Aleksandra Wojtas on the winding path toward becoming a full time artist and working on dream projects
How we love Aleks, let us count the ways. One: her wild, but methodical imagination. Aleks was critical in helping us design the sky-mirrored brows and cat eyes of our Longstriders, and the unique fish patterns and hairstyles found on our Wavechasers. Two: her attention to detail. The fabrication and practicality of woven grass cloaks or netted coastal fabric was all Aleks! Three: Personality. Aleks creates little stories with each character she draws and they are all brimming with life. Below you’ll meet just a few of the characters Aleks has designed!
Name: Aleksandra Wojtas
Socials: @venrin.bsky.social | @Venrinn | @ven.rinn
Location: Poland
Artistic superpower: Unstoppable curiosity
Interests beyond illustration: Games, photography, fantasy books
Couldn't live without: Earl grey tea
Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla
Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be a professional artist?
ALEKS: I was always interested in art and drawing since I was little! For a long time I was sure I was going to be a childrens’ book illustrator. I had, however, some rather unsupportive adults in my life which led me down the path to completing a masters in finance of all things. I was very unhappy on this path and decided to try pursuing art one last time. I applied and got into FZD School of Design in Singapore, after which I was very lucky to find a job at CD Projekt Red as a 2D artist first, then illustrator.
A Wavechaser who takes things one wave at a time.
Tell us about your favorite medium?
ALEKS: 95% of work I do right now is done in Photoshop - I’ve used it for so long it feels like second nature. However on the rare occasion I use traditional media. I love oil and gouache.
A Longstrider and her feathered companion.
Can you walk us through your process when working on Fablecraft artwork, from brief through to final execution?
ALEKS: After receiving a brief from Darci (our amazing AD) I would first dive into researching and gathering my thoughts. If we were starting all the way down from concept work we would spend some time talking through references, inspirations and initial sketches to determine the direction the character or race should take. I would then focus on creating black and white thumbnails for the illustration - trying to capture the story and personality of the character, and establish the composition. Once we were both happy I would move forward with color and rendering of the piece, noodling on it until I am happy!
Wavechaser concept art
A fearless and bold Wavechaser who courts chaos wherever she goes.
Talk us through one of your Fablecraft pieces. Which element(s) are you happiest with? What was the most challenging part of working on this piece?
ALEKS: I think the most interesting illustration to talk about is that of Maz the Bartender. It started from an extremely rough sketch that had an idea I loved: a round bar surrounding a large tree. I fleshed out the sketch and pretty much run to Darci for approval of the idea :D Painting Maz was pure pleasure, as was the magical drink being served. The most challenging part was balancing out the values but I think I managed in the end!
Maz early concept sketch
No matter where you find yourself in Mythas, the sight of Maz is always a welcome one.
How would you personally define success as an artist?
ALEKS: Truth be told, I am constantly evaluating what success means to me. Working on dream projects (like Fablecraft!) is how I would define success as an artist for myself. When I hear someone enjoyed the work I thoroughly enjoyed creating I feel the happiest.
You never know what kind of sidekick a Wavechaser might pick up during their travels.
Longstrider concept art
Nomadic Longstriders can be found adventuring throughout the Long Meadows.
Any advice for aspiring artists out there?
ALEKS: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Not every single work needs to be a finished painting, and not every work will be better than the last - that’s totally normal. Cultivate the mindset of growth and enjoy the process, it’s the best way in my opinion to create unique art and reach your full potential.
A Wavechaser performer with an enchanted voice.
Check out more of Aleks’s work on Riftweaver’s new TTRPG, Fablecraft. Fablecraft is a cooperative digital tabletop roleplaying game set in the vibrant, hopeful world of Mythas. The platform integrates interactive battlemaps, video, audio, and text chat, digital dice and unique game system, and a library of artwork and music, to bring your stories to life.
