Karl Kopinski’s art defined a generation of Warhammer fans—now he needs help after suffering several medical issues in the last few months.
If you’ve been in the Warhammer hobby for any amount of time, you’ve probably seen Karl Kopinski’s work—whether you realized it or not. His art has helped shaped the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, graced Magic: The Gathering cards, and brought countless fantasy and sci-fi worlds to life. Now, after suffering a major stroke, Karl needs our help.
Karl Kopinski: The Artist Behind the Battles
Karl’s been in the illustration game since the late ‘90s, working with Games Workshop, Wizards of the Coast, and even big-name brands outside the gaming sphere like Ubisoft and Hasbro. If you’ve ever flipped through a Warhammer rulebook, there’s a good chance you’ve admired one of his battle scenes, filled with brutal detail and energy.
On top of that, he’s a portrait artist who’s even painted Sir Paul Smith. But at his core, Karl is one of us—a passionate creator who’s dedicated his life to crafting incredible art for the games we love.
And here’s the thing—he did all of that while privately battling myeloma for six years, suffering two minor strokes and a heart attack along the way. Through it all, he kept working, pushing through with his art as both his profession and therapy.
The Artist Behind Some of Warhammer 40K’s Most Iconic Art
Artist: Karl Kopinski, karlkopinski.com/art-gallery/
Karl Kopinski isn’t just any artist—his work has helped define the visual identity of Warhammer 40K. His brush has painted everything from heroic last stands to brutal Ork warbands, and his ability to capture the weight and movement of battle is unmatched. If you’ve ever flipped through a codex or rulebook and been drawn into the scene, there’s a good chance Karl had a hand in it.
Beyond Warhammer, his portfolio stretches across some of the biggest names in gaming, from Wizards of the Coast to Ubisoft and Hasbro. He’s even done portrait work for icons like Sir Paul Smith. But for tabletop gamers, it’s his Warhammer art that stands out—it’s what inspired armies, fueled creative conversions, and gave us some of the most unforgettable imagery in the game.
The Fight Ahead
Artist: Karl Kopinski, karlkopinski.com/art-gallery/
Three weeks ago, Karl had a major stroke that hit his left side hard, making it impossible for him to work. While he’s undergoing rehabilitation, the road to recovery is long, and he needs support to take care of himself and his family during this time.
This isn’t just about an artist—it’s about someone who has shaped the very look and feel of the games we love. His work has been a part of our hobby for decades, and now it’s time to give something back.
How We Can Help
Artist: Karl Kopinski, karlkopinski.com/art-gallery/
If you’ve ever been inspired by Karl’s artwork—if you’ve painted a miniature based on his designs, or stared at one of his illustrations while flipping through a codex—this is the time to show some support. Contributions will help with his recovery and provide financial stability while he gets back on his feet.
Even if you can’t donate, spreading the word helps. The Warhammer community is known for stepping up when one of our own is in need, and Karl is absolutely one of our own.
The Hobby Community in Action
Artist: Karl Kopinski, karlkopinski.com/art-gallery/
The Warhammer and tabletop gaming community is more than just tournaments, army lists, and painting competitions—it’s a group of passionate people who support each other. Karl has given us so much through his art, and now we have a chance to return the favor.
Let’s make sure he knows just how much his work has meant to all of us.
What are some of your favorite Karl Kopinski’s works?
