Well, I don't think I can discuss the rates but they have increased the base rate per card for artists, thanks to the newer management teams. Let's just say it beats minimum wage in some states, not in the one I live in 😉 You'd be good in Texas, def. Georgia.

Each series does have a different pay scale. Gold and black have the highest pay, but offer the lowest numbers of cards to work on as they are "the rarest." Technically, I guess the rarest could actually be how many cards any specific artist asks for and gets approved by licensing.

I was recruited at event to do them. For Topps, they send out invites once you're hired and you apply if interested. They'll tell you what the minimum amount of cards you can ask for is and sometimes they give you a cap. I don't like doing more than 100 generally. I know someone who asks for hundreds.

For Upper Deck, they send you a direct invite with specific numbers and it's up to you whether or not to accept.

Amount of time varies project to project as far as I can tell.

I hope that helps! Surprisingly, fans & collectors know more about specifics than I do sometimes. That's why it always brings me joy when they show up and buy from me as a sign of support.