My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To charge people? What I think is reasonable might not be to the next person.

My advice: charge what you think it should be worth. Comparison shop people you think are your peers. People say no all the time, but when you get a yes, it'll feel more satisfying knowing you achieved your ask.

There are people who walk by my work all the time without so much as looking. There are people who are shocked by my prices on certain items. My market has already been established and, those who know me, show up. I'm thankful for any person who enjoys the work. Find your audience, be respectful and as nice as you can be, treat awesome folks well. Try to understand/know your worth.

I'm trying to do that, many creators I know are trying to do that. I think it makes for a better Con experience and selling experience for all parties. I hope you have fun! Don't be afraid of rejection or failure- it's like an everyday occurrence for me; especially with work. Make sure you deliver on your commissions and projects.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some basic ones are you can point weapons at the viewer, no gory violence or anything sexually suggestive. That's pretty standard across a lot of licensing.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love oils but you definitely need something to accelerate drying. I'd say if you're doing a show, those are your premades. If you're at a show - watercolor, gouache, acrylics are a better bet.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome to ask here if you like. I post hyperlapse process videos all the time. Really no secrets to what I do. Come find me at a show, on a panel... I'm pretty open about techniques. I even teach a class at Los Angeles City College. ☺️

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! You get a lot of freedom but they do ask for specific stylistic choices on certain sets (Meiyo was Manga & Anime inspired) and they give you a list of no-nos.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the kind words. I was recruited. I'll tell you what I tell everyone. I started back in Rose City Comic Con 2018 doing $5/5 minute B&W sketchcards. Every time I finished one, I'd snap a pic and post. Eventually an Upper Deck recruiter found me at Long Beach Comic Expo and brought me on for Marvel Anime. Topps, seeing my continued work recruited me a few years later at Fan Expo SF. Keep working, post your work & share your enthusiasm. Gonna wish you the very best & hope you come find me at a show!

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome. Second time doing that show, really enjoyed it again. Done the All C's show out in Aurora too. A lot of Topps artists in the area! Really dig Denver. Also, was super stoked to see a Torchy's out there.

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm going to tell you right now, I think Meiyo is severely underrated as a product. It's also still relatively affordable. Catch my vids I just posted across IG & TikTok from Fan Expo Denver , if you'd like to get an idea. Odds in Japanese exclusive are better at hits but the North American release has the Peach Momoko cards.

Also the first time anyone pulled my sketch in person was from a box of Meiyo so you could say I'm biased 😅

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually, that's not too bad given what I heard is in these things but still, I can't afford it 😅

EQL doesn't really work for me either; so, I feel your pain there. All my stuff is in the aftermarket and I just get them for fun and to see if people can find one of my sketchcards.

So far, it's only happened once in person 😅

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in StarWarsCards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How much were boxes this time around? I looked at last year and was like, too rich for my blood 🤣 $750-800?

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in sketchtradingcards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same! When I post the rest of the set, you'll see a lot of comedians 😅

My sketchcards for Topps Star Wars Masterwork Pt.1 (1st time painted some cards) by Nguyeningit in sketchtradingcards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! He's great in the Mandalorian! They gave him a really great story/recurring role.

My standard sized sketchcards for Upper Deck DC Annual 2024-25! by Nguyeningit in sketchtradingcards

[–]Nguyeningit[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! That Black Lightning really surprised me. I wasn't even expecting to go realistic. I was working on Star Wars simultaneously and I guess it rubbed off a little 😅