Ian Vicknair is a digital matte painter and art director in the visual effects and game industry. With over ten years of experience, he has contributed to major projects like Justice League, Suicide Squad, Witcher, and Splitgate. Shaped by living globally, he specialises in bringing highly detailed environments to life.

We caught up with him to learn more about his career and influences. If you need to upgrade your own setup for digital art, see our guides to the best drawing tablets and the best laptops for drawing .

Magic Beans. "The CGI plate was provided by Tamas Gyerman. This was fun to paint on top of as it reminded me of a childhood story: Jack and the Beanstalk. This concept art matte panting is my twist on the old tale.” (Image credit: Ian Vicknair)

Where did you grow up and how did it influence your art?

Growing up was chaotic; I moved from country to country every few years.…