Illustrator & Concept Artist
About Cortney Skinner
I'm a freelance illustrator and concept artist based in Virginia, with over three decades of professional experience. My work spans book covers, historical illustration, maps, portraiture, editorial art, and collectible card game imagery.
My clients have included major publishers, film and television production companies, and collectible card game companies. My illustrations have appeared on the covers of novels, in magazines, and as card art for games set in beloved fictional universes including Star Wars, Tolkien's Middle-earth, and Dune.
Trained in traditional media, I work primarily in oils and digital painting by hand using a stylus and tablet.
I do not use AI imagery.
My work includes meticulously-researched historical illustrations which display accurate and exciting imagery with a strong sense of narrative. Whether depicting an historic midnight ride or a fantastical creature from another world, my artwork is grounded in careful observation and a deep love of storytelling.
Beyond commercial work, I maintain an active personal practice, exploring portraiture, landscapes, and imaginative subjects. I'm available for commissions in a wide range of genres and media.
Illustration Philosophy
"Every image is a story waiting to be told. My goal is to make the viewer feel they've stepped into a moment — that something happened just before, and something will happen just after."
I approach each project as a collaboration between artist and client. I immerse myself in the world of the work — reading manuscripts, researching the subject, studying reference — before a single mark is made. The result is illustration that feels authentic, lived-in, and true to the spirit of the subject.
Experience & Background
- Historical consultation for the 2026 Netflix series, "The American Experiment."
- Book covers for major publishers including Penguin, Tor, and independent presses
- Card art for Tolkien Enterprises, Last Unicorn Games, and Lucasfilm
- Historical illustration for books, museums, and educational publishers
- Fantasy maps for published novels and game materials
- Portrait commissions for private and institutional clients
Available for Commissions
Interested in working together? I welcome inquiries for book covers, historical illustration & consultation, maps, portraits, and concept art.