Introducing Bryce Kho, the accomplished, fan-favorite, celebrated illustrator and artist handpicked to create the 2026 Gen Con program cover art. In this post, Bryce shares the creative inspiration behind his work, his crafty use of easter eggs, and what attendees will discover when they visit his booth at the Gen Con Art Show this summer…
How many years have you been showcasing your work at Gen Con?
Four years, beginning in 2023!
What inspired your approach to the cover art for the 2026 Gen Con program book?
Gen Con itself! I’m also a huge board game fan, so I tried to capture how I feel at Gen Con. My main idea for the piece was to flip the script of what happens at Gen Con by having a group of Dungeons & Dragons-inspired travelers playing a Gen Con-themed game together. And for a few of the easter eggs, I truly just referenced the games sitting on display in my office!
What has been the biggest influence on your art, style, aesthetic, or creative process?
The thing that’s driven the most success, career-wise, has been channeling the art that inspired me considerably as a child; artists like Kinu Nishimura, Bengus, and Yusuke Murata.
Recently, I’ve been really into watching Chinese calligraphy and traditional brushwork. I usually draw my linework traditionally with a pen, but I want to figure out how to incorporate more of the textures from large areas of ink and watercolor into my work.
What is it like to be an exhibiting artist at Gen Con?
It’s always a joy, to be honest. The Gen Con community is among the sweetest, friendliest, and most patient folks I interact with. Not to mention strategic with their purchases, LOL.
What are you most looking forward to at Gen Con 2026?
I’m excited to see the reactions the attendees have to my Gen Con piece, since it’s really my love letter to the community. I hope people notice some of the tinier details in there, like the dwarf’s wristband or the cameos of some of my go-to restaurants while I’m at Gen Con.
Are there any special upcoming appearances, releases, or prints that you’re particularly excited about?
Well, as of press time, I have a laundry list of new pieces that I’ll be excited to see for myself by the time Gen Con rolls around. I think my schedule includes at least 3-4 new pieces, so wish me luck that I can finish in time!
What can attendees expect to see at your booth at Gen Con this year?
I’ll have a special foil version of the program guide artwork. Stop by my booth to say hello, see this unique, limited-edition cover print, and get your copy to take home!
About Bryce Kho
Bryce Kho is a freelance illustrator and concept artist located in Pasadena, CA, best known for creating complex, whimsical illustrations. He is currently working on Sea of Stars by Sabotage Studio as the lead concept artist.
Follow Bryce on Instagram (@brycekhodraws), and visit his website brycekho.com to check out his portfolio and sign up for his newsletter for special announcements and previews.
Gen Con attendees can purchase a show-exclusive, limited-edition 18×24 foil cover art print for $150 at Bryce Kho’s booth (table #38) in the Art Show inside the Exhibit Hall during the 2026 convention. Only 100 copies of the foil print are available; once they’re gone, they’re gone!