Star Pupil // Star Pupil

Star Pupil was released in 2021 as part of the Strixhaven: School of Mages Art Series, a subset of collectible cards designed to showcase the full-frame illustrations featured in the main Magic: The Gathering set. The card depicts a magically animated ink-creature mascot of the Silverquill college, a faction within the Strixhaven university setting known for its mastery of both eloquence and dark, shadow-based magic. The art series cards were distributed as promotional bonuses in set boosters to highlight the creative work of individual illustrators without the presence of traditional game borders or text boxes.

The illustration was created by artist Igor Kieryluk, whose design approach focused on the whimsical yet slightly unsettling nature of the Silverquill mascots. By utilizing high-contrast lighting and fluid, ink-wash aesthetics, Kieryluk aimed to ground the creature within the academic, ink-themed environment of the university. The piece was well-regarded among collectors for its clean composition and ability to capture the unique visual identity of the Strixhaven plane, serving as a standout example of the set's broader commitment to immersive world-building through its visual assets.