14 Facts About Keith Parkinson

Keith A Parkinson was an American fantasy artist and illustrator known for book covers and artwork for games such as EverQuest, Guardians, Magic: The Gathering, and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.

Keith Parkinson died of leukemia in 2005, just four days after his 47th birthday.

From an early age, Keith Parkinson took an interest in science fiction, particularly in spaceships, and used his artistic abilities to explore his interest.

Keith Parkinson graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 1980.

Keith Parkinson was heavily influenced by Frank Frazetta and Roger Dean in his own fantasy work.

Keith Parkinson's clients included Bantam Books, Palladium Books, Penguin Books, and Random House.

Keith Parkinson published two more books of his artwork: a sketchbook, Spellbound, and a second full-color artbook, King's Gate.

In 2000, Keith Parkinson devoted more of his time to writing and shifted his commercial art to the game industry.

Keith Parkinson produced art for THQ's Summoner and painted the well-known artwork for the original EverQuest as well as its first three expansion packs.

Keith Parkinson was hired as the art director and co-founder of Sigil Games Online, and worked there on the MMORPG Vanguard: Saga of Heroes until his death in late 2005.

Keith Parkinson was survived by his wife, Donna, and two sons.

Keith Parkinson was described by his friends and colleagues as having had a true passion for his work, as well as having a friendly and positive demeanor until his death.

In 2002, Keith Parkinson was nominated for a Chesley Award from the ASFA, for Best Product Illustration, for his work on Shadows of Luclin.

Keith Parkinson was lost too soon to the industry and yet his legacy is something many artists have used to try to model their own careers.