Sketch Card Art!

Featured artist: Ross Campbell

2012-01-01T14:21:00.001-08:00

http://greenoblivion.com

SW Galaxy 7 box art

2011-12-19T09:17:00.001-08:00

Click the link below to view the box art created by Russell Walks!

http://russellwalks.tumblr.com/

Star Wars Galaxy 7

2011-11-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Click the images for a larger view.
Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Star Wars Galaxy 7

2011-10-27T08:39:00.001-07:00

Non-Sports Card Show

2011-10-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

Philly Non Sports Card show is this weekend!
Oct. 22-23.
Please see link below for more information.

http://www.nonsportupdate.com/philly_show_information.htm

Marvel Universe 2011 list of artists

2011-10-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.scifihobby.com/products/marvel/marveluniverse/mu_artists.cfm

Bettie Page sketch card set.

2011-09-18T20:49:00.001-07:00

NOTE: Video includes nudity. NSFW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiD99xaXjLs&feature=youtu.be

SDCC Sketch Card Artists

2011-07-17T00:56:00.001-07:00

This list is tentative.
If you are going to be exhibiting at SDCC and are not listed below please let me know!!

Russell Walks
Spencer Brinkerhoff III
J. Scott Campbell
Tom Hodges
Cat Staggs
Allison Sohn
Katie Cook
Justin Chung
Joe Corroney
Adam Hughes
Grant Gould
Uko Smith
Jamie Snell
Bill Pulkovski
Mary Bellamy

http://comic-con.org

Vampirella Previews Ads

2011-07-11T21:17:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Phoenix Comic Con this weekend

2011-05-26T05:36:00.000-07:00

Tentative list of sketch card artists:

Joe Corroney
Justin Chung
Benjamin Glendenning
David Rabbite
Denae Frazier
J. Scott Campbell
Jason Worthington
Tom Hodges
Bianca Thompson
Spencer Brinkerhoff

http://phoenixcomicon.com

May 26-29

Philly Non-Sports Card Show photos

2011-05-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Photos by Cliff Tooker.

For more photos and information on the show please visit the link below.
http://nonsportupdate.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6236037711/m/6287087306/p/1

Philly Non-Sports Card Show this weekend

2011-05-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

http://nonsportupdate.com/philly.htm
Allentown, PA
May 14-15.

Click link above for more show information!

CBLDF Liberty Trading Cards

2011-05-10T06:48:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Avengers: Kree-Skrull

2011-05-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Sketch Card artists at Phoenix Comic Con

2011-05-08T20:35:00.001-07:00

Tentative list:
Joe Corroney
Justin Chung
Benjamin Glendenning
David Rabbitte
Denae Frazier
J. Scott Campbell
Jason Worthington
Tom Hodges
Bianca Thompson
Spencer Brinkerhoff

http://www.phoenixcomicon.com
May 26-29

Promo cards Philly Non-sports Card Show

2011-05-03T05:59:00.001-07:00

Free promo cards for the upcoming Philly Non-sports Card Show (May 14-15)from 5FINITY.

Project SuperPowers

2011-04-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Newsarama features Upper Deck

2011-04-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/upper-deck-avengers-cards-110418.html

King Kong of Skull Island

2011-04-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

http://5finity.com

Captain America

2011-04-05T06:24:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Bettie Page Ad

2011-03-30T09:08:00.001-07:00

Featured Sketch Card Artist Jason Palmer

2011-03-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

http://jasonpalmer.net

Allison Sohn Base Card Progress

2011-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

www.allisonsohn.deviantart.com

Marvel Beginnings

2011-03-09T15:03:00.001-08:00

Thank you Sonia Lai for the scans!

Philly Non-Sports card show

2011-03-03T12:18:00.001-08:00

May 14-15, 2011

Click the link below for more information!

http://www.nonsportupdate.com/philly.htm

Interview with sketch card collector Angelina Starks

2011-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

How did you first get into sketch card collecting?
I collected non-sport trading cards (Angel, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Farscape, Firefly, Lost, etc.) first. I was collecting promos, base sets and chase cards (costume and autograph cards) when I eventually came across sketch cards.

Is there a specific genre/property/character you collect (horror, sci-fi, Harry Potter, DC, Marvel, etc) and why?
My #1 is Firefly because it's the best television series of all time, but I do collect a few other sci-fi/fantasy television shows and movies (i.e. V For Vendetta, Farscape).

Do you prefer pencil cards over color (or color over pencil)?
Not really. My preference really varies artist to artist with their individual style & technique.

Is there is a specific artist - or artists - you like to collect?
I wish I could list them all, but instead, I'll list the artists I own at least 1 sketch card from that I definitely want more of their work in my collection (in alphabetical order): Irma "Aimo" Ahmed, Kate "Red" Bradley, Katie Cook, Grant Gould, Kevin Graham, Jessica Hickman, Tom Hodges, Leah Mangue, Cynthia Narcisi, Connie Persampieri, Amy Pronovost, Sonny Strait, Jeremy Treece and John Watkins-Chow.

How large would you say your collection is?
I have almost 70 sketch cards and my son Hunter is catching up with his total at almost 50, which I think is rather impressive for an 8 year old boy.

How do your family/friends feel about your collecting?
Supportive. I already collected comic books, action figures and non-sport trading cards before I discovered sketch cards, so they're used to my sci-fi/fantasy geekdom.

Do you ever sell off portions of your collection?
It hasn't gotten to that point yet and I hope I never have to.

Do you purchase several boxes or cases of cards at a time?
Sadly I don't, but I definitely would if I could afford it.

How do you feel about some collectors that buy several cases at a time?
I'm fine with it as long as they share the wealth via selling or trading.

Do you take artist popularity into consideration?
Nope, I like what I like, regardless of their popularity.

What would you say is your favorite card you own and why (no need to name the artist unless you'd like to)?
Not sure that I have 1 favorite card (it's so hard to pick favorites!), but I started commissioning different artists to draw Firefly characters from the episode Shindig, ask them to put their own spin on it and I love how they've turn out.

How do you feel about an artist putting out several cards with the same image on them?
There are deadlines to be met, so I understand repeats when an artist signs on to do a large amount (like 100+), but it's nice when they'll still try to vary it a little.

Are there any sketch card sets you would love to see come out that haven't yet?
Firefly (television series) or Serenity (movie), but I'm not holding my breath. Avatar The Last Airbender (cartoon series on Nickelodeon from 2005-2008) would be a great one too.

Do you contact artists for personal commissions, any return cards they may have, etc?
I do contact artists for commissions (when I have the money), but I am not at the point yet where I can afford return cards.

How do you feel about artists charging more for return cards?
That's their choice. It's about supply & demand, right?

Some companies put cards out that vary in size (Topps' Clone Wars Widevision, for example). Does that affect whether or not you will collect from that set?
I like the look of the Widevision cards, but finding storage (top loaders, page protectors) is my main concern. I like my collection to be neat, organized and easily displayed.

Do you enjoy the other cards, autographs, costume cards, etc., in a set as well as the sketch cards?
When I first started collecting non-sport trading cards, it was costume cards that I eagerly collected, as well as the occasional autograph card, mostly bought off of eBay.

Have you had any bad experiences with sketch card artists (no need to name the artist)?
Sadly yes, but so far the good communication with the majority of artists outweighs the bad.

Is your collection online where people can see it?
I have 2 photo albums (1 for my collection and 1 for Hunter's) on my Facebook that I update as we both acquire new cards.
http://www.facebook.com/scifimom

Thank you so much for your time, Angelina!!

Vampirella

2011-02-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

Sketch Card Mania update

2011-02-22T09:39:00.001-08:00

Click the link below for a 'sneak peak' into the book Sketch Card Mania!!
http://books.google.com/books?id=O-BG98TDnl0C&lpg=PP1&ots=05_n0BifOO&dq=sketch+card+mania&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false

Featured sketch card artist Dan Panosian

2011-02-19T01:48:00.000-08:00

http://urban-barbarian.deviantart.com/

Marvel Beginnings

2011-01-20T05:23:00.001-08:00

Website update on Dangerous Divas

2011-01-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

Including artist list. Click the link below!
http://www.scifihobby.com/products/marvel/divas/?CFID=31497230&CFTOKEN=80477206

Work In Progress: Cat Staggs Base Card

2011-01-11T15:29:00.001-08:00

Galaxy 5 Base Card.

‎1. Layout sketch/idea sketch.

2. Tight sketch cleaned up and ready for coloring.

3. First layer of under drawing using various shades of gray (warmer tones). As well has the cool under shadows on the face. Nice and tight in detail as this is the main focus.

4. Background under drawing. Not as tight to give a slight depth of field effect. Nor are the shadows as dark as the foreground subject. (cooler gray tones)

5. Color layer blended on top of the under drawing.

6. final piece after it has had a round in Photoshop for the finishing touches.

-Cat Staggs

http://catstaggs.com/

Marvel/Rittenhouse Dangerous Divas Ad

2011-01-10T06:26:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to Sonia Lai for the image!

Dexter Season 3 sketch cards

2011-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scan!

MARVEL DANGEROUS DIVAS

2011-01-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

The women of Marvel Comics, from Invisible Woman of comics' "first family" to the lovely ladies of the Ultimate Universe, are truly Dangerous Divas as Rittenhouse Archives unleashes their new line of Marvel Comics trading cards! This 72-card base set features the sexiest and most dangerous women Marvel Comics has to offer, and the series is supplemented with sketch cards from artists such as Allison Sohn, Katie Cook, and many others. Store these cards in the official Collector's Album, which is custom-designed to match the set and comes with a bonus promo card.
In Shops: 3/23/2011
Item Code: JAN111488
MSRP: $3.50

http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=6&m=1&c=23&s=130&sn=434694

SW Galaxy 6

2010-12-30T06:13:00.000-08:00

Star Wars Galaxy 6

2010-12-29T10:03:00.001-08:00

Interview with sketch card artist Kate Bradley

2010-12-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

Do you have an educational background in art?
Yes I do. I studied Graphic Design for a little over a year. Then I switched to Cartoon Animation. I completed the course in 4 years and got a shiny diploma.

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
It really came out of the blue actually. Tone Rodriguez, who was working with Inkworks at the time, happened to come across my profile on Myspace whilst browsing a friends friends list. So he added me as a friend and shortly after that, BAM! “Would you like to draw sketch cards for Hellboy animated: Sword of Storms?”. I had no idea what sketch cards were, but I jumped at the chance to find out! He gave me a call and assured me that I "could do this". He was extremely supportive and helpful during the whole process. Which was really appreciated as I was a nervous wreck.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
At first it was really awkward. How do you hold such a tiny piece of card whilst drawing on it? I eventually got used to it through trial and error. It really forces you to consider composition a lot more because every square centimeter of space really counts. It’s a challenge I thoroughly enjoy. However, with working on sketch cards for so long, it’s actually become awkward for me to draw on a larger surface! I’ve got to make sure I keep going back and forth between sizes to keep my skills sharp.

How do you feel about the entire process?
The process is pretty straight forward. A company sends you blanks, you have to draw on them and send them back on time. If only it were that simple. The part of the process that rubs me the wrong way is approvals. Creativity and imagination are what drive artists to apply pencil to paper. Holding back those elements of our being is almost painful. I understand the need for imposing limitations when producing product for a wide audience, but when those limitations cut into the very heart of the subject matter, it somehow renders the process lifeless.

Is there a type of media you prefer to work with (marker, pencil, etc)?
Back in animation school, we were taught to use Col-erase pencils, which are preferred in the field for many different reasons. I came to love them for their variety of colours and for their soft, waxy quality. The red is particularly fun to draw with. I recently discovered that they also blend well with markers, creating a sort of watercoloured effect. I enjoy working with ink and markers, but I get a special satisfaction out of drawing freely without expectation of cleaning up my lines. My skills aren’t fine-tuned enough yet to maintain the same fluidity when I ink and colour my pieces. It’s definitely something I strive for, but I doubt I’ll ever lose my love for the unfinished, scribbly look I get with pencils.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
So far, most of the collectors I’ve come by have been very forthcoming with their appreciation of my work. It really is an amazing feeling to get unexpected feedback from people who have pulled my cards. When taking on private commissions, I do tend to communicate quite a bit with the client. I sincerely try my best to develop each commission considering each individuals likes and dislikes. I don’t always find the inspiration I need to create something truly unique, but by asking the client some questions and by researching the requested characters, I can usually come up with something the client will appreciate. It’s really important to me that the person who has requested the art be truly happy with the result, rather than just satisfied. I simply can’t achieve that without contact.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I think it’s, in a way, disrespectful to the artist, to expect them to spend hours on drawing magnificent cards when they are being paid such small amounts per piece. It’s surprising how some collectors don’t see a problem with artist being paid a few dollars for producing a jaw dropping card, when they themselves value the work, once pulled from a pack, at prices that often exceed a hundred dollars. There are many different reasons artists decide to do amazing work despite being underpaid. It can be to promote their work and to develop their skills. It can be because they want the collectors to get beautiful artwork or because they enjoy drawing that much. Regardless of the “why”s and “why not”s behind the artists decisions, the fact that some artists continue to produce phenomenal work for low pay, does not justify the expectation of phenomenal work for low pay from collectors or companies.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
No I haven’t. I’ve heard some horror stories, but I’ve yet to be in one. Knock on wood.

Bad experiences with companies?
Again, I’ve heard some bad stuff, but I’ve never actually experienced anything specifically offensive with regards to sketch card companies. What worries me is the apparent inequality of treatment from one artist to another. Although, I’m afraid status has always affected how we treat each other, and companies are no different.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Absolutely. The sheer quantity of art that doing sketch card sets produces helps enormously to grab people’s attention. Also, the wide variety of subject matter allows for perspective clients to see many different facets of your art. I enjoy drawing a multitude of styles and sketch cards is the perfect medium to show that off. The high quantity of cards that sets require also opens the door to a lot of practice and experimenting, which helps to improve one’s skills. Having more refined skills obviously helps with getting work. When approached with vision, doing sketch cards can definitely be a stepping stone in one’s career.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on?
The most difficult has to have been my first set: Hellboy animated: Sword of Storms. I barely knew what sketch cards were. I was using markers for the first time since I was kid, arguing with my colour blind brother that I hadn’t left the cap off the purple, ‘cause I had only used the blue. It was my first big gig since school and Tone was depending on me to do a good job. I pulled an all-nighter to finish the work. My boyfriend stayed up as long as he could to support me. And when the FedEx dude left with my box, I literally burst into tears from having been so incredibly stressed by the whole experience. I was hard, but it was worth it.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I’d have to say that I am most proud of the cards I drew for Marvel Masterpieces 1. The art itself is far from my best work. It’s the ideas I came up with that stand out in my mind. I let myself have fun. Though, I must admit that is was the very loose approval requirements that allowed me to do so.

Some companies provide return cards for working on sketch card sets. Do you keep any of the cards returned to you? What are you planning to do with them?
I do keep a couple actually. I’ve been keeping them as souvenirs. I look at them sometimes and remember how I felt when drawing them. As I wrote in my Deviant Art ID, “my life is like a rollercoaster with crooked tracks”, and I tend to associate each set with whatever climb or drop I was going through at the time. So yeah, I just look at them and remember.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I do. Despite some of the draw backs, it’s still a really fun medium.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Be realistic! Sketch card sets aren’t a direct line to stardom. See them for what they are and use them to your advantage. They can help you become a successful artist, but you really have to work at it, as with any other medium. As for breaking in, forums are a great place to start. That’s where you’ll find information on upcoming sets, on the various companies and it’s a great place to make contacts. But most of all, forums are where you’ll find amazing support and encouragement from collectors and other artists. It’s hard to keep up with forum life all the time, but it really is worth popping in at least on occasion.

Can you tell us what future sketch card sets you'll be working on?
I’ve got a couple sets coming up for Upper Deck which could be really fun.

What are you currently working on (doesn’t have to be sketch card related)?
I’m currently working on Star Wars Galaxy 6 sketch cards for Topps. I also have a bunch of overdue commissions to work on, which I tackle when I can, when I feel up to it. It takes a lot of energy to draw commissions. Energy I unfortunately have great difficulty tapping into. My clients are more patient with me then I deserve, for which I can only be grateful.

Where can people see more of your work?
http://www.katebradleyart.com/
http://britbrakdown.deviantart.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kate-Bradley/11267097711

Thank you for your time, Kate!!

Sketch card artist Uko Smith's new book!

2010-12-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

Click the link below for a review!
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/12/gorillas-riding-dinosaurs-fx2-the-lost-land/

Star Wars Galaxy 6 promo card

2010-12-16T07:20:00.001-08:00

Featured sketch card artist Jerry Vanderstelt

2010-12-06T22:59:00.001-08:00

http://www.vandersteltstudio.com

Featured sketch card artist Len Bellinger

2010-11-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

http://lenbellinger.com

Featured sketch card artist Sarah Wilkinson

2010-11-18T17:04:00.001-08:00

http://sarahwilkinson.net
http://sarahwilkinson.deviantart.com

Star Wars Galaxy 6

2010-11-09T22:41:00.001-08:00

Special thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!!

Featured sketch card artist Leah Mangue

2010-11-07T18:55:00.000-08:00

http://helpleah.yolasite.com/
http://www.lmangue-art.net/
http://omangueotangue.deviantart.com/

Featured sketch card artist Grant Gould

2010-11-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

http://grantgould.com

Featured sketch card artist Randy Green

2010-10-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

http://randygreen.deviantart.com/

Featured sketch card artist Travis Charest

2010-10-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

http://travischarestspacegirl.blogspot.com/

Featured sketch card artist Cat Staggs

2010-10-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

catstaggs.com

Interview with sketch card artist Mark RE Slater

2010-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
How did I get involved with sketch-cards? The story goes like this: about two years ago, I drew a picture of Boba Fett giving the “gangsta” peace sign. Early this year, a dude named Lance Sawyer added it to his favourites on DeviantArt. I thanked him, checked out his page and, while I was browsing through his posts, noticed that he had been doing a lot of sketch-cards for various companies such as Topps / Lucasfilm, Upper Deck / Marvel and 5FINITY. I became extremely interested in sketch-cards and asked Lance how I could get into doing them. Lance, being the amazing person he is, for some reason took a liking to me and started telling the folks at SadLittles and 5FINITY all about me, and how I would make a great artist to add to their upcoming sets. Once I got their information I began contacting them directly saying “I would love to do some sketch-cards, could I please work on any sets you might have coming up?” They checked me out and, fortunately, they dug my style, and the first reply I got back was from SadLittles saying, “Okay, you’re going to be working on Damsels & Dinosaurs, Rantz Angels, and Dreamers of Darkness.” I was blown away and, quite frankly, overjoyed. I owe Lance and the guys at SadLittles and 5FINITY a lot – they took a chance on me and helped me break into this crazy world of sketch-card art, I can’t thank them enough.

My first actual sketch card set was Damsels & Dinosaurs – I was incredibly nervous and I did all 30 cards in about a day; I stayed up all night watching the Jurassic Park trilogy on repeat on DVD. I wanted my cards to be as good as possible and I was quite pleased with how they turned out.

Do you have an education in the art field?
I do! I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Fine Arts: Visual Arts from Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, Canada and, in 2007, I got my Bachelor of Education degree with my teachable subjects in English and Visual Art. My personal art education comes from years of practice and watching my grandfather – he was an avid painter in his spare time. I’m the only other person in my family that’s really artistic; I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. I’ve also been heavily into comics since I was a kid and have used that to my advantage – constantly looking at how other artists work and drawing on their aspects of their styles to help develop my own.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
I don’t mind it at all, really. It can be challenging – for example, when I was working on Damsels & Dinosaurs, Dreamers of Darkness, or Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders, it was a little tough sometimes trying to work in the amount of detail I wanted to. Other times I’ve found it quite freeing – I can do a headshot or draw a figure large enough on the card that I don’t have to worry about filling in all the extra negative space. I think what is often the biggest challenge – but also the mark of a great artist – is being able to create an image that people look at and say “wow that’s awesome” on a tiny, 2.5x3.5 inch card.

How do you feel about the entire process?
So far so good! I haven’t had any major trouble with deadlines. I was a little worried when it really clicked in my mind that I was going to be doing 100 cards for the Clone Wars: Rise of the Bounty Hunters series, and that they had to be mailed in by September 3rd, but I managed to get them done by August 25th (before going to Toronto for FanExpo), so it was all good in the end. I’m a very specific sort of person when it comes to things like deadlines – I need to know if “the 3rd of September” as a due date means the cards need to be mailed out that day or they need to be in the director’s hands; each company works a little differently. All the directors have been very straightforward, very flexible, and very communicative. They’ve been very helpful to someone like myself who is still trying make sure I’ve got the whole process down pat. All the art directors so far have taken the time to reply to emails, to make sure I know what’s going on and to address my concerns. I’ve tried to do my best on every card set I’ve ever worked on and, according to Lance I’ve only gotten stronger (which is nice to know). All the companies I’ve worked for have been great – so far they’ve all continued to like what I’ve been putting out. With regards to my own artwork, I’d like to think I’ve improved since I started.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Not a whole heckuva lot yet, no. I’ve got one guy in the states, his name is Chris, who has commissioned me twice now for four cards at a time. He really seems to like my work and I could not be happier. I’d love to hear more from collectors who’ve received my cards in their packs – what they think of my art, if they liked or disliked the cards of mine they’ve gotten. The more feedback I get the more I figure it’ll help me in the future. I wouldn’t mind if more people commissioned me – I’m always open if people want cards and I really enjoy creating cards for people that want them. As it is, I’m pretty stoked to just have one collector who wants more of my stuff!

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 tried to stay out of that debacle as best I can, quite frankly. But, I’ll throw in my two cents, for what it’s worth. I think if, hypothetically, a collector is demanding more detailed cards just because he/she wishes to turn around and sell said cards for a profit on eBay, that’s not cool. If a collector is demanding more detailed cards because he/she loves them and thinks they and the artist are the bees’ knees, and because they want to show their friends and cherish those cards forever, I can get behind that. The artist side to all that is, to be honest, we don’t make a whole heckuva lot of money on the basic cards that collectors get in packs – that’s not a slight against the companies that pay us, it’s just the way it is; it is unreasonable to suggest that companies could pay something like 10 bucks a card when they have hundreds of artists working for them. They offer artists a fixed rate per card and the artists can take it or leave it. I happily take it. We as artists do, admittedly, seek to earn an decent sum on our return cards as that is an additional part of what helps us earn a living. Personally, if you really like a particular artist, commission them! Let the artist know you like their work and take the time to support them. For me, if my art director is happy with the cards I produce, and if someone who commissions me is happy with the work I create for them then, in the end, I’m happy.

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’ve been selling them off, slowly but surely. As I say, I’ve got at least one fan in the U.S. who has commissioned me at least twice now for four cards each time. He’s been absolutely awesome and I’m stoked just to have even one person who likes my work enough to want more of it. I’ve also had a few friends and blog followers who’ve bought the odd card. A professor from Carleton University in Ottawa commissioned two; I sold some at FanExpo (but I’ll get to that in a minute). For anyone who’s interested I still have quite a few cards left over – I have 8 Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders returns left; 10 Damsels & Dinosaurs; 10 Rantz Angels; 3 Dreamers of Darkness, and four from Mixtape. With the exception of my Mixtape cards (and Clone Wars when I get them back), I’m selling all my returns off for about $25.00 a piece.

You recently exhibited as a sketch card artist at the Fan Expo in Toronto. How did that show go for you and your sketch cards? Do they (cards) seem to sell well at shows? Did you receive commission requests for sketch cards?
FanExpo was absolutely amazing. It was a life changing experience and I can’t wait to go back again next year. The show for me went great – I’m proud to say I managed to cover all my expenses and turn a small profit. The comic that Lance and I self-published and premiered at FanExpo (Dreadful) SOLD OUT, so that was pretty awesome. I didn’t sell a ton of cards while I was there as I was mainly trying to push the book, but I did manage to sell a few. One guy bought a card I did of Lance Henriksen as Bishop from Aliens, and then went and got it signed by Lance Henriksen! He came back and I got a picture of it (I’ll post it on my blog); one guy commissioned a PSC of Harley Quinn; another guy commissioned two PSCs – one of Anakin and another of Asohka from Clone Wars, when I told him I had just finished working on that set with Lance. One amazing thing was I managed to get the autographs of Adam West, Michael Dorn, Peter Mayhew, Lance Henriksen, Heather Langenkamp, William Forsythe and Bill Moseley, all in exchange for PSCs I did for each of them. I even tossed Stan Lee a card I did of the Green Goblin!

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
Absolutely, one hundred percent. No matter what else comes or goes in my life I think I can say with certainty that I will continue doing sketch cards. It’s great fun and it keeps me drawing constantly, which is fantastic. Going from set to set I never really get a chance to stagnate or become rusty, and I’m always learning new things through chatting with other artist.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Making a friend helps, that’s how I got into it – find someone who likes your art, get their opinion. Try to contact various companies directly, most have a “contact us” section on their website. Send in samples of your work, do some personal sketch cards so you have a feel for it and send them in. Be proactive – I contacted a few people to no avail before Lance wrote me back. I even emailed the head honcho at Topps three times without reply until, out of the blue, I got a message inviting me to work on Clone Wars. This is gonna make me sound like an ass, but being a good artist helps too.

Where can people see more of your work?
Hooray for shameless self-promotion! People can see all my stuff either on my blog or deviantart websites. The blog: http://slatermark.blogspot.com; DA: http://sharpiemark.deviantart.com/gallery

Are you on any recent/current sketch card sets?
As I say, I just finished up one hundred cards for the Clone Wars: Rise of the Bounty Hunters set from Lucasfilm/Topps. That was pretty incredible for me – I never thought I’d get to work on a card set like that. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and I really hope people like my cards. Right now I’m just about to start work on roughly thirty cards for the Hack/Slash set for 5FINITY – I’m pretty excited.

What are you currently working on?
Well, as I mentioned, I’m just about to start on the Hack/Slash cards for 5FINITY – apart from that I’m also about to start work on the next issue of Dreadful with Lance Sawyer. We’ve each already got at least three to four stories planned out for the second and third issues. With a little luck and a lot of hard work we should have issue two done in time for ComicCon (in Toronto) in March and TCAF (Toronto Comic Arts Festival) in May. If anyone is interested in hearing more about Dreadful, drop by my blog and deviantart site – you can always find more information there.

Thank you for your time, Mark!

Featured sketch card artist Kilian Plunkett

2010-09-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

kilianplunkett.blogspot.com

Featured sketch card artist: J Scott Campbell

2010-09-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

Indiana Jones Masterpieces. Topps/Lucasfilm.

Bettie Page promo card from CECE

2010-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Random photos from Chicagoland Expo 2010

2010-09-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

Sketch card artists Darla Ecklund and Corbett Vanoni.

Art by Mark McHaley.

Sketch card artist Randy Martinez.

Chicagoland show this weekend

2010-09-09T06:35:00.001-07:00

http://nonsportcardexpo.com/

Interview with sketch card artist Patrick Finch

2010-09-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

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!

Bettie Page sketch card set

2010-08-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

http://www.versicolorproductions.com/bettie-page/index.html

Interview with sketch card artist Amy Pronovost

2010-08-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
I got an email from Joe Corroney saying that Topps needed more artists for their Revenge of the Sith set. Up until this point I had no idea that Sketch Cards existed. That was the first of many sets, and I had a blast working on it.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
I think it’s fun and challenging, I do mostly small, little doodles when I’m warming up for larger drawings, so this works. I do prefer drawing larger, because the small drawings en masse make my wrist hurt, but it is fun.

How do you feel about the entire process?
For the mostpart it’s fair, and it works fine. Occasionally cards don’t make it to us on time, leaving the deadline ridiculously short (and I’ve had this from more than one company), so I think the logistics sometimes need a little help. When dealing with the amount of artists some companies do, I think they’re doing pretty good.

Do you prefer to work with a specific media?
It depends on the cards surface and the deadline. For the Strictly Ink cards, which have a slick surface, it’s pretty much impossible to work in pencil, so I work in Crayola and Copic markers. For some reason Crayola markers just stick to the cards, and I used those exclusively for my first Doctor Who set. I really enjoy working in pencil, even though people seem to feel cheated for pulling a pencil card, because the pencils represent the soul of my work. I spend less time on an inked card than many of my penciled ones, but they lose a little spontenaety in the process. As such, most of my recent sets have had pencil with a splash of watercolour to keep the life of the drawing intact. Pencil with a hint of colour is one of my favourite sketch card techniques.

What was it like for you working on a base card?
It was a dream come true! Working on a base card in a Star Wars set was on my list of things to do before I die. I have scratched that off, and now I’m ready to move onto other things. Like, say, visiting Lichtenstein. Oh wait, the card! The approval process was pretty easy going for my card, and I worked large – 11x14 – in water colour and ink. I have to say it was one of the most awesome things I’ve worked on.

I understand you've returned to college. Are you going to continue working on sketch cards, or take a hiatus?
It all depends on my schedule and the license. Last year I was working AND studying, so I had barely enough time to eat, let alone draw. I did take a Clone Wars set last semester, and that worked out OK because it coincided with my Christmas holidays. However, school comes first. I’ve taken on a couple of projects for the summer, because I have more time.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Every now and again I do, and it always puts a smile on my face :)

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
They are just as welcome to their opinion as I am welcome to work in pencil. I get irked, completely irked, when I see someone brush off a really good set of cards they pulled as trash because they either got none in colour, or only one.

Repeat after me: Colour is not the only thing that makes a piece of art good!

Like I said before, most of the soul is in my penciled pieces, sometimes with a little splash of colour. I also don’t understand the hate towards a particular artist I won’t name, who has a very consistent, very graphic style. I love said artist’s art. So you can’t flip them on ebay. Doesn’t mean it’s garbage.

Also, to those of you who give said cards to your kids to colour and then brag about it on a board populated by artists – bad form. If you want to do that, do it, just don’t post about it and expect people to not get annoyed.

The sad thing is, a lot of these folks say stuff like this and wonder why the artists have left the message boards. :(

It’s one thing to critique, and have an opinion, it’s another thing to be an ass about it. I can respect something like “I feel that there should be more colour cards, I’m not a fan of pencil” but not “I can’t believe I pulled this garbage! My 2 year old can draw better than that! And no colour? You artists are so damn lazy!”

In the end, everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to it. I’ll continue drawing in pencil, and people can continue not liking that I don’t spend hours on a sketch card. In the end, it all comes down to the fans who appreciate my work, and the work of other artists who do loose, pencil work, that keeps us going. :)

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
I’ve certainly gotten more exposure and Internet cred than I had before, so I have to say yes. It’s opened the door to a few more freelance projects. As I’m fading away from full time art and design, I enjoy the ability to pick and choose what I want to do. I’ve also managed to nail down an artistic style, and work quickly, which is always fun!

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date? What made it difficult?
I can’t remember which one, but it was one of the Indy sets. Tight deadline, tendinitis flareup and a card surface that was extremely hard to draw on and would not take watercolour. I wasn’t happy with a lot of the cards, but I made the deadline.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
One of my Indiana Jones returns with Marion and Indy tied to the post with the ghosts flying around them is one of my all time favourites, as were all of my returns for the second and third LOTR sets. The one of Eowyn fighting in Return of the King is awesome. It’s one of those ones I look at and go ‘Did I really draw that? With Markers? OMG’. It’s an example of what I can do with a generous deadline.
For Pack Inserted cards, the ‘Crush your Head!’ Sidious from the ROTS set will forever be one of my favourite cards. Same with the LOTR Masterpiece 2 cards. I really hit my mojo with that set. Low number of cards + long deadline = awesome. Also, anything with Admiral Ackbar. And I looove drawing Orcs and aliens and monsters .

Some companies provide return cards for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours?
I sell them! :D A girl’s gotta eat. I have some blanks from a Strictly Ink set I haven’t done a thing with yet, but I will eventually.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I’m winding down. I do a few sets here and there, but eventually the market will dry up, or I’ll move on to other things. I’m glad to have been a part of it. I’ve met some wonderful people! Lately I’ve been doing a lot of art for charity, but only for charities I trust. It feels good to give back.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
It’s an unwritten rule to not ask for the art director’s email from someone working with a company. We won’t give it out, especially in public to someone we don’t know. Go through official channels – Some of them post on message boards, go to the company’s website and find a phone number or an email address. BE POLITE. I cannot stress that enough. Don’t be weird and creepy. Just be professional and be yourself.
Don’t act like a jerk in public. I see so many artists shoot themselves in the foot by being, well, to put it bluntly, stupid on message boards. Once you get a job, it is considered to be in reaaaaallly bad taste to bite the hand that feeds you. Think before you post publicly.

Can you tell us what future sketch card sets you'll be working on?
Hammer Horror and Clone Wars: Rise of the Bounty Hunters.

What are you currently working on?
I am illustrating my book ‘How Harold Got His Wings’, which was written by a dear friend of mine. I’m doing pencil illustrations and WILL have the book in some way, shape or form available at the Toronto Fan Expo in August. I’d like to have a fully coloured version of the book out next year, either self published or with a publisher.

Where can people see more of your work?
At me website! www.flyingarmadillo.com
At deviantart: artyewok.deviantart.com

Thank you for your time, Amy!

Marvel Heroes and Villains

2010-08-14T20:31:00.001-07:00

Interview with sketch card artist Randy Siplon

2010-08-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
I saw a bunch of artists posting them on deviantART and asked around about how I could get involved. I ended up emailing Topps and within a few weeks was working on LOTR Masterpieces II.

Do you have an education in the art field?
I am an extremely proud art school dropout.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
I actually like the fact that I can complete an entire piece of art within a few hours as opposed to working on larger pieces which take a long time for me because my work is pretty laborious. My eyes would probably say otherwise, though.

How do you feel about the entire process?
I am slower than molasses, so the whole deadline thing is always a problem with me. What really pains me is that the card companies expect you to do these outrageous amounts of cards within a pretty tight deadline. It gets pretty stressful.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Definitely, and it has been a pretty positive experience for me so far.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I don't blame collectors one bit for wanting the best possible work, but it is no longer feasible for me to do it for what we get paid. I would be fine with doing my best possible work on every card if we were paid more per card, or if I could just do less cards. I make enough off of the return cards to make this work, but again the companies seem to not want to bend at all for me like they do for other artists.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Collectors have been great to me. I have a small but dedicated fan base, and hope that it continues to grow over time. I have had some collectors angry with me over the time it takes for commissions, but I have gotten a lot better with that and it was my own damn fault. My turn around for commissions is a lot faster now because of it.

Bad experiences with companies?
Let's just say I am doing less official sets now, and leave it at that. I would love to do more sets, especially likeness work because that is what I love to do, but I'm not sure some of the people in charge appreciate my work as much as some of the fans do. Topps, if you are reading this please let me do some Avatar cards, I hear there's a set coming out! lol

Would you say your career as an artist has benefited from doing sketch card work?
I really had no career before sketch cards, so yes! I was a struggling wannabe comic book artist/bartender, and now I am just a struggling sketch card artist who still wants to do comic books someday. I developed my current illustration style because of sketch cards, so I am definitely happy I started working on them. They have also given me a lot of exposure with collectors.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
Indiana Jones KOTCS for sure. There wasn't a lot of reference available, so I apologize to any collectors who got one of my cards from that set. lol

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I am most proud of my cards for Star Wars Galaxy 4. It was my first official Star Wars set, and that pretty much says it all.

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 sell them because the companies pay so little per card that it is the only way to make doing them worthwhile monetarily speaking.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I am doing less official sets these days because of the deadlines, but will always keep my options open. I would love to do more sets if I were allowed to do less than 100 cards, but for some reason I get no love from companies in that regard. They always want the maximum out of me, and I just can't do it anymore.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
It is a great way to get your name out there and people seeing your artwork, but unless you are the second coming of (insert awesome artist's name here) you will not be able to make a living doing them, trust me I've tried.

Where can people see more of your work?
http://www.randysiplon.com/
http://rsiplon.deviantart.com/

Are you open for anyone interested in commission work?
Yes please.

Are you on any recent/current sketch card sets?
I did some for Iron Man 2, but that's about it lately.

What are you currently working on?
Aside from commissions and eBay auctions, I am working on sketch cards for Axebone's 'Treasure Chests & Booty' set which is coming out in a few months I believe. I am always looking for illustration work, so if anyone reading this likes my work, hit me up!

Thank you for your time, Randy!!!

Hammer Horror

2010-08-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

List of sketch card artists for the Hammer Horror 2 set.
http://www.strictlyinkmedia.com/welcome2/index.php/hammer-horror-2/sketch-cards.html

Interview with artist Chris Henderson

2010-07-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
I saw how much the Battlestar Galactica Sketch cards were selling for on Ebay so I thought I would try selling some PSCs. This was around 2004. Someone at Rittenhouse Archives, I think it was Robert Kohlbus, contacted me about submitting some samples for the Xena Art & Images set. I didn't get approved for Xena but I was later approved for the Battlestar Galactica Premiere set. I did 300 each of 3 different images of number 6 that were used as case toppers.

Do you have an education in the art field?
I have about 3 years of a 4 year college degree. Other than that I'm mostly self taught.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
I still struggle with it. If I'm working directly from a reference I do okay. When I'm creating an original image I usually have to work out the details at a larger size and then reduce it.

How do you feel about the entire process?
There are always things that could be done better. Each job is a little different and I just try to look at each one as a new challenge.

You have been doing cards for several years. Have you seen a lot of changes in the sketch card business?
More artists, more companies and more sketch cards. I'm curios to see how some of these smaller companies do but I'm not crazy about the sketch card only format. I grew up collecting cards and I like the base cards. I think Sadlittles has a good format with the complete base set plus a sketch in each pack. I'm really curious to see what The Sketchlords do. They appear to be a truly artist friendly company.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
I do off and on. I've had a lot going on recently and haven't been on the forums much. I will be at CECE in September. This will be my first show appearance and I'm looking forward to it.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I can't really blame them. It's our fault. The artists are the ones who raised expectations. There's no way I can do highly detailed cards all the time but I try to do some for every set.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Nothing major. I've had a few disappear after commissioning something. I just wish they would let me know if there is a problem instead of just disappearing. I'm pretty easy to get along with and I understand that things sometime happen that we can't control. I would rather know what's going on than have to try to figure it out.

Bad experiences with companies?
Nothing we weren't able to resolve.

Would you say your career as an artist has benefited from doing sketch card work?
I've learned how to work faster. I can do in a few hours what used to take me several days.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
Probably the second and third Indiana Jones sets. Crystal Skull was the first pre-release movie set I ever worked on. I agreed to do 525 cards and then was given about 25 watermarked reference images to work from. I ended up doing a lot of repeat sketches and a handful of 1/1 sketches. When I started on Indiana Jones
Masterpieces I still had 14 of 16 returns from the first two sets and didn't see much hope of making money on a third set. It made it difficult to get motivated.
I also wasn't crazy about the watermarks on some of the recent Star Wars sets.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I'm most proud of the fold out sketches I did for The Doctor Who Big Screen Additions set, the Amidala sketches I did for the Star Wars Galaxy 5 set and the eyes sketches I did for the Epire Strikes Back 3-D sets. I'm also very happy with the sketches I did for the CECE Treasure Chests.
As far as over all sets go I'm probably happiest with my Lord Of The Rings Masterpieces II sketches and My Heroes 2 sketches. The blue Heroes cards were terrible for color sketches but I really liked them for my graytone sketches.

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 always intend to sell mine. They are my main payment for most sets and I can't afford to keep them.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
Yes but but I will be doing fewer cards for each set. I'm really enjoying these smaller sets where I only have to do 20-40 cards a set.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Be persistent and be realistic about what you can do. It's real easy to over commit yourself. Especially when just starting out. Be professional. Pay attention to the terms of the contract and stick to it.

Where can people see more of your work?
Soon they can see my work at HendersonArtGallery.com but at the moment it's under construction.
They can usually see some of my work on Ebay. My ebay ID is andyh681.
They can also see my work at Artfire.com. My user ID is HendersonArtGallery.

Are you open for anyone interested in commission work?
Yes. Anyone who is interested in commissions can reach me at hendersonart@bellsouth.net.

Are you on any recent/current sketch card sets?
Cartoon Sketches
Star Wars Galaxy 5
Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back 3D
Sci-Fi & Horror Movie Posters 2
The Pro

Upcoming sets include:
Hammer 2
Woodstock Generation
2010 Topps Football

What are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on sketch cards for Femforce and The Clone Wars:Rise Of The Bounty Hunters. I just finished up a large sports card project that includes about 150 base cards and I'm about to start another project for the same company. I have a few other things in the works that I can't talk about yet.

Thank you, Chris!!

Several sketch card artists attending C5

2010-07-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

http://starwarscelebration.com/en/Art-Show/

Non-Sport Card Expo

2010-07-28T06:48:00.001-07:00

Re-posting of sketch card artists at SDCC

2010-07-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

This list is tentative and will be updated (edit: Thanks to those that sent me info to update the list!).

Artist Alley:
Alexander Buechel - GG12
Justin Chung
Katie Cook
Joe Corroney - GG08 (and the World Famous Comics booth 5560)
Renae De Liz
Ray Dillon
Michael Dooney
Otis Frampton
Randy Green
Gabriel Hernandez
Tom Hodges - GG01
Mark Irwin
Leah Mangue - CANCELLED
Randy Martinez
Bill Maus
William O'Neill
Ryan Odagawa
Bill Pulkovski - GG16
David Rabbitte
Josef Rubinstein
Jamie Snell - GG13
Cat Staggs - GG04
Denise Vasquez
John Watkins-Chow

Dane Ault- Small Press Table N13
Zorilita-Mary Bellamy - Small Press Table N04
Spencer Brinkerhoff III and Russell Walks- Wildstar Tempest booth
Sean "Cheeks" Galloway - Exhibitor
Mark Brooks - Exhibitor
Matt Busch - Exhibitor booth 4419
Adam Hughes & Allison Sohn - Exhibitors
Dean Yeagle - Exhibitor
Mel Uran - Exhibit A Press booth 1909 Friday and Saturday
Scott Zirkel - Exhibitor booth J-7
Jeff Carlisle - Booth 433

Feel free to let me know if I have left anyone out (as I'm sure I did). Again, this sketch card artist list is tentative and will be changing.
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/

*updated 7/19/10

Interview with artist Irma Ahmed

2010-07-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
If I remember correctly, I first started drawing sketchcards in 2006, mainly for my own satisfaction. The primary reason is of an economic nature; I love using markers, particularly Copics, but where I am they were expensive and harder to procure back then. So by drawing in a smaller space, I could still indulge in marker art while keeping costs low. It's ironic though that because of my professional involvement in sketch cards, I've spent quite a bit on expanding and maintaining my art supplies. As the saying goes though, you can't put a price on the things you love :)
My first official sketch job was for Topps' Lord of the Rings Masterpieces II. For a LOTR movie fan like me, drawing the characters and scenes I love from the film trilogy was a dream come true, to say the least.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
At first it was quite challenging trying to fit the details and composition in such a tiny space, but it gets much easier with every official set and personal commission that comes my way. It has definitely trained me to become more careful and patient especially when rendering the final work, and also more adventurous with colour schemes. I've gotten so used to it that I sometimes have a harder time planning large format artworks.

Have you been asked or would you like to work on the larger incentive cards?
I haven't, but I would be interested if I was given the chance.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Yes, I do. I'm quite humbled that there are dedicated collectors of my cards out there, and I appreciate the support that they give. They are an invaluble source of advice as well as insight on trends in the collector's market.

Do you feel that your cards are consistently collectible or does it depend on what set you do?
I think it's a little bit of both? In the case of official trading card sets, while I try to consistently draw sketch cards that I would be happy to pull myself, I notice that the demand for them varies according to a licence's popularity. In the end, I try to have fun with all the cards I work on, especially on PSC commissions.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Yes, it definitely has. 2010 has been my busiest year yet!

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Animated Motion Picture Trading Card Set in 2008. The movie was not out yet during the sketch card production, and images/media related to the new property was not easy to find, hence there was a lack of reference material to work from. But limitations give opportunities for creative solutions, so I drew quite a bit of decorative motifs and puzzle cards to add variety in the bunch.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
It's a toss between Indiana Jones Masterpieces and Star Wars Galaxy 4; The former because I tried various decorative techniques and constructed fun puzzles, the latter because it was the first time I could draw the Original Trilogy officially.

Some companies provide return cards for working on sketch card sets. Do you keep any of the cards returned to you?
The only one I am adamant in keeping is my last return card from the Lord of the Rings Masterpieces II set; I'm particularly fond of the one I did of The One Ring, so that's being kept for sentimental value.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
For the foreseeable future, yes. It's too much fun to stop.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
I think that I was very lucky to get the opportunity to enter this biz, but if there's one thing I felt steered me towards this direction, it would have to be keeping one's mind open to diversifying. For many years I was a stubborn, self-taught manga-centric artist, but after an epiphany that had me break out of that mold, I started to get all kinds of results and attention that I wanted as a professional artist. Being open to cater to different tastes definitely keeps me on my toes in figuring how to improve my technical skills.

Where can people see more of your work?
People can see my work at my personal gallery at www.aimostudio.com, or from my DeviantArt page at aimo.deviantart.com.

Thank you so much, Irma!!!

Interview with Glen Ricardo Fernandez Sardi

2010-07-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards?
I got involved with sketchcards after I stumbled with the Scoundrel art community, did my research about what a sketchcard was since they are not known in my country and thought it was something I could hop in, so I got to make several PSCs and commissions. But I stopped for over a year until I was contacted by Steve from 5finity after a Zombies vs Cheerleaders pinup I made and got my first two official jobs, ZvC and P’ups.

Do you have an education in the art field?
I went to a cartooning school owned by a former spiderman inker called Julio Lopez, I learned the basics about how to draw and comics with him, then I went to study Illustration where I learned mostly about technical illustration for advertising with strong influence in graphic design which was more about copying photos (that’s the main reason I don’t want to use photo references or make photo real work).

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
When I began it was a challenge since I had been drawing children cartoons digitally for a few years and wasn’t used to drawing on paper anymore, even less in such a small size so my first few sketchcards consisted on face close ups (lol).
But I feel I have learned a lot since then and I’m getting used to the size to the point I see a lot of space to work with.

How do you feel about the entire process?
The most difficult part is getting the blanks on time since I live in a foreign country and the mail is very slow and I end up with just a few days to work and mail the package back. I have to use UPS to meet the deadlines so the little money I get from making the sets goes to the UPS shipping… (lol), but I feel that working in sets is more like a medium to get noticed as an artist out there and not a real source of income (unless I manage to sell my returns or AEs).
Also I love the freedom I get when drawing sketchcards, I just do my research on the subjects and then hop on the drawing table.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
I did when I started a few years ago but things slowed down so I stopped for a while, I’m practically starting over so at the moment I haven’t had that many contacts from collectors.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I think I understand them to some extent, not confusing detail with realism, I personally would feel terrible just to know I created a sketchcard in a rush or just to fill one more card quickly. I like having fun while creating them and I constantly think about how the collectors would feel if they get one of mine without thinking if they are paying me 1$ or 100$.
So I totally understand collectors' frustrations when they receive a card where no effort was put in the card at all, and I have seen many cases.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
I haven’t, but every time I mail something to a collector I’m afraid it might get lost in the mail, so it’s terrible when I get a message from a collector about not receiving their sketchcards, though most times the collector wasn’t aware that I’m overseas and don’t know that international packages take longer than two weeks to arrive, but other than that I’ve had cool experiences with collectors.

Would you say your career as an artist has benefited from doing sketch card work?
Absolutely, focusing on the small area has made me take another perspective on how to work and I think I have improved a lot because of this.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
The most difficult where my first two sets, ZvC and P’ups. I received them at the same time but the mail was so slow I only had four days to draw and return the 40 cards (my limit is about 6 per day), so while I was working on them I injured my hand and was quite stressed since I didn’t want to diminish the quality as they where my first sets and had to meet a very tight deadline with a hand under heavy pain. In the end I was happy with the work.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I finished a couple of weeks ago the “mixtape” set from 5finity which I’m very proud as a whole. I’m also proud of most of my latest commissions.

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 haven’t done many official sets yet so I’m not exactly a known artist so I’m kind of collecting my own work (lol).
And I’m kind of between both sides of the coin. I would like to keep them but I would like for others to enjoy them… plus I need the money. So I’ll sell them if people want them.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
Absolutely, they are quite fun to create and I love the challenges and freedom I get while doing them and just the thought of someone getting a piece created by me is superb.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Never lose hope, keep working and improving your work but most of all, love what you do.

Where can people see more of your work?
I have a blog at http://glenfx.blogspot.com/ I update it quite often an there I have many sub-blogs dedicated to my web comics, sculptures, toys and other places I’m on the net, and I have a Deviant Art gallery which I also update frequently at http://axigan.deviantart.com/.

Are you open for anyone interested in commission work?
I do. I recently received my new blank sketchcard stock where I can add an extra drawing on the back (I’m kind of proud of the little feature ^^) but I’m not limited to sketchcards, I’m open for any kind of commissions (posters, covers, pinups, etc.).

What are you currently working on?
I just finished work for a children’s yearbook + poster. I’m also working on a 4 page comic for a competition, an adventure videogame and I’m also creating artistic toys in resin and wood for an upcoming local convention. I like to flow between artistic fields.

Thank you so much for your time, Glen!!

From 5FINITY's Steven Frank

2010-07-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Female Persuasion

Starring Sabrina the Teenage Witch!
Featuring Nara Kilday and Hazy Foss!
With Mandy and Domino Lady!
Also, pin-up girls and much more!

Artist line-up:

March of Dimes Sketch Cards

2010-07-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

From Steve Frank:

"Hello. This is the third year of our annual sketch card drive to raise money for March of Dimes. We have had a lot of success in the past and we hope to continue. We are asking artists to do five cards each (any subject matter). The cards will be auctioned on eBay with all of the proceeds going to March of Dimes. This is not a 5FINITY project, so whatever you donate is completely up to you. We will send the blank sketch cards to you. The cards will be sent out soon for an August 15 deadline. Please let me know if you can contribute. Thank you for the consideration.
Steve"

For anyone interested, please contact Steve at steve4mod@gmail.com

Heroes & Villains

2010-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scan!

10th Anniv. Chicagoland Expo

2010-06-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

More artists recently added to the line-up!
http://nonsportcardexpo.com

Interview with Iggy Armenta

2010-06-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Would you say you're a collector? Retailer?
For card purposes, I would refer to myself as a small retailer who only sells at card shows and online. I have been dealing in sports cards since about 1994 and have been doing non-sports as an ever increasing portion of my sales since about 2006.

What do you look for in sketch cards that you're going to buy and sell?
For single cards, I try to find something at a price point where I am reasonably confident that I can re-sell for a profit. Sometimes, I will trade a card that someone wants for another card that I know I will have a buyer for.

Is it more about the artist's popularity than the level of 'art skill' on the cards?
While the popularity of the artist usually goes hand in hand with the skill level, it is not always the case. I look for quality be it in the artist as a person, their mad skills or characters that folks are passionate about.

Do you also take subject matter into consideration?
Sure, the subject has to have a collector base, unless the artist who rendered the piece has that strong of a following that it really makes no difference what they draw.

Black and white versus color?
Color is great, but only if it is well done. There are a fair number of artists like Carlo Soriano who I believe does better with B&W than with colors. A well done B&W piece should never be looked at as inferior.

How long do you keep the cards you buy before you sell them?
I usually try to get in and out of products as quickly as possible in order to keep capital flowing. There are times when you pick up a piece or so that you feel that now is not the best time to sell and you hold on to them for a better time.

Do you buy the large cases of cards too or deal directly with companies, collectors and/or artists?
I buy cases on most major releases through a distributor. On a lot of the RA (Rittenhouse) issues it is usually a single case. Star Wars I am usually in for 2-3 cases. 5Finity is the only company that I deal directly with and I absolutely LOVE them. I also have a network of collectors and artists that I will deal with on a semi-regular basis, most of whom hang out on Scoundrel Art Community.

Can you explain exactly what a 'case' is for those that may not know?
With traditional trading cards, the manufacturer places a certain number of cards into a pack which then get placed inside a box. Most companies use 24 pack per box although some may differ. The boxes are shipped in cases of numbers that vary by company; for example, Topps ships in 8 box cases, Upper Deck and Rittenhouse in 12 box cases.

Do you purchase any cards for yourself as well?
While I do keep sets of everything for myself and my kids to enjoy and I do buy cards for folks as gifts, I do not generally buy a card to keep myself.

From your standpoint as a retailer, would you say that sketch card collecting is increasing? Decreasing?
Good question, while there seem to be new folks collecting these wonderous little artworks all the time, some well heeled collectors have seem to have left the hobby. Right now, there seem to be too many sets that are focusing on sketches which is flooding the market and driving prices down...a very good thing for a collector but not so much for your friendly dealers. One good thing about the volume of sketch sets is that many new artists are getting exposure as opposed to companies sticking only to all of the old stand-bys.

How do you approach selling at card shows? Do you find you still do well in person at shows versus online?
I find dealing with folks at shows is not much different than online. If there are enough sketch collectors at a show, they will sell just fine. You have to be willing to give someone a good deal unless you do not actually want to sell items. At many shows, sketch cards are not a main focus with minimal artists that work on sets as a draw. I personally can not wait until the 10th Anniversary Chicagoland Entertainment Collectors Expo in September. With all of the "name" artists that will be in town, the sketch collectors are sure to turn out strong.

As a retailer, how do you feel about artists that repeat sketches? For example, the profile drawing, 1/2 faces, the same character a few times, etc.
It really depends on how the work is done and just how many repeats they do. A couple of great examples of folks who do repeated poses very well are Christian Dalla Vecchia and Davide Fabbri. There are almost always slight differences and the pieces are always well put together. Another decent repeat artist is Robert Teranishi who some folks like and some don't...I personally think his art is pretty cool. On the flip side, there have been TONS of repeat sketches that, while they fit the definition of "sketch", are just plain lazy. You know the ones...whips, screaming monkeys, melting face guy, tons and tons of bad Orcs and yes....way too many Jawas. The same goes with half faces and profiles, if they are well done...then fine. I realize that sometimes the fast approaching deadline can make it necessary to crank out some pieces that are not up the the artist's normal quality and that is understandable. If that is the norm though, it is time to give a new artist, or maybe a few, their chance to shine.

How do you prepare yourself for card shows?
I have two very different types of shows that I sell at. Sport card shows where I will display a few sets as well as sketches and autographs, and non-sport card shows. With Non-Sport shows, I need to plan ahead to make sure that the space that I have is best used to display as many sketch and autographed cards as possible...folks need to see them to want them. In addition, I will spend countless hours making sure that all of my chase cards (randomly inserted into trading card packs) are organized in 3 ring binders or piles so that they will be easy to find. I also study the market to see what kind of prices are being realised for items so that I can offer customers a fair deal.

What do you take into consideration when setting up your table/booth?
I try to think of how a customer would approach a table. Do I have like things grouped together? Is everything easily accessable so that a customer can find (and buy) it? I am set up at a show to sell things, not to hide them and take them back home, so I need to make sure of things like this.

Where can people find you on the 'net?
I can be found on Scoundrel Art Community as well as eBay and Blowout Cards Forum under the user name 'Igman7'.

Thank you so much for your time, Iggy!

SadLittles

2010-06-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

Forum specifically for SadLittles current and upcoming sketch card sets.
http://sadlittles.46.forumer.com/

Sketch card artists at SDCC

2010-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

This list is tentative and will be updated (edit: Thanks to those that sent me info to update the list!).

Artist Alley:
Alexander Buechel
Justin Chung
Katie Cook
Joe Corroney
Renae De Liz
Ray Dillon
Michael Dooney
Otis Frampton
Randy Green
Gabriel Hernandez
Tom Hodges
Mark Irwin
Leah Mangue
Randy Martinez
Bill Maus
William O'Neill
Ryan Odagawa
Bill Pulkovski
David Rabbitte
Josef Rubinstein
Jamie Snell
Cat Staggs
Denise Vasquez
John Watkins-Chow

Dane Ault- Small Press Table N13
Zorilita-Mary Bellamy - Small Press Table N04
Spencer Brinkerhoff III and Russell Walks- Wildstar Tempest booth
Sean "Cheeks" Galloway - Exhibitor
Mark Brooks - Exhibitor
Matt Busch - Exhibitor
Adam Hughes & Allison Sohn - Exhibitors
Dean Yeagle - Exhibitor
Mel Uran - Exhibit A Press booth Friday and Saturday

Feel free to let me know if I have left anyone out (as I'm sure I did). Again, this sketch card artist list is tentative and will be changing.
http://www.comic-con.org/cci/

*updated 7/8/10

Deep Water Horizon Gulf Oil Spill

2010-06-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

From my friend, Siri Rhea:
"My friend Nina and a bunch of other children's illustrators are donating some really neat sketch cards in exchange for $10 donations to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies or The International Bird Rescue Research Center. Save a whale (or dolphin or pelican) and get some origional art too!"

ripplesketches.blogspot.com

SDCC

2010-06-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

If you'll have an artist alley table, small press table, booth OR just doing signings at SDCC and are a sketch card artist - comment here so I can list your name in the this blog when San Diego Comic Con gets closer! If you're a dealer and will be exhibiting there too, let me know!

Previews June Ads

2010-06-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

+Sketch cards pending licensor approval

Thanks to Sonia Lai for the scans!

Topps allows fans to draw Sketch Cards

2010-06-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=5208767

Thanks to Chris Inoue for the link!

Heroes Con

2010-06-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

Sketch card artists attending Heroes Con:
Cat Staggs
Otis Frampton
Adam Hughes
J Scott Campbell
Mark McHaley
Grant Gould
Uko Smith
Allison Sohn
Andy Price

http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon/

Interview with Corbett Vanoni

2010-06-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
I think my first set was Classic Sci-fi & Horror Posters, for Breygent. There was Wizard of Oz and Vintage Movie Posters shortly after that, around 2006 sometime. A mutual friend of ours, Darla Ecklund, suggested I contact Breygent and I was off and running. Those were all repeat-a-cards, where you design one card and draw it 10 (or 20) times, you know? I about killed myself designing these detailed approval sketches, only realizing after the fact that I had to replicate them several times.

Do you have an education in the art field?
Not in the traditional sense, no. I was self-taught up until I moved to Los Angeles in 1999. I was convinced I was going to make it in the animation biz and started taking classes at the animator's union, the Local 839. I did that off and on for about 5 years. I didn't do much in animation at the time, but I met some very talented people who were nice enough to show me a thing or two. Karl Gnass was one. A tremendous life drawing and storyboard instructor.
Aside from those classes, I've simply tried to surround myself with skilled artists and professionals. I've been very fortunate to hang out with many talented people and I would hope that I was paying enough attention to steal a little of their skill while they weren't looking. Spending too much time on websites like http://www.drawingboard.org/ and http://www.asifa-hollywood.org/ and enough artists' blogs to choke a bookmarks folder only helps fuel the fire.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
I've never worked in a large format myself. I was always the kid who was reprimanded for writing and drawing at an almost imperceptible size. "You'll go blind drawing like that!" (I'm still at 20/20 and spectacle-free, by the way) Also, I enjoy a challenge, and framing a subject in a 3.5" by 2.5" space is a fulfilling task sometimes.

How do you feel about the entire process?
I've been freelance for a while now and I suspect it all falls under the same umbrella. I'm not a fan of the unreasonable deadlines that are sometimes proposed, but I decided a while back to not take on sketch card sets requiring me to do insane quantities of cards, so tight deadlines are not as much of an issue anymore.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
I did in the past. When I was really working the sketch card world as a large part of my freelance I would hear from collectors. Usually was the case that someone pulled a card of mine from a pack, liked my approach, and asked for a commission or two. I've been fortunate to have dealt with some really great collectors in that manner. I'm often surprised with how much research they do before contacting me. I tend to gravitate away from sci-fi and fantasy subjects and toward, I don't know, horror and humor and regular-joe type people. Cowboys and zombies and army guy type of subjects. (I think I just came up with a new story idea) Collectors would figure this out about me, and approach me with a project more suited to my tastes, though I would like to believe I would put the same amount of heart into ANY request.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
I love doing detailed cards for collectors. I genuinely want the people who pull my cards to feel as though their money was well spent. But I can't do that for a buck a card. Nobody should. I've always been told that we artists can make our money with the return cards, but that's never worked out for me. Not once.
"Detail" is also in the eye of the consumer (or vendor). Is a card which is drawn beautifully in pencil, with economy of line, worth less than a card drawn poorly, in color? I've been told yes. I've also seen people choose badly drawn cards on "official stock!" over fine pieces of art on regular cardstock plenty of times. People are weird, you know?
In the end, collectors know what they like - and they have the responsibility to assign a reasonable, monetary worth to that standard. Sketch cards are meant to be sketches, and anything beyond a WELL DRAWN sketch should be expected to cost a little more.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Nope! All my commission clients have been fantastic! I've had the rogue collector hassle me at a convention about pricing, but it's certainly not the norm. Sketch card vendors at conventions have been rude or obnoxious on occasion.

Bad experiences with companies?
Hahaha. Of course. I've had to chase companies down for late paychecks. I've done work on spec I was never paid for. I've not received return cards I was promised. I received return cards that were different than the ones specified. And I've had work rejected citing rules that weren't in place at the inception of the set. How's that! Hahaha. It's unfortunately business as usual as far as most of my freelance goes. You learn, you move on. In my freelance work I work from my own contract, which protects me against loss or frustration in many cases. But many of these card companies use their own contracts.
There's only one company I won't work with at all anymore. Anyone else eliminated from my personal roster is because I think their rates are too low and quantities too high. Simple as that.

Would you say your career as an artist has benefited from doing sketch card work?
I benefit from everything. Being a sketch card artist has yielded good and bad experiences and the whole lot in the end makes me a better artist — and business man, which any artist has to be these days to survive.
I can say that it has definitely given me a much better reason to attend conventions, as my other work the past few years has been mostly editorial and advertorial — stuff of little interest to a comic book crowd.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
The Vintage Poster sets for Breygent were difficult because we had to do type treatment. Marvel Masterpieces was difficult for me personally because I wasn't familiar with many of the characters in the Universe. I started with the well known ones, then went on to the aforementioned 'regular-joes' like Sgt. Fury, and then. . .well, punted. I had agreed to so many cards that by the end I was simply drawing whoever I flipped to in the Marvel Universe book who looked interesting. Which of course begat several threads on the internet like "Who the heck is THIS character?! It's drawn buy some guy called Vanoli??"

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
Oh I don't know. I always feel a bit hindered on set-based cards. I haven't been able to put a proper amount of love into them. I'm fond of certain commissions I've done and personal cards I've produced for conventions. Those are produced with EXTRA love.

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'm still waiting for my returns on a couple sets from years ago, haha. I marketed my Marvel Masterpieces pretty aggressively when I received them but no one wanted them. Later at a convention someone told me another artist was selling theirs for like 15 bucks so I ended up doing one for him at that price. It was more than a little disappointing. I still have a Marvel blank and a Captain America, and somewhere I have a return from the Spirit set (though not the one I asked for). I don't think I'm supposed to be selling the Marvel one anymore so I'll offer it to your readers for free. (shipping is totally like 40 bucks)

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
It's interesting you should ask that because I was just speaking to someone about it. I always welcome commissions, sketch card or otherwise, I love doing them — but I think I'm on hiatus from sets for a while.
I have many other projects I'd like to see get off the ground right now, so my focus is on those.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Advice on breaking in is pretty simple: talk to other card artists. Find out what sets are starting, get names and email addresses and start contacting those people with your work. As far as advice on working on the sets themselves I would say make sure that the detail of your work is in direct proportion to the number of cards you have to produce! Hahaha. Don't take on 500 cards if you want to do hyper-realism — by the end you'll be drawing little stick people! And keep the consumer in mind. I've had to remind myself in the middle of a set that someone is going to drop a chunk of money on a box of cards, tear open a pack and find my artwork. Do I want them to feel as though they scored? Or toss it in a discard pile with a resounding, "NEXT!"

Where can people see more of your work?
On the walls of some of your finer bathroom stalls.
Also find me on the FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Corbett-Vanoni/1502231666 where I'm always adding to my little illustration galleries.
My website: http://artsyfartsystudios.com/ is currently down for an overhaul but should be back up in the near future.

Are you on any recent/current sketch card sets?
No. I'd emailed someone about a particular license I thought would be fun but haven't heard back.

What are you currently working on?
Well I've always been a kind of Jack of all trades, Master of none artist. Right now I'm doing a lot of photo retouching and photo manipulation for magazines and as long as the work is there I'll keep at it. I've written or thumbnailed a number of children's books which need to be finished up, and I also have some gift store-type merchandise — greeting cards, that sort of thing — that I'm producing for a friend's shop, and hope to get those out soon as well. When the new website goes online I'll also start marketing my freelance and commission work again.

Thank you so much for your time, Corbett!!!

Galaxy 6 promo card

2010-05-27T07:15:00.001-07:00

Artist: Cat Staggs
Set to release 2011.

Phoenix Comic Con

2010-05-23T15:03:00.001-07:00

The following are a few of the sketch card artists that will be attending Phoenix Comic Con.

Spencer Brinkerhoff III
Tom Hodges
Benjamin Glendenning
David Rabbitte
Mark Dos Santos

Spring Con offerings

2010-05-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Some of the sketch card offerings at last weekend's Spring Con in MN.
Please click on the photos for larger images.

Corbett Vanoni

Darla Ecklund

Uko Smith

Interview with Dan Schoening

2010-05-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Do you have an educational background in art?
I did attend college, and completed a 2 year diploma in Visual Arts. Soon after, I travelled to Vancouver and took a 1 year intensive Character Animation program. I continue to read books on animation and illustration to continue learning the craft.

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
My first major gig was with Marvel/UpperDeck on the Masterpiece 2 Series. I just sent in my interest to be a part of the sketch card artists group and volia!

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
It definitely has its challenges. However, I am used to storyboarding and the panel size is similar to that of a sketch card. The major difference between that comparison is the level of polish you put on them. Storyboards should be loose for the most part, unless its for TV animation, while sketch cards have a standard of something that is rendered with color and at a more finished state.

How do you feel about the entire process?
I feel good about it. All the companies I've worked with have been very professional and well mannered.

Do you prefer to work with a specific media (pencil, marker, paint, etc)?
I mainly use col-erase pencils, white acrylic paint and prismacolor markers.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Yes, I enjoy keeping an open dialog with collectors, and I'm very humbled that people dig what I do.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Looking at it from 2 perspectives, the process is always positive. The 1st, is that I get to meet new people and clientele, which is always positive. Secondly, working in sketch cards gives me the opportunity to practice drawing new things and that added challenge of working on a small canvas.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date? What made it difficult?
Looking back on old cards, I definitely cringe at the work. However, I can take a positive outlook on it, and know that is just another step to becoming better. I was mildly happy with my Dead @17 cards, but feel those lacked the personality that I try to inject into my work at all times.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
My Modok cards from the Iron Man 2 set. A big headed dude on a flying chair is just plain awesome.

Some companies provide return cards or artist proofs for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours?
With Artist Proofs, I will usually sell them. Sometimes I will give them as gifts, and other times I will donate them to certain causes I feel are important for me to help out with.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
Most definitely! Especially if DC wants me to do some'hint hint hint'.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Draw every day, have a passion for all art and stay positive. The only limitations you have are the ones you set on yourself.

Can you tell us what future sketch card sets you'll be working on?
At the moment, I am full with other work, but I plan on doing more in the future. The next release of cards that I have done will be showcased in 5finity's P'ups sketch card series.

What are you currently working on?
Currently I am working on a Ghostbusters comic for IDW, which I'm over the moon with, and some books for DC Comics which are equally as awesome.

Where can people see more of your work?
I currently have 2 blogs. One is a general blog with updates on art and news, which can be found at dapperdans.blogspot.com

The second is a blog solely dedicated to my moleskine drawings of DC characters, dappersdcmoleskine.blogspot.com

People can also follow me on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Dapper-Dan/167900209606 and Twitter (Dapperpomade) as well.

Thank you so much for your time, Dan!

Motor City Comic Con

2010-05-11T06:25:00.001-07:00

Several sketch card artists will also be in attendance at Motor City Comic Con this weekend.
http://www.motorcityconventions.com

Matt Busch
Justin Chung
Katie Cook
Joe Corroney
Andy Price

Spring Con

2010-05-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

Several sketch card artists will be in attendance at this years Minnesota Spring Con.
Below are a list of a few.
I will update this blog with photos of their tables/sketch card offerings after the convention! If I have missed any attending sketch card artists please let me know.

Kevin Doyle
Darla Ecklund
Grant Gould
Jessica Hickman
Adam Hughes - canceled
Charles Pechonick
Brent Schoonover
Uko Smith
Allison Sohn - canceled
Corbett Vanoni

Sketch card artist Grant Gould NSU cover

2010-05-06T07:33:00.001-07:00

http://www.nonsportupdate.com/currentissue.htm

Philly Non-Sports Card Show

2010-04-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 10am-5pm
Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 10am-3pm
Merchants Square Mall
1901 S 12th Street
Allentown PA 18103

For more information:
http://www.reightershows.com

Fraggle Rock #1

2010-04-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

Available from Archaia.
Illustrated by sketch card artist Katie Cook.

Click the link below to the Newsarama 8 page preview.
http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album_view.php?gid=1948

The Last Unicorn #1

2010-04-28T08:08:00.001-07:00

Available today from IDW.
Illustrated by sketch card artists Renae DeLiz and Ray Dillon.

Click the link below for preview pages on Diamond's website.
http://previewsworld.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=6&s=781&ai=94323

Interview with Brent Schoonover

2010-04-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
First set I ever did was the first Marvel Masterpieces set. My friend Grant Gould suggested me on it and they contacted me. I had seen all the fun he was having on sketch cards and wanted in on it.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it. It's a challenge like anything. My favorite thing is creating a scene with multiple cards.

What media do you like to work with for your cards? Is that different than what you normally use to produce artwork?
I pretty much stick to pencil, ink, markers, and color pencil. Plus the occasional white out trick here or there. I'd say those are my go to tools at conventions as well.

How do you feel about the entire sketch card process?
The companies have been great, deadlines haven't been too bad. Sometimes there is a quick turn around but that's fine with me cause that usually helps crack the whip mentally for me.

Is there a lot of ‘prep’ time when you begin work on your cards?
Yeah I usually create a list of characters I want to draw. If it's a Marvel set I really tried to find rare characters to do as the sets progressed. For stuff like Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Dead@17, I needed to explore those worlds a little more to find cool characters I may have forgotten about and might not have thought of off the top of my head. From there my list got filled out and it was really just a matter of whether or not I need reference handy.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Yeah, some will contact from my site, or I'll pop in at the Scoundrel boards and post some new stuff which is good for generating interest in Artist Proofs or personal sketch cards.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
Honestly I don't pay much attention to that. I draw what I'd like for that set. If someone contacts me personally and mentions they'd like something some way I am happy to do it but otherwise I just do what I'd like and have time for. There were some Marvel Masterpiece cards that I really enjoyed doing and they were simply done in color pencils.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Yeah, I've had one. It was early on when I was working on them and someone wanted me to do a style that wasn't mine and then got mad that it wasn't the look he was looking for. Ended up working itself out. Otherwise when there was the weird Marvel card mix up due to people breaking rules on Artist Proofs I had already sold my AP's and I was told I needed to have those people mail them back to Upper Deck. That didn't go over too well as you probably imagine.

Bad experiences with companies?
Slow payments!

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Being a sketch card artists was a great move for me. It has gotten my work out there to a market that may not read comics. It's made my commission list grow as well as selling more books. I really owe the sketch card market a lot for helping be where I am today.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
Doing both the Indiana Jones Crystal Skull and Heritage cards back to back were tough. I love those flicks but I quickly learned that there were not many characters in the films that really worked to make interested cards (my opinion). So I felt like I was limited. I prefer doing more characters than scenic cards so that made for a couple trying sets. Also doing the likenesses was a challenge in both these and the Star Wars sets.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
There are some 70'S Marvel horror cards I did that I really liked. The Spider-Man Archive set was a blast to do and I think a lot of those turned out well. Also some of the Indiana Jones ones turned out nice.

Some companies provide return cards or Artist Proof cards for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours?
I post them on my site, the Scoundrel boards. Sometimes I'll do whatever I feel like on some of them and put them on Ebay.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I'd love to keep doing them and I am sure I will to some capacity. My main thing is I think we need to diversify the type of sets that are coming out. I have never done a set of DC Comics characters and think that'd be fun. I'd also kill to do anything related to the Universal Monsters or 80's wrestlers. I think those would be fun to do. I am getting a little burned out on Lucasfilm stuff and Marvel sets. No disrespect to those properties.

My main focus on sketch cards now is I am using my personal sketch cards that I do at conventions as a way to raise funds for Parkinson's. My mother was recently diagnosed with this disease and I am trying to my part to fight it. I do "Sketch for the Cure" cards at conventions. $5.00 gets you a penciled card, $20 gets you a full color card and 100% of the money goes to Parkinson.org.

Any advice for people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Yeah, just keep working on drawing. No different than any other art job you'd want. If you want to do it, you gotta work on it all the time. Plus you gotta be fast.

Where can people see more of your work?
You can go to my website www.brentschoonover.com or my Facebook fan page.

What are you currently working on?
Currently I've been working on some samples for different comic projects as well as slowly working on a new graphic novel. I have a single issue of Vincent Price Presents coming out in June from Bluewater that I wrote and drew as well as final part of Astronaut Dad finished and should be out soon.

Thank you so much for your time, Brent!

The Looking Glass book

2010-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

From Bill Pulkovski: "...an art book featuring 17 artists in the industry (Matt Busch, Loco Duck, Gerlach, etc.)..."
For more information www.thelookingglassbook.blogspot.com

Interview with Saiful Remy Mokhtar (eisu)

2010-04-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Do you have an educational background in art?
I did go to a local college here in Malaysia (or at least it was a college, it just got upped into University a couple of years ago) called Lim Kok Wing Creative Institute. I took a major in 2D animation but we still learn Figure Drawing and some Graphic Design stuff so, yeah, I honed my artistic skills in the 3 and a half years I was there.

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
I'm a friend of Irma Ahmed or more widely known as Aimo and I saw her doing a lot of Sketchcard jobs, particularly from Topps involving Star Wars and stuff and I got interested but didn't join yet. Then I saw a call online for artists to join in the Marvel Masterpieces II sketchcard gig from Upper Deck and, hey, big Marvel fan here, I applied straight away and got in.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
It's very restricting but challenging. I do erase the initial skethces I drew A LOT, but I'm used to it now so it's actually pretty cool. And I like the fact that I can draw a full drawing with backgrounds and everything and not worrying about whether I filled the space enough or not, because the small space means, even if you don't have a background, it's filled, ha ha ha. Naw, just kidding about that, I do try to fill up empty space with colours so that it'll look full.

How do you feel about the entire process?
It's pretty much the same with what I've done before, which is drawing comics (mostly local), so the deadline pressure from companies and all that isn't anything really new to me. But, new or not, I somehow always manage to drag the work til the last minute and pull all nighters so that I can finish the job. I really gotta stop doing that.

Do you prefer to work with a specific media (pencil, marker, paint, etc)?
Pretty much pencils, brushpen and markers for me. I'm not much of a painter cos I'm not as well-trained on that (my own fault, never having the patience or attention span to learn it well) but with markers, I really love using them. It might be the instant application without worrying that I might smear the colours or something like or just the fact that it's like using a pen or a brushpen but with colours that makes me like it so much, I dunno but markers have always been my weapon of choice when it comes to colouring.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
When I started my commissions, yes, but I've been making a mistake of not putting myself out there in the sketchcard forums and communities so it's been dwindling down. I guess I should start being more pro-active in this sense so that I can continue to work on sketchcards, personal or otherwise.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
Well, when it comes to official APs, I usually charge by the specifics of what the collectors want. The more detailed it is, the higher I charge. I haven't really done that for my commissions yet because so far I've been getting commissioners that are pretty okay with just asking who they want without going into specifics about the details they want the card to be like, but I feel that if the collectors want more detailed card, the sketch card artists should charge a bit more for the specifics, because drawing something when asked like, "Power Girl please" is easy cos you can just draw her in whatever pose you want but when someone asks, "I want Power Girl flying down towards the camera carrying a tank above her head and looking like she's going to throw the tank at you and I want the Metropolis skyline in the background but make it look sort of blurry as if Power Girl is moving really fast" is actually quite difficult as you have to make it look, hopefully, to match the descriptions and that takes a lot of planning and time to make sure it comes out just right, so yeah, collectors should be prepared to cough up a bit more for the artist's hard work.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Thankfully, no. So far the collectors that I've had to work with have been very civilised and patient (seriously, sometimes I would drag on a commission for so long, I'm surprised the collector haven't hired a hitman to kill me... though I guess they wouldn't since that would be more expensive than the commission they're asking me for anyway, ha ha ha ha).

Bad experiences with companies?
I've worked with Upper Deck, 5Finity and Sadlittles so far and haven't really gotten any bad experience from them yet like getting stiffed for payment or anything, so, again, thankfully, no. Maybe when I put myself out there, I'd get a company that would screw me over then I'll get to chalk one up for the bad experience score, ha ha ha ha.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Can't really say right now. Like I said, I'm not really that pro-active in the sketchcard biz so I'm not really seeing any huge changes in my art career currently but hopefully once I get more time and can spend a lot of it to just put myself out there, I can maybe lift my career up to a better status.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date? What made it difficult?
I have to say, to date, is my latest job, Pin ups and Puppies (P'ups). I had fun drawing it, yes, but at the same time the pressure of trying to draw the right Puppy breeds to make them look accurate was so difficult for me. I did get frustrated in the middle of doing the job at one point and felt like I don't wanna see anymore puppies but in the end, I finished the job and am pretty happy with the result.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
I have one in the P'ups one that I'm proud of but I'm not allowed to show it, ha ha ha.

Some companies provide return cards or artist proofs for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours?
I put them out for commissions. Well, about 80% of my APs anyway, the other 20% I like to draw something I want and sell it. I myself am sadly not a card collector and wouldn't know what to do with the cards so the only way I can see it being of use is to actually put it out there and let someone who is a card collector keep it and treat it well.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I do. I enjoy drawing these cards especially interesting sets like Damsels & Dinosaurs. That one is fun... I'm not fully done with it yet so I have no previews to show of it, but hey, stay tuned to my Deviantart, I'll post there as soon as I finish the set and get approval for it.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Just have fun. The cards are small but that adds up to the challenge and upon finishing a set, there's always a sense of satisfaction but you gotta have fun doing it. Take it too seriously and you might grow to hate it, so just have fun with it. There's a lot of creativity that can be shown in a single card but it won't appear unless you have fun with it.

Can you tell us what future sketch card sets you'll be working on?
As I mentioned above, I'm working on the Damsels & Dinosaurs set right now and I also two other Sadlittles set I'm doing, Rantz Angels and Dreamers of Darkness. I also have a Rittenhouse project underway but I have no idea if I'm allowed to talk about it so I'll just keep it under wraps for now. Hopefully I'll get to do more sets in the future when I'm done with these and are able to post them online as part of my "Putting myself out there" mission.

What are you currently working on?
I'm actually underway of drawing a test script for Marvel comics hoping to get hired as an artist and am still working on an online comic I'm collaborating with Bobby Crosby called Marry Me ( http://marryme.keenspot.com/ ). There's also another comic I'm working on for Heavy Metal magazine but I dunno of the position whether or not I'm able to talk about it so... yeah, ha ha ha ha.

Where can people see more of your work?
My deviantart, eisu.deviantart.com is where I frequently put up any new artworks I do, but I also have a blogspot at nonameart.blogspot.com and a livejournal and darkkof.livejournal.com. I also have an online comic that is currently on hiatus called No Pink Ponies at nopinkponies.com. Yeah, those are places you can go to to check out my artworks.

Thank you SO much for your time!!

Sketch card artists at C2E2

2010-04-14T05:28:00.001-07:00

List will be updated throughout the weekend!

-Grant Gould

-Uko Smith

-Katie Cook

-Allison Sohn

-Andy Price

-Brent Schoonover

-Adam Hughes

-Josh Howard

-Colleen Doran

-Scott DM Simmons

Interview with Rich Molinelli

2010-04-11T22:55:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
I met Cat Staggs on a forum called Digital Webbing. She introduced me to the editor from Topps and here I am. :) My first card job was Lord of the Rings Evolution being a huge Fantasy and Lord of the Rings fan, what better first job to have.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface?
At first I loved it. I could do smaller detailed work but after some recent jobs where I was allowed to draw much larger I have felt that the smaller surface hinders the vision I have sometimes.

What media do you like to work with for your cards? Is that different than what you normally use to produce artwork?
I LOVE working with my Copic Markers, for almost every set I worked on I use my Prismacolors and my Copics. Normally I use the computer to color all of my work, but I have been using markers on some new pieces.

How do you feel about the entire sketch card process?
Hmmm I think it is a great way for an artist to get his/her feet wet and starting learning about things like composition, what companies want and working within deadlines. I mean nothing is more important to me than the meeting the deadline. I have only missed ONE in my whole career and that was because I was trying to work with a dislocated elbow.

Is there a lot of ‘prep’ time when you begin work on your cards?
Yes. I break down my cards based off time and pay rate. For most sets now I do no more than 100-200 cards. If the set is for 100 cards I take 25-50 of them and do the whole thumbnail, pencils, inks and if time allows color. But as I said it all depends on time allotted to me.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
I used too. The hobby market has changed so much from when I started these 4 years ago that I don’t have as much contact as I used. Anyone that goes to Scoundrel Art Community can see from my post count that I used to post quite a bit. I still try once in a while to interact with collectors.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
This is an issue that is never going to make anyone happy, artist or collector. It is very similar to the never-ending battle between He-man and Skeletor. I fall on the side of I feel an artist needs to maximize their time, effort and money. And this answer might not be so popular but it is how I feel. If company X offers me $1.00 per card, then I need to look at it from the business side and decide if I am going to do 6 full color cards a day with planning and all the trimmings and make $6.00 a day for the next 3-4weeks. If I am doing 100 cards that means for one project I make $100 for the month to pay my rent, food, car insurance, art supplies, etc. Now I know some will say that we get Return/AP cards to sell with as we please, but don’t factor in that these return cards can come anywhere from 2-3 months AFTER we complete the work. Usually when a job like this comes up I take on 2-3 more jobs with the hope that they all balance is out. It doesn’t always work like this though, especially when working freelance which is usually feast or famine and I may have 2-3 paying jobs but I need to make sure that each client feels I’m giving them my full attention by meeting said deadlines for them to meet their own deadlines to get product out. Hence why I tend to do repeat inked drawings so that at least the collectors get a drawing I put some time into. My honest answer to some who have questioned the repeats, if you really want a card or drawing from me or any other artist then maybe collecting return cards or private commissions are the way to go.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
Up until last year, no. I wouldn’t call them “bad” per say either. Just some rudeness from people, I tend to do some repeats in most sets I work on and I understand that some don’t like this. I hope that by reading my earlier post that maybe I could help you understand where I, as an artist/businessman, may be coming from. Some don’t like the characters I selected for sets either but what can I say I tend to like the more out there characters from X-men, Spider-man and Comic Book based properties.

Bad experiences with companies?
Who hasn’t? It comes with the job. You just hope at the end of the day that fans and fans of the property like what you have done.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
Oh yes it has. I learned to work in a deadline and do quality work in said timeframe, learned to make a business model that usually works LOL. Sometimes things get out of whack, but usually it works. I mean how many people I went to school with can say that they have worked with Marvel, DC Comics, Thundercats, Ninja Turtles, CSI, Doctor Who and Star Wars as there job? Not many I know. Unless of coarse they work as an artist ;) most of the work I have gotten is due to my work on these sketch card projects.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
1. Heroes. I never got into the show; I found the characters not fun to work with and dealing with the headache of a short deadline, made the whole job not fun at all.

2. Woman of Marvel – Just a bad time in my life and I was being tested for stomach cancer while drawing the cards in the hospital room and in doctor’ s office. If I could go back and redo that whole set I would.

3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – Didn’t like working on something I had no previous opinions of, nor had I seen anything to make me say "Wow".

You recently did a Star Wars base card, correct? What was that process like for you?
This was awesome! A dream comes true for me. When Topps editor Dave Waldeck came to me and asked for me to create my own vision of something off screen in the Cantina, words couldn’t describe how overjoyed I was. Not only did I get to draw something printed for Star Wars I got to create something of my own. And what did I come up with? Jawa Arm Wrestling with Kabe and Muftak to see who buys the next round of drinks. The process for this was not very different as doing my sketch card work, but here I had to have each step approved along the way up until Inks. So the thumbnails were sent to Dave he looked them over and chose which one he likes, then rough pencils are sent in and phone calls are made to tell me what needs to fixed and what they don’t like. But in the end I have a piece of Artwork that I am very proud of.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
Star Wars Galaxy Series 4, I went in with a different mind set and drew the characters in my own vision. Most fun I had working on a set in a long time. I'm also very proud of the work I did on Legends and Lore.

Some companies provide return cards or Artist Proof cards for working on sketch card sets. What do you do with yours?
I sell almost all of them. Some I have kept for my own collection but over the last few years bills have needed paying I had to let them go. Though with the economy lately I have seen a bit of a down turn in moving the cards as quickly.

Can you talk about your own sketch card set "Childhood Dreamers"?
Sure it is in the planning stages at the moment. I have some great artists attached to this set. Nathan approached me about doing an artwork of “Ram” set but I didn’t think that would fly off the proverbial shelves for sadlittles.com, so I pitched an idea where I could get a group of artists to draw about their childhood fantasies. So what this set will have is various childhood fantasies of being an army infantryman, astronauts, Pro-Wrestlers, Mermaids and Big Foot Trackers! I feel that our fans will love to see what we as child’s use to dream about. Some name attached this project are: Jess Hickman, Jeff Chandler, Don Pedicini Jr, Phil Hester, Ray Anthony Height, Nik Neocleous, Khoi Pham and many more. A full artist list will be revealed soon. The set is set to be released in early 2011 and will include sketch cards.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
Yes I do, but in a much more diminished capacity.

Any advice for people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Arrive. Raise Hell. Leave. LOL – stole this line from Stone Cold Steve Austin.
By this I mean come in get some work, get your names known, build a fan base, make some contacts, show you can meet a deadline, do some kick butt work and then realize when it is time to move on and build that portfolio WHILE working on sketch cards. I had a hard time admitting the last part but I am fixing that now. :)

Where can people see more of your work?
My personal website – http://www.mankindram.com/
Facebook Users can join my fan group – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rich-A-Molinelli/148493592638?ref=ts

What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on Star Wars Empires Strikes Back 3D from Topps, Golden Age Comics from Breygent Marketing and Damsels and Dinosaurs from Sadlittles. I’m also working on base cards for Rantz Angel’s and a 2 page Illustration of Thundercats for Cereal Geek Magazine. Also just did a little pitch with Nathan for a sketch card project, this is a top secret project, but we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Thank you for your time, Rich!

Step by Step from Joe Corroney

2010-04-07T22:20:00.001-07:00

http://www.joecorroney.com/comics101/index.shtml?20091105

Interview with Paul Allan Ballard

2010-03-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

How did you get involved in sketch cards/What was your first sketch card job?
I had been doing freelance for a little while on the side not really getting anywhere with it and trying to break into the world of sketch cards. With some great and much appreciated help and advice from Cat Staggs and Grant Gould, I ended up working on the first season of NBC Heroes cards.

How do you feel about working on such a small surface/how do you approach it?
At first the small surface was very daunting, but scarier was the fact that there was a limited amount of cards, leading to not being able to make any mistakes. When I'm working on something there's always a huge pile of wadded up paper next to me of all these various sketches trying to get the drawing right. With sketch cards I do the same thing, working out the problems before I even approach the card. When it's time to make the actual marks on the card, I have it already plotted out and understand how the markers are going to blend. That said I still make mistakes and it's a battle with myself to make the cards still dynamic after all the prep work.

How do you feel about the entire process?
I love the idea of working in all these various sandboxes. What other job would you get the chance to draw everything from giant robots to elves, to spaceships, to evil nazis? When I'm doing my cards, I try to think about the person on the other end opening the package for the first time. I remember how excited I was opening packs as a kid; a sketch card would have blown me away. It's that kid I do the cards for.

Have you done any of the larger incentive cards? Would you like to?No I haven't, sounds interesting though.

Do you have a lot of contact with collectors regarding your cards?
Yeah lots of contact with collectors and that's really what makes the all nighters all worth it.

How do you feel about some collectors wanting more detailed cards versus what sketch card artists are paid to work on the cards?
Well I'll admit this is a battle for me. I put way more into the cards than what I feel I should be getting paid. But I've been using these cards as promotion of showing what I do. So I see these more as calling cards of my abilities. Hopefully it gets me more work in the long run. It's one reason I created the sketchier vehicle style (heavily influenced by Joe Johnston and Doug Chiang),because I could do those much faster.

Have you had any bad experiences with collectors?
The collectors have been awesome. Lots of them have been very patient with me and that rocks. It's been crazy juggling work with commissions and I really feel like I'm just learning how to make this all work.

Do you feel that your cards are consistently collectible or does it depend on what set you do?
It's very interesting, sets vary all the time. But that said, I'm glad to do something like Voltron and bring in different people to my cards.

Has your career as an artist benefited from doing sketch card work?
I would say definitely yes. I had been plugging away at various projects and my name was slowly getting out there, but when I started doing LOTR cards and Star Wars, people started recognizing what I do. I'm very grateful for this opportunity.

What was the most difficult sketch card set you have worked on to date?
The Clone Wars widevision set was very challenging. As with other animated projects I wanted to approach it with my style. It was a lot of fun translating the characters, but lots of hours involved.
Also I had become very interested in the history of Topps, particularly a 1950's card set about the Korean War called "Freedom's War". I had a goal to invoke similar colour palettes and compositions with the Clone Wars. So there was lots of practice getting the feel just right. Hopefully when you look at those cards you'll get this retro feel of a war from the past.

Are there any cards that you are particularly proud of?
Those CW Widevisions hold a place in my heart, but my favorite cards to do were the Flying Wing from Raiders, soaring above the pyramids and the skyhoppers in Beggar's canyon, something we never got to see in in the movies. Plus I really enjoyed doing the treasures of Indiana Jones. I did just one of each, one ark, one staff of Ra, etc... Then I used real gold leaf to add to the card. I saw them as little treasures to be unearthed.... or unwrapped in this case.

Some companies provide return cards for working on sketch card sets. Do you keep any of the cards returned to you?
Nope, I wish I could sometimes.

Do you see yourself continuing with sketch card sets?
I have a set coming up, but I think I'm going to start cutting back on sketch cards. I love them and will probably always do them to some extent, but it takes a lot out of me and I'm anxious to getting the chance to work on my own projects. Maybe someday there will be a sketchcard set for my characters.

Is there any advice you would like to give to people wanting to break into the sketch card ‘biz’?
Draw every day and bring something new to the card business. There are a lot artists doing hyper realistic images, but the key is to be unique and have your own voice. I'm always struggling to add the touch of uniqueness to the card, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Where can people see more of your work?
You can check out http://www.nekokaiju.com/ and click on my journal to see what I'm doing currently. I have some big projects coming up later in the year including some personal projects that I'm very excited about.

Thank you so much for your time, Paul!!

Interview with Nathan Ohlendorf of Sadlittles

2010-03-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Why did you decide to do your own sketch card sets?
I was unable to get work with other companies, so I started my own on a whim.

How did you begin? Was it difficult at first (materials, legalities, etc.)?
I started by drawing the art for the L&L Thor promo card. I then contacted a printer and had the cards made up. I didnt even have the website yet, but I posted it on a couple different forums and people sent for them. So I knew I had to put my money where my mouth was. I began contacting artists and friends. Anyone who could draw. I was hoping I didn't fall flat on my face.

What were you looking for in the artists you recruited?
Free art!! LOL...No I just wanted artists with a desire to see the project through and a good work ethic. Had a few fall off, some quit. Overall I,m really happy with everyone.

What do your sets consist of (base cards, regular trading cards, sketch cards, etc)?
Promo cards, Preview cards, Trading cards, Sketch Cards, sometimes Collector Proofs and sometimes Test Sketches.

Have you had any setbacks so far, or has it been "smooth sailing"?
I've had artists quit, printing errors. I've really pissed people off because I can be a jerk sometimes. Had packaging issues...it all worked out.

What type of sketch card sets are you looking to put out?
Anything and everything I can think of. I dont think there are any limits of what we can or want to do.

Can people find your card sets in stores?
No, we cater to the true collector, someone who is a purist of the hobby. So we sell exclusively on our website.

How/where do you advertise?
We dont really, we just are a word of mouth type thing. We do use www.sketchcollectors.com and NSU had a Promo card. Scoundrel forums is a place you will find me peddling a lot.

Were you able to see a profit right away?
I was able to pay everyone and that made me happy! Lol. We are at the point where profit is flipped to the next project, we are doing 5 this year so we are good.

Are you planning on your company being around for awhile? Will you branch out to other products?
I hope we are around for a while. I want to make a mark in this hobby before branching out. Comics are a goal down the road.

Will you be looking into doing licensed properties in the future?
Yes, we have one set coming this year actually. It will be something you could compare to Women of Marvel. Indy comic fans will love this set.

Will you be attending conventions as a exhibitor/dealer?
We are hoping to be at a few of them this year.

What should an artist do if they want to work with you?
Send me an email and samples. I read every email and look at all art. I just don't have time to respond to them all right away. Don't send me an email that is all formal. I'm just a regular dude who started this in his basement. LOL.

If someone were to approach you about starting up their own sketch card series, what advice could you give them?
You need the right graphics person and printer. The printer will make or break you. You need lots of money. Or in my case a very expensive toy collection sold on ebay.

Where can people find more information on you and your company?
We have a Sadlittles facebook page I update regularly, and of course the website: Sadlittles.com

Thank you for your time, Nathan!

Marvel 70th

2010-03-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Sample cards posted on the website.
http://www.scifihobby.com/products/marvel/marvel70/?CFID=92697423&CFTOKEN=64212670

2010 Treasure Chest of Art charity project

2010-03-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

Pretty tight deadline, but if anyone is interested, contact Paul! -Jess

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello,
We are working on a charity project for the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation, their website is www.treasurechest.org. I would like to know if you are interested in participating in this special project.

Attached is the information.
Below is some additional information.
I would provide special commemorative trading card blanks, standard size 2.5" x3.5", 97# vellum, non glossy. I leave it up to the artist if you wish to do b & w, color or a mix of both. The subject matter is open, 100 % of the net profits, less expenses will benefit the Treasure Chest Foundation. We do have official permission to do Star Wars, Wacky Packages and Garbage Pail Kids, upon approval. Proper credit will be given to all license owners. The only restrictions I have are no nudity, vulgarity or extreme violence. Please note: Lucasfilm has given us permission for Star Wars images with a maximum number of cards to be done for the set. Currently, we are at the maximum number. So, although we are authorized to include Star Wars images, we have completed our given quota. I hope not to discourage those of you who can do other artwork for the set, to still participate and become part of this wonderful project. Original characters & artwork, including Sci-Fi & Fantasy artwork are welcome. The current art deadline is Apr. 2, 2010, extensions are available when needed. Please note: any quantity that you can help us out with is much appreciated. I understand schedules and workload help determine what can be done. Thanks so much in advance.
Please let me know how many cards you wish to help us out on and your mailing address and I will send. Currently, I am also asking artists not to post images just yet. Certain images will need official permission to do so. If you are interested in posting your images, please email me and I will add you to the list. The target time to post is April/May. Also, there will be an area for your printed name and signature on the reverse side of the card, please fill these areas out as well. Please pass the word, we currently are in need for additional artists for the project.
Thank you very much,
Take care,
Paul
cecexpo@gmail.com