynical about the state of the game right now, but I can always rely on Sam to showcase the beauty and joy Magic can bring.

[@ry7hym]

exactly. these video's have an unmatched sense of comfort to them. and a nostalgia feeling like memory of the first time shuffling up a deck and trying to play this awesome game

[@blueknight5754]

I couldn’t agree more. Well said.

[@bazookachicken_]

agreed

[@varsoonhks3211]

I did not even know Artist Proofs were a thing. This was amazing to witness. I love the art of Magic the Gathering.

[@targetdreamer257]

Same here my dude

[@Omnimalevolent1]

I have around a dozen of them, usually the artist just signs them.... but on the rare occasion, you can get one where the artist has doodled or painted on the blank back... obviously these are awesome!

[@vazp3]

That's so evocative, imagine playing the deck, drawing each card revealing another page in a story. Thank you for your videos

[@alwaysabiggafish3305]

😂

[@ForrestImel]

I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my Dockside artist proofs in this deck and am really honored to have helped contribute to Austin's deck :)

[@InfinityRift7]

I love the Distraction Makers channel, huge fan!

[@ForrestImel]

@@InfinityRift7 Thanks! :)

[@apjapki]

Even though its mostly still "stuff for the rich", the juxtaposition of these tiny cardboard pieces of joy and beauty and Magic 30th Anniversary Collectors Edition hitting my feeds in the same month is pretty striking as a comparison of two different paths of what being a collector can be.

[@thrasherftw]

Yeah, people choosing to support the artists and get a true original with soul vs chase a fake black lotus, is a juxtaposition indeed.

[@FulmenosQuiesce]

As ever, your videos show their quality all the way to the end and are thought provoking pieces that stick in my head long after watching them. Thanks for publishing!

[@StripedJacket]

For real and I’m someone who is new to magic & don’t know any history of it and he comes along and shows us so much. And I love discovering even newer things, literature, art, mythos,etc. Quality videos

[@poindextertunes]

damn, money bags over here 😂

[@Jerorawr_XD]

Forget owning a Black Lotus. THIS is the apex of collecting magic cards. The level of passion and dedication required trumps any other deck I've ever seen in the game.

[@kylegonewild]

Hearing Mar mention Pilot pens was neat. I'm no artist, but the Pilot G2 Gel Ball-Point carried me through 6 years of university.

[@christophercarlozo5691]

we stan the G2-05

[@VCV95]

Pilot makes really good pens for the price in my experience, even if you only go with a cheaper gel pen to practice with.

[@kelm102]

I'm left-handed, so getting to use G2 pens is a rarity because they smear so bad. Thankfully, I don't have to write much for my job, so I always make sure I have a G2 on me, since that's the only time I really get to use one.

[@jpVari]

A buddy and I had a whole thing about pilot pens growing up... I laughed for absolutely no reason when they got a shout out.

[@AzuriteCoast]

Try the Pentel Energel - same feel, less smudging

[@muscledad6551]

You regularly make me cry over magic the gathering. It's hard to express how much of a gift your work is.

[@christhesoulcastermage]

RHYSTIC STUDIES UPLOAD HYPE!!!

[@VCV95]

WOOOO

[@dantheinvincible]

The title is so tantalizing! As the video slowly unveiled what you saw in that deckbox at Magic30 Vegas, I started getting shivers. Could this fan actually have a whole deck of these marvels? The build up was just stellar, and the reveal you crafted in this video must have conveyed in some sense that awestruck feeling you had upon seeing the deck for yourself. I am glad there are artists like you, you share something really special with us all.

[@BellBOYd128]

This makes me think of a time a friend proxies their entire deck including it’s basics by doodling every single card on flash cards and put them into sleeves on top of white border basic mountains.

[@thordagreat]

The ways that people express their love for this game never ceases to impress and amaze me. Thank you again, Sam, for another amazing video.

[@CrimsonNites]

The title and thumbnail were so cryptic! I was intrigued, wondering what this could be about. The aspect of artist proof was something I rarely heard of, and it's such a wonderful aspect of the community. Great work!

[@ColorwaveCraftsCo]

Yeah I definitely didn’t have any idea what I was in for when I clicked on this video.

[@PepsiColaGuy]

I’ve known Austin for quite some time via the cEDH community and this is honestly such a surreal experience seeing him in the video. He’s a wonderful human being who I’m lucky to call a friend and I eagerly await everytime I get a quick message of, “Yo dude, look what I found.” Wonderful video and Austin, I’m looking forward to whenever this project is completely done- and eventually get to see it in person! :)

[@hollow3951]

he really embodies the love of magic, maybe more-so than anyone else I know

[@irlylikecanada]

hi krunch and frogs

[@atlys258]

@12:23 the initial reveal fanning through cards in hand almost completely overwhelmed me as tears began to run down my face, I was awestruck, I had to stop for a second to let it out and collect myself. I don't know what it was that overcame me, or why it happened, maybe it was just the sentiment and love for the game and its beautiful artwork, but either way I'm glad it happened. Thank you, Sam.

[@Toque92]

Shoutout to Izzy living on his boat. I hope he's living comfortably in calm winds.

[@christopherbarr1454]

As an artist and a magic player these videos always bring me such joy. Thank you so much Sam.

[@majinshinsa]

As someone that got into artist proofs because of a Gotta Ascendant Evincar I love hearing about others that have an all artist proof deck (mine is only about 1/3 painted/sketched though). My favorite was trading Victor Adame Minquez an LED so I could get a fully painted Bontu's Last Reckoning where Bontu was Eternalized. The other thing I try to focus on is trying to get as many unique artists as I can.

[@eleanort.t.showbiz7207]

Magic is one of my favorite games that I don't play. Every once in a while I'll buy a few packs just for a taste of nostalgia and I'll discover a new card that I fall in love with, like mourning patrol/morning apparition from the recent innistrad block.

[@1337-Nathaniel]

Original Innistrad may be the set that cemented my love for magic. I loved the lore and the setting so much.

[@lukapac94]

The thing i love most about MTG is the respect and love artists get... there's just something about useful art that makes my hart all warm.

[@cmanheman09]

I am an artist. Whose dream it is to one day have a card printed of my own. I would say as far as skill level I am probably 65% to the level of these awesome creators. This video gave so much inspiration and motivation. It reminded me of my long term goal and dream and one day you will see my art on there. Just gotta stay ok the path. Thank you for this!

[@collinbeal]

Try to get a foot in the door with Alchemy cards on Arena! The art on those cards is often not as involved as on set cards, and it could help establish a work relationship with the company.

[@1337-Nathaniel]

@@collinbeal But no one will see them, because nobody plays alchemy lol

[@collinbeal]

@@1337-Nathaniel Wizards of the Coast will see them, and there are some bangers in alchemy, like cards that were ported from Commander Legends: Baldur's Gate. I'm particularly fond of Wand of Orcus from that port.

[@cmanheman09]

@@collinbeal thank you so much for the advice! Working a full time job and managing my family makes it hard for me to get work done but I'm hoping to find a good groove to keep going strong!

[@jaegster1312]

Sam you always manage to make me feel the untouched and special parts of this hobby, you take me to the places where this thing exists beyond the mechanics of a game or a collector's item and to where it exists as a community and as connections. Thank you for that.

[@davidboyd9247]

This made me cry. Good work, sir, and kudos to all the incredible artists.

[@BradleyRose]

This one made me feel really warm. Thank you, Sam!

[@devlinbowman5251]

That deck nearly had me in tears over his sheer appreciation for the art.

[@RobleViejo]

Having a little print piece of paper with a detailed image on it will always be something cool to have. From post stamps, to postcards, to playing cards and actual photographs a print image is just satisfying to most people because we are very visually based creatures. Just holding something and getting into the details of what is depicted is fulfilling and when that image is a fantasy art piece that also serves as a game piece, that sometimes even goes beyond that and includes characters and lore. Well... That's just magical. The day MTG goes back to "quality print cards for everyone to have" MTG will be saved. I hope is not too late for that.

[@CuTeapot]

When you said the play your deck 100 proof line, I wept. There's just something about this video that really got me

[@travishall6548]

You sir... You... You... You nailed it, out of the park, over the green monster, into the parking lot.

[@earp]

I met Austin and saw 100 Proof in person this past weekend. The reverence and respect he has for this process, the collection, and each and every story behind each proof is amazing. It was a sight to see.

[@jacobseibert1635]

As someone who paints tiny acrylic paintings on cards to make my own proxies, this is beautiful

[@thew1ldcard886]

I just got my 1st artist proof today and its opened a whole new world to me. Im looking forward to getting many more now.

[@ryszardkrukowski5119]

Austin this passion project of yours was awesome to see getting the attention it deserves. I definitely waited over a year for proofs too, as you know. WORTH! Congrats.

[@aquakong4276]

I know so few people who communicate so strongly this sense of wonder and excitement. Love this work, thank you.

[@warpdrivefueledbyinsomnia8165]

Sam, and all of the people he's highlighted in his videos, puts a voice to a part of this game that I am unable to say intelligently myself.

[@BoBnfishy]

A couple months ago i commissioned my first ever proof of Ragnar from legends. Super excited

[@joshuajohnston4825]

This is my favorite video you have ever posted. I have rewatched this 3 times already and as an Art and Animation major this has reinvigorated my passion for the art side of magic!

[@luufia]

thaaats soooo coool , dude won the prize for the worlds shiniest deck !

[@esperthebard]

This is the first time I've ever commented on one of your videos. I have to say, this one really moved me. Deeply, truly moved me. I got into Magic in 6th grade ('95), and as much as I do enjoy the mechanics of the game and deck building, it is really the art and flavor text that won my heart. As an artist myself, watching this video brought on a tremendous mixture of nostalgia, inspiration, and motivation. This makes me want to get out a drawing pad and dive in to the wondrous potential of creation. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[@edmarkdelacruz381]

being a Sketch Card Artist, these AP's are very inspiring. Thanks for this BTW.

[@donwon4211]

Love your Marvel card work Ed!

[@edocor8081]

Man, why does it always feel so good to click on one of this man’s videos?

[@Tc900]

I got into Artist proofs in the tail end of 2020 I got one for a friend who was newer to the game. Ever since then it triggered the need in my brain to complete a deck in entirely APs which would be playable without the front of the cards. Needless to say 2 years later with plenty of distractions and other transactions Im still working on getting my Anje Falkenrath CEDH deck in APs. Nothing I admire more than seeing the amazing work the artists do!

[@joshuawalsh3255]

'Lovely' remains the only word that properly describes the feeling of watching Rhystic Studies. Just lovely.

[@budgetdeckmastermtg2144]

This deck is beautiful. Truly the best showcase of the wonderful artists that breathe life into our favorite card game. Now I gotta try to find an artist proof of my very first Commander: Prossh, Skyraider of Kher.

[@TheEcho154]

I stopped playing Magic in 2019, but I still watch (and enjoy!) all of your videos. You are definitely in the highest tier of content creators. Thank you for everything.

[@1337-Nathaniel]

I'm happy I got intrigued by the title and thumbnail of this video. I had no idea what it was going to be about. These proofs are amazing looking.

[@robertpreteroti3459]

The art revealed in this video is astounding. Thanks for sharing!!

[@aaaaaarg6551]

still never played magic ... the subtle nerdery of your work is amaze me. please make more of thoses

[@Varler_]

I had the opportunity to get some Artist Proofs at CommandFest Chicago in 2019 but passed it up. I still regret it. Those are gorgeous, and when I saw that deck my jaw dropped. I was lost for words for a good 5 minutes.

[@ao_qd]

I never knew about APs, so thanks for this beautiful introduction. No matter how much I hate the state of the game or whatever absurd business moves WotC makes, I will always appreciate the art on these cards.

[@CarmenCards]

Sam is such a great KZbinr that every video he makes make want to make a magic deck in a way I would never consider

[@laminatedmoth8282]

I'm working on a deck from a similar inspiration, but for players instead of official artists. I'm running Claire D'Loon with Battle of Wits and cards like Framed! The deck, ideally, is illustrated by every player the deck sees, everyone contributing hand-drawn tokens that make up over half of the deck late-game. It'll hit the table next year.

[@elliottreadings8029]

This video inspired me to purchase my first ever artist proof of one of my favourite cards and creature designs. I am the happiest turbo nerd alive right now!

[@AdraTheGhost]

this video and the Dear Gonti video feel directly linked. both challenge my notions of what is valuable, artistic, creative, and wonderful about this new hobby I fell into.

[@TheCharlieChitty]

Even if you couldn't play 100 Proof because of opponents, a single penny sleeve in another sleeve is perfect for a quick flip and show. It's not even boasting, I can't think of a single Commander player who wouldn't want a night at the galleries. Weirdly enough I spent the early part of 2020 lockdown building a Kenrith the Returned King Superfriends EDH deck (Originally Boom Baby Superfriends but Kenrith proved more fun.) and I'm going to get a silver sharpie and ask my friends to sign the back of each Planeswalker so every time I play with the deck I can remember my friends.

[@merrisshines5182]

Wow. This video makes me want to cry because it's so beautiful 😢🥺❤️. It makes me forget how messed up everything is and just...exhale and enjoy something beautiful 🌄🕊️. Thank you 💆‍♀️💗💕.

[@blakeevers3121]

This has to be one of my favourite pieces of media in a long time

[@masterandexpert288]

This was one of my favorite videos that you've done! And that's saying a LOT. What a fun and art filled topic. It was awesome seeing all the different types of creativity artists have.

[@johnathanfleming3236]

I have my artist proof of Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer that I absolutely love. It has a beautiful close up of brudiclad's face that I just can't get enough of.

[@XebecDRocks]

I got to meet Ed Beard Jr at a ren fest and he's the coolest. I always like to buy a print at his booth and finally caught him on the day I went. He did an original sketch on the border of my Commune with Nature print and we took a picture together. Such a great memory of that day and I was so surprised how kind he was to a fan despite his position and long career.

[@dominicsevilla1189]

I have one artist proof of land tax from Chuck Lukacs. It was GP Detroit and I asked him for a picture of a treasure chest on the back with my brother's name on it. He passed away when he was 9 but we still have his toy chest. He brought me to tears with his work and It is my favorite thing I own in magic. Posted this before the story on him came up in the video. The guy is a blessing on this world.

[@Minion777]

Given the current state of MTG and Wizards, I couldn't think of a better side of the game to highlight than the artists that continue to make Magic memorable.

[@dhammer5842]

Immediately looking into getting a proof of my favorite commander. Great video as always Sam, and hats off to Austin.

[@gmetro661]

I had no idea that these proofs existed. This is why I love this Channel You bring all these different facets of the game out of the periphery and into the spotlight in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. Imagine separate people owning one card of a large art piece and coming together at a con or tournament to connect them together. how awesome a moment that would be. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this channel.

[@Pandahboymtg]

I bought a few Artist Proofs when I met Tyler Walpole, Andrew Mar, and Ryan Pancoast at Commandfest Orlando but I didn't have enough money to get anything on the blank side. Maybe in the future I will meet them again and try to get something special drawn on them.

[@GheyForGames]

this is like, the polar opposite of the gonti deck, both just amazing projects

[@DachFalimo]

Thank you for creating space to talk about Magic Art and Culture. There are plenty of videos on gameplay and card design, but you're the only show I know that looks outside the obvious. As someone who was drawn to the art before I knew what the cards did, these pieces bring me elation and catharsis. As does your buttery radio voice.

[@TheAngryRedBird]

I recently got a hold of an artist proof in my collection for the first time, an Avacyn's Pilgrim from the Midnight Hunt Commander decks, signed in black on the front by Johannes Voss. I recieved it as part of my reward for being an Early Bird Backer on his recent Kickstarter for his art prints. Super happy to have it, not sure what I'll end up doing aside from keeping it. (In case anyone is wondering, the print I got was his Carpet of Flowers from his artist series SL. I absolutely adore that piece and glad to make it the first MTG art print I own.)

[@TheBalthassar]

I've got a bunch of James Ryman proofs from the Avacyn era. I worked for a wholesaler at the time and we commissioned his art for some products, and one time he came in, gave me some proofs, and signed some of my cards. Also a friend of mine modelled for a few of his cards, including Thraben Heretic and Death's Caress, and James gave her proofs of them plus some others. She later sold her collection to me, so I got them too.

[@TheSynisterMinister]

Chuck Lukacs was the hands down nicest and most interesting Artist Ive ever met at a convention. I have always respected his work, especially the kithkin and Un set art. but when I commissioned him he talked my ear off and told me so many interesting things, also crazy enough we live in the same neighborhood, I havent seen him around but I hope to run into him at a coffee shop or bar so I can get him a cup!

[@conradforeman5196]

Rhystic Studies is the perfect combination of deeply thoughtful and nerdy af. It’s brilliant

[@dynastcg]

This channel truly is the masterclass of content creation in this medium.

[@speckwit8323]

The deck in this video ought to be in a museum. Especially being cEdh, this feels the most magical and evocative expression of the whole game in one piece.

[@XJBG1001X]

This is beautiful to watch. With the printing of art cards in boosters, this kind of idea popped into my head. Just using the art as the card. Boom, I find this video. I know the art cards are more frowned upon, but I genuinely appreciate the art. I own a mana drain, but the new Outlaws of thunder junction print was wonderfully done, just to be (imo) ruined by the chosen border style. I happened to get a gold stamped version of it in my box, along with the actual card! I then looked back at the other art cards I quickly dismissed and saw a Rhystic Study anime alt art, and it popped. I was entranced by the beauty. I think I'm gonna use them, opponents be damned. Ill write the effect on the back or have the real version close by.

[@Omega_Orion]

Wow. I've been playing magic on and off for over ten years, but this is the first time I've heard of proofs. I am now definitely considering getting a proof of Volo, Guide to Monsters as that was my first physical commander deck, and while I'll probably cycle the list, I'm never going to not have that deck it's such a part of my journey in this game at this point. It's probably also a card that hopefully hasn't seen a lot of commissions for proofs, so I should be ok despite being a bit late to the party :)

[@StephenTBW]

This is the coolest YT video I've seen in a long time. Thanks for all that you do!

[@nickramos4012]

I love that line. Flavor over function

[@TravTravRA]

I've been in a bit of an artist's block for months now, not creating what I deem I would like myself as well as a growing despair from all the new AI and Crypto things that aim to degrade art- This video, collection of works and processes, kinda opened my eyes to test new brushes and work with new compositions, to experiment. I feel an unnaturally deep chasm and new understanding in me seeing how much love and time and effort goes into these godly pieces and the fact there are those, commissioner or player, that admire these mini masterpieces against the recent 3 years of AI and crypto related issues. *People really do enjoy art, and that's enough get me back on my feet.*

[@Sinistra359]

Wow what a beautiful deck 😍 now I gotta get me an artist proof

[@kylecarson3318]

Art makes this game. These focus on that and provide material anchors for memories

[@glorp6677]

I am going to school to become an artist and I had bud cook as a teacher for drawing and I was completely unaware of the fact that he was a magic artist and my mind is blown

[@N8Maple01]

Excellent work, as always, Sam. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into another one of the many corners of the MTG world.

[@Bebhell]

this is a beautiful video that saves an important piece of that past, and something that most players; let alone people, will ever know exist. I know that I did not beforehand. Thank you Sam, for shining a light on this little-know yet so endearing sub-culture of our hobby, where no one else has ever shown the light before.

[@Will_Morand]

While I can’t afford it at the moment, if I was to get any artist proof, it would be Terese Nielsen’s Chandra Torch of Defiance with her version of the Kaladesh printing of Cathartic Reunion’s art on the back.

[@SurfTheSkyline]

This deck is absolutely awe inspiring and I feel like I could spend hours looking at any one card.

[@mboyd92]

As I struggle terribly to stay in love with this game, Sam's work is like a light in the window of a welcoming cottage during a downpour.

[@PastorKCLiu]

Wow!! Thank you for this amazing video!! That 100 Proof deck is fire!

[@PeteB90]

This is awesome. Almost makes me want to start collecting Artist Proofs but then I remember how much I already spend on alters XD

[@collinbeal]

I nearly cried when the video showed the proof deck being shuffled through the first time. I'm relatively new to the game, but I'll always have that deep connection to art. It was beautiful.

[@FioreCiliegia]

As someone with a traditional arts degree, it’s heartwarming to see this. There is such love for art taken to heart.

[@Peronioz]

This now gave me the idea to try and brew a deck with the Art Series cards. It's not nearly as impressive, but should be fun

[@SingerOfW]

Olena Richards wasn't exactly on my radar as far as Magic artists go, but those proofs are so breathtaking I can't help but consider picking some up for myself. Thank you for everything you do, and I'll see you in 2023.

[@cubencis]

These are so beautiful

[@blueknight5754]

To the artists know this. I am a collector due to YOUR hard work! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking me to a place far away!

[@waffleman2211]

I can't believe someone created a Commander deck that is 50% abv. That's wild

[@et2neoh]

This and the Gonti episode make for great chill listening

[@targetdreamer257]

Huh, I had absolutely no idea this was a thing. Thanks for doing a dive in to the subject of Artists Proofs.

[@lordmeep5803]

GODDAMNIT now I’ll never be able to get any more artists proofs . You’re blowing up everyone’s spot, fuck!

[@funnytastingmilk]

Literally the most expensive deck ever in the best way possible

[@msarsur]

Every video a masterpiece. This one in particular is so great, because it highlights how Magic art is such an integral part of our gaming experience. Magic would never be what it is without its art. Kudos, Sam!