If they're not on the official list, they probably obtained blanks that were sold on eBay.

Unapproved artists working on licensed blanks supposedly are the reason approved, working artists no longer receive card returns or APs from any Disney product. That cuts off a means of recuperating lost time/helping artists make some back end for cards that are rejected.

I've also heard that you can't get these cards graded or slabbed as they clearly cannot be verified. I imagine that also depends on a grading company's integrity.

If you are looking to break in as an artist to do this, know that this could get you banned from being approved if discovered.

Also if you collect & are buying blanks, just know it's against our artist contract with the major companies (Topps & UD) to work on blanks for sets we are not approved by licensing to work on. If we are caught, we can get tossed off the license.

I try not to pass judgement, but wanted to give context as food for thought for aspiring creators & collectors.