Meet the Artist – Josh Arklin
Josh is a highly talented digital artist and illustrator, renowned for his captivating artwork inspired by mythology. With a deep fascination for the rich tapestry of mythical tales, Josh weaves his creative magic, bringing ancient stories to life in vibrant and imaginative ways. Josh’s journey as an artist began at an early age. Fascinated by the realms of fantasy and folklore, he delved into the world of mythology, immersing himself in legends, gods, and mythical creatures. This passion has become the driving force behind his artistic endeavors.
In addition to his skill as a digital artist, Josh has made a significant impact in the Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) industry. His distinctive illustrations have graced the pages of numerous TTRPG rulebooks and sourcebooks, enriching the gaming experience for countless players.
He has contributed his artistic talents to renowned TTRPGs such as Inspirisles, Overisles, Bard RPG, Arkelion, Caravan Endures, Heroes of Tara, Dark After Dawn, and many more. His evocative illustrations capture the essence of these fantastical worlds, immersing players in a visual feast of epic proportions.
Josh’s creativity and passion for storytelling led him to create his own TTRPG, Woad: Stone to Stone. Drawing inspiration from Welsh mythology, this solo journaling TTRPG takes players on a mystical journey, where they embody characters immersed in ancient legends. Woad: Stone to Stone successfully funded in March 2023, captivating backers and garnering widespread acclaim for its innovative mechanics and captivating artwork.
Through his art, Josh endeavors to transport viewers and players to realms of wonder and enchantment, where myths come alive and imagination knows no bounds. With his remarkable talent and unwavering dedication, he continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, leaving an indelible mark on the TTRPG industry and the hearts of those who experience his work.
Woad: Stone to Stone – The Solo Journaling TTRPG
This game began as an idea to help spread some of the lesser known aspects of Welsh mythology. I’ve lived in Wales for 12 years (over a third of my life) – from this, and from studying mythology at a Welsh university, I realised how little I truly knew about the rich and wonderful mythology of the land I now call my home.
Having played numerous journaling RPGs, one of my biggest goals with WOAD was to create something more involved for the player. Rather than rolling a dice or drawing a card before referring to a table, I wanted to create something that felt more like a game – something with more mechanical elements to strengthen the story you’ll tell in your journal.
Thus the idea of a custom Tarot deck was born: a full set of major and minor arcana cards containing all the threads you’ll need to weave your story’s tapestry. (Not to mention beautiful original illustrations.) This unique but simple gaming system steers you on your journey through mythic Cymru, resolving connecting story prompts for better or worse whilst incorporating the boons and banes of the Gods of the Major Arcana.
