The Artist’s Journey – Creating Illustration and Comics
The creation of illustrations, concept art, and comics combines theoretical knowledge, long-term practice, and the gradual development of skills, with each author developing their own unique approach. In his presentation, Michal Ivan will share how he thinks about image-making—from technical processes to the personal philosophy behind his work.
About Michal
Michal Ivan is a freelance concept artist and art director working in the entertainment industry. His clients include Climax Studios, Paizo Publishing, Blizzard Entertainment and Radical comics. He creates fantasy and science fiction themed character art and illustrations for video games, publishing and animations.
He has appeared multiple times at the Panel conference. At the first edition, he spoke in a discussion about storytelling in images and demonstrated ink drawing techniques in a workshop. At BRaK x Panel 2025, he took part in a discussion with Gerald Parel about crossing the boundaries between high and low culture, exhibited original works, and showcased his painting skills in a Live Painting session.
Artstation , Instagram
Discussion with Gerald Parel and Michal Ivan – BRaK x Panel 2025
Borders – Crossing the boundaries between high and low culture
Where does “low” culture end and “high” art begin? Does this boundary still exist today? At a time when comics are winning prestigious literary awards, video games are being recognized for their artistic contribution, and popular culture is becoming a gallery object, it seems that the traditional division is losing its significance. However, it is still present and often appears in certain discourses.
The invited speakers for the debate are visual creators Gerald Parel and Michal Ivan, who have worked on the globally renowned game League of Legends, as well as for brands like Marvel, DC, and Magic: The Gathering — one from France, where comics are considered a “deviant art,” and the other from Slovakia, where comics and game illustration are still frequently associated with “low” culture. These former colleagues are top-tier pop culture artists, and we will speak with them about what inspires them, their views on contemporary culture, trends, artificial intelligence, but also what they enjoy and find fulfilling. Together, they will share their experiences and how they perceive the merging of genres, disciplines, and cultural traditions.
Debate moderator: Martin Schwarz
Lecture – Panel Year 2022
Storytelling in Images
Michal Ivan spoke about the stories behind professional illustrations and the process of creating them. It was a professional lecture on storytelling!
Workshop – Panel Year 2022
Inking
“In the introduction, I will explain and show how I prepare images for working with ink, what tools, techniques, and tricks I use. Together, we will try to create an interesting and original ink drawing.”