Interview with sketch card artist Patrick Finch

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
Steve Frank, the founder of 5finity, saw my Deviant Art page and asked me if I was interested in doing sketch cards. My first job was the Dean Yeagle/Mandy series for 5finity.

Do you have an education in the art field?
Yes, I do. I graduated from the animation program at the Art Center in Tucson, AZ.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
At first, it was difficult. After doing somewhere around 10 cards, I started to realize that there wasn’t too much difference between the art I was used to doing and sketch cards, because I was often working on really small detail areas.

How do you feel about the entire process?
Deadlines have never been a problem for me. I may cut it really close and lose some sleep, but I’ve never missed one. I’ve worked with a few different companies and I’ve enjoyed all of the licenses that have been thrown my way. If I’m asked to do something I’m not interested in, I usually say no, because I don’t want to put out cards that I’m not proud of.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Not really. I have contact with collectors through DA and Scoundrel, and I have several die hard fans that always want a card from each series I’m involved in.



How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I’ve always done detailed cards. I like the look of a fully completed card, so I’m lucky that my personal preference lines up with collectors who like detailed cards.

Bad experiences with companies?
I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with the companies I’ve worked with.

Would you say your career as an artist has benefited from doing sketch card work?
Yes. Getting my name out in the sketch card world has gotten me offers to do comic book work, CD covers, movie posters – just a ton of opportunities that I didn’t have before.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
Definitely the Mandy cards. It was my first set of sketch cards and I didn’t know what I was doing. It took me forever just to complete one card. Luckily, I had some great people to look to for guidance, namely you & Pat Carlucci.



Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I really like the PSCs that I did of Jessica Rabbit and Vampirella. I’ve got some cards for the upcoming 5finity “Zombies vs. Cheerleaders: Geektacular” and Axebone’s “Treasure Chest and Booty” series that I really like. But I can’t show them to you because they’re not out yet.

Some companies provide return cards or artist proof cards for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours? Do you still have any?
I kept my very first return, which was from the Mandy series. My wife told me that I should have sold it when she found out that someone offered me $250 for it. I tend to try to sell them through Scoundrel first to avoid the eBay fees.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
As long as there are series that interest me and let me continue to draw freakishly large breasted women, I’m in. Don’t expect to see my name attached to “The Expendables” line, if it should pop up.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Figure out the process that helps you work smartest and fastest while still being able to produce quality cards!



Where can people see more of your work?
My DA page: http://1nch.deviantart.com/
SketchCollectors.com: http://sketchcollectors.com/gallery.php?artist_id=1165
Casinos Across the World (I’m a Senior Graphic Artist for a slot machine company during my day job).

Are you open for anyone interested in commission work?
Yes. Since I’ve got a day job, a wife & a 2-year-old daughter, and I’m usually working on a sketch card series, I’ve usually got a wait list. If you’re interested, email me at inchbyfinch@live.com or hit me up through DA.

Do you attend conventions and showcase/sell your cards? If so how has that been for you?
I’ve been to the Phoenix Comic-Con for the past two years, but not for sketch cards. The fan response to my sketch books and prints has been so awesome. Eventually, I’d like to get a table at the Emerald City Comicon in Seattle. This looks like a possibility in 2012 since I just mentioned this to my wife, who’s typing my answers for me.

Are you on any recent/current sketch card sets?
I did some dealer incentive cards for “Zombies vs. Cheerleaders: Geektacular.”



What are you currently working on?
5finity’s “The Female Persuasion” comes out in September and is a benefit for the March of Dimes. I also drew one of the four card back designs for that series. Axebone’s “Treasure Chests and Booty” is due out later this year. I’m also working on “The Bettie Page Private Collection,” which is Versicolor Productions’ first series and due out in 2011.

Thank you for your time, Patrick!