Image of Eric Klug's work desk and his painting of Counterspell, courtesy of the artist
Altering cards with custom art is an expression of devotion in the purest form, both in devotion to the new art and to the game. This is especially true of Magic: The Gathering, a card game that has taken the concept of personalizing one's deck to new extremes these past few years.
For many, altering cards is a pastime meant to show their love of something. For others, it's a means to earn some money. But whatever that reason is, there are people in the Magic community who truly know what they're doing here.
Enter Eric Klug (also known as Klug Alters), who is, perhaps, the most well-known Magic card alterist in the field. His custom-altered cards often go on auction and sell for amounts in the thousands. This is partly due to his handiwork and perhaps the subject matter. But a lot of it seems to be based around the brand he's created for himself with past work.
<div id="attachment_166807" style="width: 429px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/emrakul-monster-photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166807" class="wp-image-166807" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/emrakul-monster-photo.jpg" alt="An alter of Emrakul, the Aeons Torn. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="419" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/emrakul-monster-photo.jpg 525w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/emrakul-monster-photo-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px" /></a>An alter of Emrakul, the Aeons Torn. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
We got a chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Eric and get his perspective on his career and the game as it evolves.
<h2>Interview With Eric Klug</h2>
This question is one that's probably on most people's minds right now, reading this (and it's certainly that for me): How do you get such fine brush strokes on your alters? What types of brushes do you use to achieve this level of detail?
This is the sort of question I don’t have an easy or canned answer for. I’ve been making art my entire life (I’m 39), and have been painting alters for 17 years. I’ve certainly put my 10,000 hours in. So a lot of the technique is just muscle memory at this point. Producing smooth, extremely clean work is about slowly and meticulously “building up the painting.” 
I think where a lot of painters run into trouble is trying to rush or render out things too quickly, and you end up with a painting that looks rushed.
What drew you specifically to Magic as a medium for your art? How has altering Magic cards bolstered your connection with the game?
I discovered painted alters on an online forum in 2008, and being a long-time Magic player and artist, I instantly wanted to give it a go. I actually preferred to work in dry mediums back then, and wasn’t much of a painter at all. I had an art degree, but still had to teach myself how to alter. 
Granted, I had already done a lot of painting for fun and in art school. 
 
I’ve played Magic for more than 25 years and have altered full-time since 2011. To have Magic intertwined in both my professional and personal life means I’m deeply and forever connected to the game.
<div id="attachment_166811" style="width: 459px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-ophelia-after-john-everett-millais.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166811" class="wp-image-166811" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-ophelia-after-john-everett-millais.jpg" alt="An alter of Watery Grave. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="449" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-ophelia-after-john-everett-millais.jpg 780w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-ophelia-after-john-everett-millais-241x300.jpg 241w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/grave-ophelia-after-john-everett-millais-768x956.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px" /></a>An alter of Watery Grave. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
How do you determine what art you use for each of your alters? Is it a commissioner's decision, or do you have full liberty? Also, was there anyone particularly surprising who commissioned a piece from you?
I stopped taking commissions three years ago, after the birth of my daughter. Since resuming work, I’ve switched to producing work on my own and auctioning those pieces. When I took commissions, the client would come to me with a concept, and we would work out what that would look like. 
Brandon Sanderson is someone who contacted me back then to have work done for his incredible cube. 
 
For my own pieces, I spend a ton of time brainstorming concepts. Sometimes there’s a reference I want to use, and I need to figure out a card it would work on. Sometimes there’s a card I want to paint on, and I try to think of how I could transform it. I’ve spent full work days just framing ideas and not painting at all. 
<h2>Eric Klug, on His Process and Background</h2>
Do you have a formal background in the arts, or are you self-trained?
I graduated from the Corcoran College of Art &amp; Design in 2008, so I have a Fine Arts degree. That said, I’ve been drawing since I can remember. In 1st grade, my friend would write comic books and I would illustrate them, then we would try and sell them on the playground. 
So it’s safe to say I’ve spent much of my life honing my craft. 
What would you say is the biggest breakthrough you've had in the process of altering a card?
When painted alters were fairly new to Magic, they were mostly border extensions of the original art or small character paintings over the original art. Nothing too ambitious. About midway through 2011, the year I started altering full-time, I slowly came to realize alters could be so much grander, and something really sparked. 
I felt, and continue to feel, really inspired to innovate how I approach alter work.
<div id="attachment_166814" style="width: 423px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-rackham-progress.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166814" class="wp-image-166814" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-rackham-progress.jpg" alt="The work-in-progress shot of an alter of Farewell. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="413" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-rackham-progress.jpg 600w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-rackham-progress-221x300.jpg 221w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" /></a>The work-in-progress shot of an alter of Farewell. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
What was the biggest lesson you've learned while altering a card?
I remember painting the Gandalf <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snapcaster Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Snapcaster Mage</a> (pictured below). I wanted to do an extremely detailed, realistic portrait of Ian McKellen’s portrayal from the Lord of the Rings movies. I decided I was just going to take my time with it and give the painting as long as it needed. Up to that point, it was one of my more ambitious pieces, and the results showed.
<div id="attachment_166809" style="width: 413px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/snapcaster-gandalf.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166809" class="wp-image-166809" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/snapcaster-gandalf.jpg" alt="An alter of Snapcaster Mage. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="403" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/snapcaster-gandalf.jpg 525w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/snapcaster-gandalf-216x300.jpg 216w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 403px) 100vw, 403px" /></a>An alter of Snapcaster Mage. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
It taught me to give the painting as long as it needs. Acclaimed artist James Gurney (of the Dinotopia books) made this great tweet in 2021: 
<blockquote>We often hear the advice: 'Stop before you overwork it.' But in my experience, more paintings fail from quitting too soon than from beating them to death.</blockquote>
That is just amazing advice for any budding artist, and I try to remember it when I’m eager for a piece to be complete that still has a ways to go.
<h2>On His Favorite Artwork</h2>
Of all the non-alter artwork you've done, what's your favorite? And, do you have a favorite alter? 
 
I’ve painted many plein air landscapes over the years, and they mean a lot to me. These are works that are painted outside on location, working rather quickly. They’re not the most acclaimed, and I wasn’t paid to make any of them, but there’s a purity in that I painted them just as a meditation and for my own enjoyment. 
I also appreciate that their creation was the complete opposite of my alter work; I’d typically work for two hours versus the 40-60 that I might put into a card.
<div id="attachment_166810" style="width: 760px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166810" class="wp-image-166810 size-full" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-1.jpg" alt="A plein air painting of a mountainside road. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="750" height="428" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-1.jpg 750w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-1-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a>A plein air painting of a mountainside road. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
I don’t pick favorites! I’ll include some images of a few that come to mind, though.
Have you ever rejected a commission? Why? 
 
Lots of times! When I first started, I painted just about anything that wasn’t offensive because I wanted to build a brand and make a living. But as business got better, I was quickly inundated with requests. I couldn’t serve everyone and didn’t want the pressure of having a massive backlog, so I continually booked out just a month of work at a time. That meant being fairly picky in terms of what I took on.
Ultimately, I don’t take on commissions anymore because I was spending an incredible amount of time answering requests and planning projects with clients. Producing work solely for auction isn’t completely ideal. I enjoyed getting to bring other people's ideas to life, but it has allowed me far more time to just paint.
<h2>On Prospects and the Future of Altering Cards</h2>
Has Wizards of the Coast ever proactively reached out to you about doing art for them? Alternatively, have you ever reached out to them with a similar proposition? 
 
They haven’t. I think I may have submitted a portfolio to a faceless Dropbox many years ago, but never heard anything. If it happened, that would be cool, but I also like the niche I’ve made in the community.
<div id="attachment_166813" style="width: 436px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/scarab-god-photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166813" class="wp-image-166813" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/scarab-god-photo.jpg" alt="An alter of The Scarab God. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="426" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/scarab-god-photo.jpg 600w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/scarab-god-photo-228x300.jpg 228w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px" /></a>An alter of The Scarab God. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
In a post-Secret Lair, post-Universes Beyond age, what is your view on alters as a niche within Magic? Is the demand shifting at all?
I think Secret Lair and UB content is, at least in part, a fairly overt response to alters. And that’s because Magic players love to express themselves via their card choices. Think about how much time players have put into selecting their basic lands - even at the competitive level.
I think alters have a leg up because they’re one-of-a-kind, made by hand. There’s something just magic about that, if you’ll excuse the pun.
<div id="attachment_166808" style="width: 423px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/llanowar-elves-warhol-photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166808" class="wp-image-166808" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/llanowar-elves-warhol-photo.jpg" alt="An alter of Llanowar Elves. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="413" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/llanowar-elves-warhol-photo.jpg 600w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/llanowar-elves-warhol-photo-222x300.jpg 222w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" /></a>An alter of Llanowar Elves. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
A huge thank-you to Eric Klug for allowing us to interview him!
And now, we'd like to open the floor to you, dear readers. Have you ever tried to alter Magic cards with new art? How did you go about doing it - was it physical or digital?
Alternatively, have you ever commissioned an artist to do it for you? Sound off in the comments below! And, if you'd like to see more of Eric Klug's art and altered cards, you can check out the following links to his social media accounts or visit <a href="http://ericklug.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.ericklug.com</a>.
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/klugalters" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>
<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/klugalters.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bluesky</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/klug_alters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>
<div id="attachment_166812" style="width: 760px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166812" class="wp-image-166812 size-full" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-2.jpg" alt="A plein air painting of a rocky shoreline. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="750" height="532" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-2.jpg 750w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/plein-air-2-300x213.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></a>A plein air painting of a rocky shoreline. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>
<div id="attachment_166815" style="width: 414px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-after-arthur-rackham.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-166815" class="wp-image-166815" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-after-arthur-rackham.jpg" alt="A shot of the aforementioned Farewell alter, now finished. Image credit: Eric Klug" width="404" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-after-arthur-rackham.jpg 525w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/farewell-after-arthur-rackham-217x300.jpg 217w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 404px) 100vw, 404px" /></a>A shot of the aforementioned Farewell alter, now finished. Image credit: Eric Klug</div>

From the Altar of the Alterist: An Exclusive Interview With Eric Klug

Some people are naturally curious. Many of them are born curious, and many others still have curiosity thrust upon them. If you are one of those in the world curious about what's out there beyond it, you're certainly in for a treat.
Assuming you got here at the time of writing, you may not yet know what Edge of Eternities preview card we here at EDHREC have the pleasure of revealing to you, dear reader.
However, we got not one, but two preview cards to show to you today! And, predicting that oh, so insatiable curiosity you simply must have, I must admit I'd like to sate that curiosity just as much as you want it satisfied in turn.
A huge thank-you to <a href="http://magic.wizards.com">Wizards of the Coast</a> for allowing us the opportunity to preview two cards from Edge of Eternities. It's a chance that we will always cherish and appreciate. And with that, let's get on with it!
<h2>Pulsar Squadron Ace</h2>
<a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pulsar-Squadron-Ace_EN_HRR.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158815 size-full" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pulsar-Squadron-Ace_EN_HRR.jpg" alt="" width="716" height="1000" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pulsar-Squadron-Ace_EN_HRR.jpg 716w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pulsar-Squadron-Ace_EN_HRR-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /></a>
In a vacuum (perhaps the vacuum of space?), Pulsar Squadron Ace is a tough card to evaluate. After all, we are just now getting Spacecraft cards for the very first time, right?
As such, it's remarkably difficult for us to properly gauge the power level of this white uncommon. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Seriema" href="#" target="_blank">The Seriema</a> seems like a fantastic fit for Pulsar Squadron Ace, for the mere merit of its ability to dig for a Spacecraft. That much of an interaction seems pretty intuitively obvious.
The Seriema aside, however, the space (Get it? "Space"?) to run Pulsar Squadron Ace seems rather thin. It is clear that a card like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines" href="#" target="_blank">Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines</a> might like Pulsar Squadron Ace, as might <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Preston, the Vanisher" href="#" target="_blank">Preston, the Vanisher</a> or <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brago, King Eternal" href="#" target="_blank">Brago, King Eternal</a>.
But let's face facts here; that's probably most true if PSA is in one of those decks using a Spacecraft theme.
And speaking of cards that like blink effects and effects upon entry, allow us to showcase our second exclusive preview card:
<h2>Rescue Skiff</h2>
<a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rescue-Skiff_EN_HRR.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-158816 size-full" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rescue-Skiff_EN_HRR.jpg" alt="" width="716" height="1000" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rescue-Skiff_EN_HRR.jpg 716w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Rescue-Skiff_EN_HRR-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px" /></a>
Rescue Skiff, quite frankly, pairs as well with PSA as a ribeye steak might pair with a Zinfandel. Don't care for red meat or red wine? Well, luckily for the chef, this is the Edge; nobody can hear you complain.
As it stands, Rescue Skiff is a more expansive <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zombify" href="#" target="_blank">Zombify</a> effect in white that can reanimate an enchantment on entry instead if you prefer.
Sure, the Skiff costs more to cast than a Zombify (replacing Zombify's for a single ). That's just the cost of versatility at uncommon, however.
But the best part about Rescue Skiff is its capacity to be blinked in and out. This is achievable by commanders like Brago. Plus, its ability can be doubled-upon by Elesh Norn, et cetera.
You don't have the "if Rescue Skiff was cast" clause here. Therefore, the Spacecraft can enter freely and still do its sworn mission. That mission? Well, rescue, of course!
<h2>See More Edge of Eternities Spoilers</h2>
In conclusion, we here at EDHREC hope we've slaked your curiosity. Once again, many thanks to Wizards of the Coast for presenting us with this opportunity.
If you want more content from us from Edge of Eternities, be sure to check out our dedicated <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/edge-of-eternities-news-and-set-reviews">News and Reviews page</a>.
If you're seeing this immediately as it's gone live, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@EDHRECast/videos">the newest EDHRECast video is live right now as well</a>! Be sure to grab some popcorn and settle down to see what the guys have to say about these two preview cards.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="The REAL Reason Commander Players HATE Combo | EDHRECast 374 | Magic: the Gathering | Commander" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CB_p_2V3IuU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
In the meantime, what would you do to make the most of Pulsar Squadron Ace? What about Rescue Skiff? Do either of these cards belong in non-Spacecraft themed Commander decks? Sound off below!

exclusive

From the Altar of the Alterist: An Exclusive Interview With Eric Klug

EDHREC's Exclusive Edge of Eternities Preview Cards