Experienced leaders from internet giants Roblox and Miro have joined Magma, the interactive online canvas connecting artists globally. This addition to the advisory board strengthens their bid to be the go-to platform for artists embracing new opportunities in graphic design.
Tech executive Daniel Sturman was CTO for the video game platform Roblox, which has more than 164 million active users a month. From 2020 to 2024, he led engineering teams during Roblox’s rapid growth, an experience that he will bring to Magma to help further broaden its reach for artists working on projects of all sizes and types.
Andrew Reese, former GTM strategist for Miro, is also joining Magma. Miro offers users a digital whiteboard to simplify professional workflows and project management, sharing similarities with Magma. Reese was one of Miro’s earliest employees, first on the GTM side, and has scaled the business from idea right into the hands of more than 80 million users from over 250,000 companies. This experience gives him valuable insight into how to turn a strong concept into an industry-leading presence online, which will further aid Magma’s growth plans.
Magma is looking to build on its existing success, having already surpassed 3 million users since its launch in 2020. The browser-based platform gives creators a virtual canvas on which they can work and connect collaboratively, supporting up to 50 artists on a single project.
These benefits help to explain the rapid pickup of the platform by professional artists at companies large and small in several creative industries, as well as amateurs. That puts Magma in an ideal position to grow and help artists take advantage of emerging trends, with Creative Boom noting a rising demand from clients for authentic, personalized, small-team art projects. Its recent decision not to pursue generative AI reflects its commitment to supporting artists’ livelihoods and preserving a collaborative, human-centered approach to creativity.
Whether it is an educator looking to teach their students art in a “multiplayer” manner or an Anime fan who wants to start a fandom, Magma offers users the ability to connect and participate in different communities. The ability to cocreate and the ability to express oneself through creativity are epitomized by its community-first platform.
At this year’s LightBox Expo, Magma panelists engaged with artists who shared inspiring stories about how the platform fuels their creativity, from hosting virtual drawing events to designing merchandise. Newcomers were thrilled by the potential for collaborative online art, imagining everything from art date nights to professional brainstorming. The event affirmed its mission: empowering artists to create and connect in meaningful ways.
Reese, who attended the event, says, “The vibe, passion, and talent of the team paired with the love and brand recognition from the artist community blew me away. So many artists — from hobbyists to art directors at the biggest studios — shared how much they love Magma.”
He adds, “As art networks/communities/organizations continue to become increasingly global, Magma is helping break down silos by making art collaborative. Magma reminds me so much of the early days at Miro when we realized we were onto something special.”
