Interview with Greg Rutkowski
Grzegorz (Greg) Rutkowski was born on June 26, 1988, in Zgorzelec, Poland.
His passion for art began at a very young age. As a child, he spent countless hours creating simple drawings and comics inspired by pirates, superheroes, and the limitless worlds of his imagination. During elementary school, his interest in drawing grew steadily, and at the age of twelve he began attending after-school art classes, where he was introduced to oil and acrylic painting. Around that time, he participated in numerous regional art competitions, earning first-place awards that fueled his determination to pursue painting with even greater dedication.
By the age of fifteen, Rutkowski had committed himself to mastering anatomy, composition, and the technical foundations of painting. Deeply inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Simon Bisley, Frank Frazetta, and other visionary artists, he naturally gravitated toward the fantasy genre—a creative direction that continues to define much of his work today.
As digital art began to emerge as a major creative medium, Rutkowski immersed himself in the growing digital painting community, independently studying new techniques and workflows. At the time, educational resources were scarce, making him largely self-taught. Through years of experimentation, discipline, and continuous practice, he developed the distinctive visual style for which he is now internationally recognized.
Over the course of his career, Rutkowski has contributed artwork to some of the world’s most celebrated entertainment franchises, including Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter, Diablo Immortal, Horizon Forbidden West, Anno 1800, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Warhammer, and many others.
After many successful years working primarily as a digital artist, he returned to his artistic roots in traditional oil painting. For the past several years, he has balanced both digital and traditional media, continuing to evolve as a professional artist while exploring the expressive possibilities of each.
Alongside his artistic journey, Rutkowski has built a fulfilling family life. He is married and the proud father of two daughters, Gaja and Anna. Today, he lives with his family in the home they built together, where he continues to create the imaginative worlds that have made him one of the most influential fantasy artists of his generation.
The Guide Artists Magazine presents acclaimed Polish artist Greg Rutkowski as the cover artist of its new edition, Issue 99.
Born in Zgorzelec, Poland, Rutkowski began drawing at a very young age, creating comics, characters, and imaginary worlds inspired by pirates, superheroes, and everything his imagination could envision. His interest in anatomy, painting, and visual storytelling led him toward the fantasy genre, influenced by major figures such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Simon Bisley, and Frank Frazetta.
At the age of twenty, he purchased his first drawing tablet and began an intensive, largely self-taught journey in painting. Through discipline, experimentation, and remarkable technical skill, he developed a distinctive visual language defined by epic compositions, immersive atmospheres, and a powerful interpretation of fantasy.
In this new issue, The Guide Artists Magazine celebrates the career, imagination, and creative strength of one of the most outstanding artists of his generation.
DISCOVER MORE… THE GUIDE ARTISTS MAGAZINE ISSUE 99
