First Pick

First Pick was released in 2017 as part of the Unstable set for Magic: The Gathering. As a card within an 'Un-set'—a series of silver-bordered expansions designed specifically for draft and casual play—it was created to subvert standard game mechanics. The card’s function, which allows a player to physically manipulate the game state by choosing a card from outside the game, leans into the playful, self-referential humor that defines the Un-set experience.

The artwork was commissioned from illustrator John Thacker, who contributed a vibrant and whimsically chaotic visual style consistent with the experimental nature of the Unstable collection. The design sought to capture the feeling of a 'drafting' environment, reflecting the chaotic excitement of selecting cards in real-time. Upon its release, it was well-received by fans of casual formats for its ability to inject levity and unpredictability into gameplay, standing as a notable example of Wizards of the Coast's willingness to experiment with the boundaries of card game design.