Serbian digital artist Nikola Matkovic has dedicated his artistic career to creating dark, atmospheric illustrations featuring creatures and monsters that inhabit the shadows of our imagination. After spending five years working in 3D and mobile game development, Matkovic has returned to his original artistic passion: depicting the haunting beings that go bump in the night. His work aims to help viewers discover beauty in dark places through his gritty, traditional approach to digital art.
Matkovic, who grew up in a mountain town steeped in folklore and mythology, draws heavily from his cultural background to create his distinctive monster art. The artist works primarily in Photoshop and Procreate, using digital tools to craft illustrations that feel both modern and timeless. His approach combines technical skill with a deep understanding of mythological creatures, putting his own unique twist on legendary beings from various cultures around the world.
One of Matkovic's most significant pieces, titled "Lord of Dunes," marked a crucial turning point in his artistic journey. According to the artist, this early work opened doors to collaborative opportunities that seemed impossible when he was starting out. "This early piece was a turning point. It led to collaborating on projects that little me couldn't even dream of. Crazy how one painting can change your life forever," Matkovic explained. The piece demonstrates his ability to create atmospheric, otherworldly scenes that capture viewers' attention and imagination.
Another standout piece in Matkovic's portfolio is "Ushi-Oni," which showcases his love for reinterpreting mythological creatures from different cultures. Growing up surrounded by mountain folklore made mythology a central part of his identity as an artist. "Growing up in a mountain town steeped in folklore made mythology a key part of my identity. Putting my own twist on creatures like Ushi-oni remains an absolute creative joy," he shared. This particular work demonstrates how he blends traditional mythological elements with his own dark artistic vision.
Matkovic's commercial work includes the cover art for "Frostbound Exiles," created for an upcoming solo role-playing game by Blackoath Entertainment. This project represents the type of collaborative work that allows him to express his authentic artistic voice. "We obsess over technique, but finding collaborators who let you create work that's just us is just as vital," the artist noted, emphasizing the importance of creative partnerships that allow artistic freedom and personal expression.
The artist's work is particularly relevant during Halloween season, when audiences are more drawn to dark and supernatural themes. His illustrations feature a gritty aesthetic that sets them apart from more polished digital art, creating pieces that feel raw and emotionally authentic. Through his monster art, Matkovic challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level darkness and find the underlying beauty in creatures and concepts that might initially seem frightening or unsettling.
For those interested in exploring Matkovic's complete body of work, his portfolio is available on his ArtStation page, where viewers can see the full range of his dark creature illustrations and monster designs. His artistic journey from 3D and mobile games back to his original passion for monster art demonstrates the importance of staying true to one's creative calling, even after exploring other professional opportunities in the digital arts field.
