South African-born artist and illustrator Craig Steyn, known in the art world as theartistcraig, is a comic creator, writer, and fine artist specialising in sequential art. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Culture and Arts from the University of South Africa.

Although Craig has explored multiple mediums, comic book storytelling remains his greatest passion. He champions the medium for its transformative power, rebellious spirit, and ability to remain culturally relevant without conforming. Working primarily in traditional ink illustration, Craig respects the discipline of hand-drawn techniques while also incorporating digital illustration to expand his visual storytelling. His work is recognised for its meticulous detail and ambition to redefine the boundaries of interior comic page art.

Craig’s debut short graphic novel, Thomas Crane and the Mind Machine, inspired by Lovecraftian horror, has achieved cult classic status and consistently sells out at Comic Con Cape Town and other major pop culture events. His stories often explore themes of horror, loss, and mortality, creating immersive worlds that resonate with fans of dark fantasy art.

An outspoken advocate for elevating comic art into fine art gallery spaces, Craig challenges the perception of comics as “low art,” arguing that if Lichtenstein’s pop art is worthy of museums, then the original sequential works deserve the same platform. Through his art, Craig seeks to bridge the worlds of pop culture and fine art, honouring the roots of the medium while pushing it into new, uncharted territory.