Lead by Example

Lead by Example was released in 2016 as part of the Oath of the Gatewatch set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Set on the plane of Zendikar, the expansion focused on the desperate defense of the world against the encroaching Eldrazi titans. Mechanically, the card was designed to support the 'support' keyword, a gameplay mechanic introduced in this set that allowed players to distribute +1/+1 counters among their creatures, reflecting the thematic emphasis on cooperation and unity among the disparate groups fighting to save their world.

The card features artwork by Lake Hurwitz, who utilized a dramatic, low-angle perspective to emphasize the scale and resolve of the figures depicted. In the context of the game's lore, the illustration highlights the collaborative effort of Zendikar's survivors, mirroring the set's narrative arc where multiple planeswalkers and local factions had to set aside their differences to combat a common threat. The card was received as a standard utility piece in Limited play, valued for its ability to reinforce board presence during combat.