How AI Brought Me and My Friend Seb Back to Magic: The Gathering—As Mythic Cards
Two 90s MTG fans, one AI image generator, and a couple of real photos—now we’re legendary creatures on collectible cards
It all started with a photo—a regular one—from Seb’s and my LinkedIn. We have been friends since the 80s, once wielders of Fireballs and Force Spikes, now reimagined as literal 10/10 mythic beasts with powers to destroy worlds (or at least opponents).
These Magic: The Gathering-inspired portrait cards are part of a growing wave of personalised AI-generated content, and let me tell you, they hit all the right spots—nostalgia, artistry, and a sprinkle of geeky pride. You’ve got Studio Ghibli-style portraits, LEGO mini figures versions of your family, Pixar-fied weddings, and now this: legendary creatures made in your own image:
We’ve got to talk about the elephant in the server room, though.
All this magic (pun intended) comes at a cost. Whenever we generate images, especially at high volumes or resolutions, we tap into a global network of servers chewing through electricity like a dragon through a goblin horde. It's not insignificant. Think data centres, GPUS, storage, and constant training/updating of these models. It’s a lot.
But here's the thing: the answer isn't to stop generating altogether. It’s to generate mindfully. Create things that matter, bring joy, spark creativity, or connect us.
How to Create Your MTG-Style Cards (with Real Photos)
Ready to turn yourself or your friends into planeswalkers of legend? Here’s how to do it, step by step. No gatekeeping.
What You Need:
A photo of yourself or a friend (ideally portrait-style, good lighting, facing the camera)
A prompt describing the card layout and powers
Access to ChatGPT with Image Generator.
Step-by-Step: Create Your Legendary Card
1. Choose or Snap a Photo
A neutral background is best.
Face clearly visible.
Think “LinkedIn photo, but you’re about to cast a spell.”
2. Write Your Prompt
Here’s a great starting prompt for the generator:
“Create a Magic: The Gathering-style trading card using the attached photo. The card frame should look like a legendary artifact creature. Give the card name, a cool ability (like flying or regeneration), power/toughness 10/10, and a short, flavorful ability that fits the character. Use a painted or fantasy style to blend the photo into the card art.”
You can swap "artifact" for “black,” “blue,” or even “colorless” depending on the theme you want (or the mood of your friend—black if they’re the moody type, obvs).
3. Let the AI Work Its Magic
Upload your photo, send in the prompt, and watch it go. You’ll usually get a beautifully stylised card back in seconds.
4. Customise It
Do you not feel the background, or want a different ability? Ask for tweaks:
“Change the card’s ability to ‘Each time this creature attacks, it draws a card’ and add a mountainous fantasy background.”
Why We Love It
Because it’s not just a cool image, it’s you, reinterpreted through the lens of your favourite childhood game. It’s the kind of thing you want to print out, slide into a sleeve, and frame—or even use as a birthday invite for your group.
It’s powerful, creative, and personal.
As with all tech, intent matters. Don’t spam generations. Don’t make 300 LEGO-style selfies “just to see.” Instead, create things with purpose and share the love. Support artists who inspire these styles. Acknowledge the energy that goes into it.
Use this power like you’d use a Black Lotus—wisely.
Share your creations with the world — become early adopters of something genuinely fun and meaningful. You’re not just game players anymore; you're part of the art. Literally.
So go ahead, make your cards. Make them for your kids, your partner, your D&D party. Share them. Show them off. Maybe… tap a Forest or two for the planet while you’re at it.