Photorealism vs. Comic Art Sketch Card Preference
 

I've recently finished my first two sketch card sets with Cryptozoic, and would classify myself more as a cartoonist/comic artist. I've considered applying to Topps and Upper Deck as well, but I've noticed a vast majority of sketch cards for sets released on those brands are slanting toward photorealism. Topps even posted a position in NY for a freelance sketch card artist, and they indicated they only wanted someone who would create photorealistic interpretations. [B]So as collectors do these two styles make a difference in who you will commission to do an AP[/B]? The way I make my money back is on the APs, and so it determines how I would focus my efforts as an artist. For example, completing a Rick and Morty set I know it's expected I would produce an AP in a cartoon like style, but if it were Star Wars there appears to be a preference toward a style like David Desbois.

Thanks for any input!

I like the opposite of the norm. So for R&M lifelike would be preferred, but for Star Wars live action I like more stylized/cartoon.

There's just too much of the same photo realistic portraits out there where they start to blend together and aren't unique.

Or I suggest draw something thats not a stock image or still, try a pose or scene.

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I think it really just depends on the quality of the artwork more than the style for me. Sure the photorealistic ones def take a lot of time and skill and tend to make great portraits, but I've always preferred seeing a nicely done well thought out action scene or pose in a more cartoon, comic, or unique personal style.

Have any examples of any of your work? I'd love to see some.

My favorite artists lean more towards an impressionist style (tim proctor, Ingrid hardy), but I like other types as well

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[QUOTE=jyk913;13836551]I think it really just depends on the quality of the artwork more than the style for me. Sure the photorealistic ones def take a lot of time and skill and tend to make great portraits, but I've always preferred seeing a nicely done well thought out action scene or pose in a more cartoon, comic, or unique personal style.

Have any examples of any of your work? I'd love to see some.[/QUOTE]

This is great info. Thanks for sharing! You can check out my website for examples of my overall style ([url]www.reindel.com[/url]) digitally, and within my ([url]https://www.instagram.com/brian.reindel[/url]) you'll find some of the Cryptkins sketch cards I completed, as well as custom cards for Marvel/DC characters. The rest of the Cryptkins and the other set I can't quite release yet.

[QUOTE=Vargaman;13836529]There's just too much of the same photo realistic portraits out there where they start to blend together and aren't unique.[/QUOTE]

I was thinking the same thing. It might be that Topps is trying to appease a majority, which would make sense as a business. If people have come to expect it then they don't want to disappoint too many people. Thanks so much for the feedback!

[QUOTE=gdelan1;13836723]My favorite artists lean more towards an impressionist style (tim proctor, Ingrid hardy), but I like other types as well

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That's very interesting as I had not considered that style. Thanks for pointing it out :)

I don't think I prefer any given way, I just like what I like and that is usually dictated by the artist.

[QUOTE=kerg;13836965]I don't think I prefer any given way, I just like what I like and that is usually dictated by the artist.[/QUOTE]

^This

Oftentimes, the license-holder imposes demands too, like Disney has basically stated all photorealistic for Star Wars, full stop. Whereas Marvel Cinematic Universe has basically banned photorealistic because the actors have some say in the use of their likenesses.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[QUOTE=HiltonL;13837423]^This

Oftentimes, the license-holder imposes demands too, like Disney has basically stated all photorealistic for Star Wars, full stop. Whereas Marvel Cinematic Universe has basically banned photorealistic because the actors have some say in the use of their likenesses.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯[/QUOTE]

That's really helpful to know because I didn't even realize that regarding the license. It's pretty cool how so many collectors like to stick by an artist as well and support their work over time. It makes me feel better about branching out, and trying to build a following for my style.

I don't collect photorealism.


Surprised Upperdeck is asking for this considering photorealism is not allowed in marvel sets for all practical purposes.

I suppose I prefer a cartoon style with heavy emphasis on detail and thoughtfulness (i.e., backgrounds, shading, composition). I appreciate any card that you can tell the artist put effort into.

Strongly dislike lazy, quick sketches that obviously indicate rushed work or lack of interest in the subject matter. This is a big pet peeve.

Every AP commission I've requested I made sure to let the artist know they have all the time in the world (and also subtly inquired if they enjoy the subject matter).


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[QUOTE=breindel;13836511]Topps even posted a position in NY for a freelance sketch card artist, and they indicated they only wanted someone who would create photorealistic interpretations.[/QUOTE]

Can you draw this?

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ESwAAOSwyP5aA2Dp/s-l225.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6PMAAMXQiM5Q~Vvh/s-l225.jpg[/IMG]

Apparently that's photorealistic enough for Topps! :p

[QUOTE=Madoka;13839093]Can you draw this?

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ESwAAOSwyP5aA2Dp/s-l225.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/6PMAAMXQiM5Q~Vvh/s-l225.jpg[/IMG]

Apparently that's photorealistic enough for Topps! :p[/QUOTE]

Lol, I sure hope so, although maybe that is the artist's honest interpretation. I've come to the conclusion that tastes are so varied that unless someone is drawing stick figures who knows who will like what... sometimes I'm amazed anyone likes anything I draw... it's like magic :p

I couldn't tell you how many times I commissioned artists back when I collected sketchcards. The ones I liked the most had a distinct and individual style, so that is what I looked for. Some examples:

Otis Frampton, Adam Cline, Jeremy Treece, Kate Glasheen, Sonny Strait, Jamie Roberts, Michael Duron, Benjamin Glendenning


Photorealism was never something I looked for, as it is a double-edged sword. A perfect likeness just looks like a press shoot; a less-then-perfect likeness, I just notice the areas where it is "off".

[QUOTE=glorbgorb;13839480]A perfect likeness just looks like a press shoot; a less-then-perfect likeness, I just notice the areas where it is "off".".[/QUOTE]

Yeah, that is one reason I don't like drawing it either. To put so much effort into it only to realize it looks slightly off -- I prefer to make an interpretation.

[QUOTE=breindel;13836511]Topps even posted a position in NY for a freelance sketch card artist, and they indicated they only wanted someone who would create photorealistic interpretations. [/QUOTE]

That posting also does state "Please include... which Topps brands you are interested in drawing for? (Star Wars, The Walking Dead, Garbage Pail Kids)" GPK isn't photorealistic. So I think what they really mean is recognizable, which they more accurately state at "reasonable resemblance to the characters and scenes depicted"

I think your style of art may work for some sets, but some sets it may not be as appreciated (like the sports sets).

Brian, I know you mentioned branching out earlier. One of the things I didn't say is that of those artists I listed, I went back to several of them time and time again. I have a Wonder Twins 8*10 by Jeremy Treece hanging on my office wall (following numerous card commissions). My son has a 8x10 or Darth Vader and some Stormtroopers done by Kate Glasheen (following numerous commissions). Point being, if your style syncs up with what collectors like, they will be repeat visitors and will want things larger than a sketchcard.

[QUOTE=bn2cardz;13839736]That posting also does state "Please include... which Topps brands you are interested in drawing for? (Star Wars, The Walking Dead, Garbage Pail Kids)" GPK isn't photorealistic. So I think what they really mean is recognizable, which they more accurately state at "reasonable resemblance to the characters and scenes depicted"

I think your style of art may work for some sets, but some sets it may not be as appreciated (like the sports sets).[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I saw that. I guess I put too much focus on this:

[B]Ability to draw in multiple styles with emphasis on photorealism.[/B]

With regard to that position it's likely they need someone to do both, but that doesn't necessarily exclude other sketch card artists from doing something different. The only way I'll know for sure at this point is to ask to be placed on a set :)

[QUOTE=glorbgorb;13839776]Brian, I know you mentioned branching out earlier. One of the things I didn't say is that of those artists I listed, I went back to several of them time and time again. I have a Wonder Twins 8*10 by Jeremy Treece hanging on my office wall (following numerous card commissions). My son has a 8x10 or Darth Vader and some Stormtroopers done by Kate Glasheen (following numerous commissions). Point being, if your style syncs up with what collectors like, they will be repeat visitors and will want things larger than a sketchcard.[/QUOTE]

Thank you this is good to know. I've had a couple repeats for some things, and it's a pretty good feeling. Thinking about myself I guess it's like anything else where if I had a good experience, and I like what I got in return, then I'm more likely to go back instead of risking dealing with someone new. Not that this is always the case, but it makes sense.

[QUOTE=breindel;13839952]Thank you this is good to know. I've had a couple repeats for some things, and it's a pretty good feeling. Thinking about myself I guess it's like anything else where if I had a good experience, and I like what I got in return, then I'm more likely to go back instead of risking dealing with someone new. Not that this is always the case, but it makes sense.[/QUOTE]

I tend to keep drinking from the same fountains, although I mixmitmup every oncemi a while too

I am a fan of the cartoon/animated style. I would rather have a Jason Crosby or j(ay) sketch card over any of the photorealism sketches.

[QUOTE=Corky;13842666]I am a fan of the cartoon/animated style. I would rather have a Jason Crosby or j(ay) sketch card over any of the photorealism sketches.[/QUOTE]

Forreal Jason Crosby is awesome. He and Achilles Kokkinakis do some of the nicest sketch cards I've ever seen. I mean obviously they're both talented as hell but Crosby's borders and lettering and Kokkinakis' frames/backgrounds just take them to the next level for me. One day I'm going to have to try to get some commissions from those guys.