· By Selina The blog girl
The art of Pascal Blanché: A journey into Digital Art and Collectibles
Originally from France, Pascal Blanché is a graduate of the École supérieure des beaux-arts de Marseille, one of France's most influential art schools and renowned for its strong emphasis on contemporary art and design education.
In his early stages, Pascal explored a variety of creative mediums, including photography, painting, and sculpture. His introduction to Amiga animation software marked a turning point, sparking a deep passion for digital art.
Over two decades ago, Pascal relocated to Quebec, Canada, where his career flourished. There, he became a pioneer in the digital art space, earning recognition as one of the most prominent creatives in the field.
Here’s an in-depth look at Pascal Blanché’s artistic journey, digital innovations, and the collectibles that bring his imaginative universes to life.
A 5-minute read exploring his artistic legacy.
Pascal Blanché stands out as one of the most innovative digital artists in the contemporary creative landscape, blending nostalgic sci-fi aesthetics with modern artistic techniques. His work evokes vivid memories of 1980s sci-fi and heroic fantasy pioneers like Moebius, Corben, Frazetta, and Druillet, creating richly colored, intricately textured digital paintings that bridges the realms of retro-futurism and contemporary visual storytelling. His signature style combines dynamic compositions, intricate details, and a vivid color palette that evokes both nostalgia and modernity, transporting viewers to his sci-fi-infused "Derelict Planet" universe.
Moebius - Official - Instagram
Richard Corben Official Website
Frank Frazetta Museum - Instagram
Philippe Druillet - Official - Instagram
As Principal Art Director at Behaviour Interactive (Dead By Daylight, Meet Your Maker, etc.), Blanché has also brought his visionary approach to the gaming industry. His work marries technical precision with a strong narrative core, reflecting his ability to craft deeply immersive worlds.
In collaboration with collectible art producer House of Gog, Blanché has extended his creative reach into the tangible realm. This partnership has transformed his digital illustrations into limited-edition statues and prints, allowing fans, and art lovers alike, to own a piece of his unique visual universe. Each collectible embodies his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to quality, offering art lovers and collectors a glimpse into the vibrant worlds he creates.
The Universe of Derelict Planet
At the heart of Blanché’s work is Derelict Planet, a series of illustrations that plunge art lovers into alien worlds teeming with mystery. The project showcases his signature use of colors, composition, contrasts and intricate details, crafting narratives of survival, exploration, and awe. These works are designed to provoke a sense of wonder reminiscent of vintage sci-fi book covers like the iconic Metal Hurlant and Heavy Metal magazines, while incorporating the sleek modernity of today’s digital tools.
Discover the strange lands of Derelict Planet, visit Pascal's digital portfolio on Artstation.
“The derelict planet is that place I like to go, where all the creations and creatures from my imagination coexist. Here they live their own life, their own adventures. They all come from the same roots of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, inspired by the artists from the past generation, and hopefully will inspire the artists of the new era of digital art.“
- Pascal Blanché (MakersPlace, 2021)
Artistic Journey and Approach
Pascal Blanché’s passion for science fiction and fantasy is at the center of his work. Drawing on influences from retro sci-fi (where Jean-Claude Mézières' Valerian and Star Wars played pivotal roles), European graphic novels, comics as well as contemporary fandom, his style features bold compositions, luminous color palettes, and intricate environments. Many of his pieces focus on desolate, yet hauntingly beautiful landscapes populated by larger-than-life characters and futuristic architecture. His visual universe, Derelict Planet, exemplifies this fusion of the epic and the ethereal, presenting a universe where technology and decay coexist in striking harmony.
“Oddly enough, Star Wars was not my first sci-fi influence but rather Valerian (written and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières). Then growing up, I was more influenced by Dune, H.P. Lovecraft. Also, any movies or stories that were more on the blue collar side of space, like Alien, Outland, and, later on, The Expense."
-Pascal Blanché,
(Infinite Worlds magazine # 13 - spring 2024)
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Currently serving as Principal Art Director at Behaviour Interactive, Pascal balances his personal and professional work seamlessly. His expertise as an established creative force paired with his strong 3D modeling and texturing skills, have been pivotal in shaping the visuals of numerous iconic video games such as Myst IV, Runescape, Far Cry New Dawn, and more recently, Meet Your Maker.
His work on these projects has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the world of video game art and design.
In addition to his work in the video games industry Pascal can boast about his work outside video games, notably on designing Black Manta in DC’s Aquaman (2018) and his most recent accomplishment in the acclaimed animated series “Secret Level” on Prime video, where Pascal acted as Visual consultant and Concept Artist for the “PAC MAN” episode. One of the boldest and most original episodes of the series, paving the way for more work into the film industry.
Collectibles: Art Beyond the Digital
In collaboration with House of Gog, Pascal Blanché has extended his creativity into the physical world. Known for producing high-end collectibles, House of Gog has transformed Blanché’s art into meticulously crafted statues and art prints. These limited-edition pieces capture the essence of his work, making them coveted items for collectors and art enthusiasts. Each collectible is a labor of love, developed in close collaboration with the artist to ensure fidelity to his original work and vision.
The first statue released in the Derelict Planet line, Moonstone, is inspired by one of Blanché’s most iconic artworks which made the cover of Heavy Metal #270 and brings the otherworldly demon hunter to life in stunning detail. Its smooth, almost porcelain-like surfaces, intricate mechanical elements, and vivid color scheme embody the heart of Blanché’s style. The statue exemplifies how his digital art transcends the screen to become tangible, displayable masterpieces.
Since Moonstone's debut in 2019, House of Gog has released 7 additional original art statues & statuettes from the art of Pascal Blanché.
Discover Pascal Blanché's art statues and art prints, exclusively at houseofgog.com
Recognition and Influence
Blanché’s work has earned numerous awards and accolades in the digital art community, and his pieces have been featured in esteemed publications and exhibitions worldwide. His contributions as an art director have also helped shape the aesthetic direction of popular video games, further cementing his legacy as a multifaceted creator.
Moreover, Blanché actively engages with his audience on social media and other platforms like ArtStation, Behance and The Gnomon Workshop, where he shares both completed works and glimpses into his creative process. Through tutorials, interviews, and community interactions, he inspires emerging artists to explore the boundaries of their creativity while staying true to their unique voices.
His process, from a technical perspective
Pascal Blanché’s artistic process combines 3D modeling and digital painting for a unique hybrid style. Starting with software like ZBrush, Blender, and 3ds Max, he builds detailed 3D models that form the structural foundation of his art. These tools allow him to explore dynamic shapes, lighting, and textures early in the design phase, ensuring visual coherence.
He then transitions to texturing and rendering, using tools like KeyShot and Photoshop to add lifelike details and vibrant colors, characteristic of his retro-sci-fi aesthetic. The final step involves post-processing to unify elements, adjusting tones, and adding effects like fog or light scattering for cinematic depth.
For his collectible statues with House of Gog, Pascal Blanché’s 3D models are adapted for production, preserving the intricate detailing and overall composition of his digital originals. His workflow seamlessly merges artistry with technical precision, making his creations stand out as visually and conceptually rich masterpieces.
You can find process tutorials, Zbrush filters, packs and more on Pascal's Artstation store.
The road ahead
Pascal Blanché’s journey is a testament to the limitless potential of imagination when paired with technology. His ability to traverse the digital and physical realms—from game design to collectibles—cements his legacy as a pioneer in the digital art landscape. With exciting new projects on the horizon, including collaborations with the film industry and House of Gog, Blanché continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression.
Stay connected with Pascal Blanché on Instagram, Facebook, X and Bluesky for updates on his latest projects. And don’t miss your chance to own a collectible piece of his extraordinary visual universe through House of Gog’s current and upcoming releases.
More from the art of Pascal Blanché at the House of Gog coming soon!
-Selina
Team House of Gog | Community Dev.
"Always the illest for the illests"