quote:

Originally posted by Allison Sohn:

quote:

Originally posted by Scifi_Collector:
I will agree that the six back cards are always the best sketch cards in the world.

But 80% of the regular sketch cards the artist design from all of Topps releases are pitiful.

Wow. Slam. I don't come to YOUR job and call you pitiful...

Also? I think your ideas are a bit outdated. I would agree that 2 years ago, very few artists were doing fully rendered cards; they were doing loose sketches, as the name implies. But today? Its a different story. Take a look in ebay right now at the DC Legacy sketch cards that are in circulation and you'll see that you are very wrong. Also? With a set like Heroes where the cards have to go through a stringent approval process by the network (or whoever) there really aren't that many "dud" cards getting through. So far, artists have had thier whole body of work taken out of the set of its not up to the studio's standard.

So think about what you say before you type it; it comes across as mean and ignorant.

Hello Allison-------

Just to clarify what I said, 80% of TOPPS sketch cards are pitiful.

I have seen the Transformers sketch cards, and every one looks exactly the same to me. And Most of the LOTR sketch cards. ( I am not saying all)

In my personal collection, I have over 100 sketch cards from Family Guy season 2 and 25 from DC Legacy (so Far), and every Rittenhouse release that has a sketch card I have at least 10.

NOW moving on ( and not to kiss any butt)
Allison, your sketch cards are in the top 3 of the all time best. I have one of your sketch cards from DC Legacy and I will never sell it.

How can we get more sketch card artist to put out designs similar to yours.

Lets take at look at DC Legacy. I love all the cards, but look how many of them are selling at less than $20 each. The majority sells for $30 - $60, and look at which artists sell for over $100.

So far Not including the dealer incentives only 3 artists have sold cards at over $250.00

Renae DeLiz
Martineck
Allison Sohn

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Scifi_Collector,

quote:

Originally posted by CaptainMal:
It strikes me odd that out of a cast of male and female stars we do not have one female signer yet Which leads one to believe that Topps is holding onto information as a 'teaser'.

Well there are more male actors to female. But there definitely needs to be autos signed by the ladies

I wonder what happens to the sketch cards that don't make it to the boxes because they've not been approved? Sent back to the artists?

I wonder if there will be a dual Niki/Jessica auto.

Darn signers list is turning into a veritable sausage fest.

I think it was bold for Scifi_Collector to say what he said, as many of us are thinking the same thing.

The problem is not with the artists, it is with Topps and the pitiful amount they pay per sketch. If I was an artist I'd be inclined to do a dozen quick sketches if I had higher paying commissions to work on. When you look at releases from Inkworks and RA the sketches are always top notch. I've seen some cards from LOTR Masterpieces that are nothing but shaded triangles

This is not the case for ALL artists, as many have created some beautiful pieces of art. But from a collectors perspective, if I buy a box for $50 I don't want some scribble on a piece of card. I'd much rather get a commission done for the same price, but then where is the fun in buying a box?

I want to add that compared to releases from years ago, sketch cards have really come a long way and many artists have created some beautiful artwork. I just wish that Topps, and any other companies at fault, start to reward the artists for their time and talent.

quote:

Originally posted by CaptainMal:
I think it was bold for Scifi_Collector to say what he said, as many of us are thinking the same thing.

The problem is not with the artists, it is with Topps and the pitiful amount they pay per sketch. If I was an artist I'd be inclined to do a dozen quick sketches if I had higher paying commissions to work on. When you look at releases from Inkworks and RA the sketches are always top notch. I've seen some cards from LOTR Masterpieces that are nothing but shaded triangles

This is not the case for ALL artists, as many have created some beautiful pieces of art. But from a collectors perspective, if I buy a box for $50 I don't want some scribble on a piece of card. I'd much rather get a commission done for the same price, but then where is the fun in buying a box?

I want to add that compared to releases from years ago, sketch cards have really come a long way and many artists have created some beautiful artwork. I just wish that Topps, and any other companies at fault, start to reward the artists for their time and talent.

We ARE being rewarded for our work, just not in the traditional fashion. No thier pay isn't the best; I just did a set where the pay was actually worse. Hard to believe, but true. But those six cards back from Topps are for some of us worth thier weight in gold.

Let me explain. If I did 100 cards at $5 a piece, I'd make $500.

If I did 100 cards for Topps at $1.50 a piece, I'd make $150 plus 6 cards back. Now lets say I sell those 6 back for a modest $300 a piece ( my Star Wars went for $450 a piece) then what I REALLY made on this set was $1800 plus that $150. Its a MUCH better deal, and why I draw so loyally for Topps.

There are other rewards as well; but that will be revealed soon enough...

*add sinister music here*

Yes, but Allison, the problem with the whole 6 back system from topps is that an artist that does say 500 sketches compared to 50, well because their sketches are MUCH more accessable, their 6 back do not sell for NEARLY as much as the person who does 50. I mean I know a couple artists somewhat well and it is a shame that their 6 back did not sell for what they did, or that people actually told them they were asking to much for them. Whereas and I would NEVER name names, but someone who does a TON less cards and although the quality might be a lot better, still spends less time rendering 50 imagine over 500 sells their cards for big $$$ and has NO problem finding buyers.

I think Topps needs to increase their pay regardless of the six back system. I have always also thought that they should have some sort of teir system for just how many you get back. But that is ONLY my opinion, and I hope no artists do not take it personally at all...I am just stating my opinion from the outside looking in.

Thank you CaptainMal and Bryan for helping me sort out the words.

I didn't mean to offend anyone.

As a collector, I love sketch cards but I dislike opening a $50 box of cards to find a sketch that has three triangles on it, or even worse, just shading and a circle.

quote:

Originally posted by Allison Sohn:

quote:

Originally posted by tsmeltzer:
I believe that Christopher Lee kept the right to his likeness - not allowing it to be used at all. Not an approval thing, but a licensing/rights thing. Different than actors approving sketch cards of themselves.

It was definately an approval thing. On Lord of the Ring Evolution, Christopher Lee rejected some cards and allowed others. There are artists that had dozens of cards denied, and one or two get through the approval process. Others would get all thier cards approved. It all came down to Mr. Lee. Thats why for Lord of the Rings Masterpieces,we were instructed to not draw Chriostopher Lee; the approval process took to many cards out of the gameand took too much time.

Allison,

when your cards are declined I certainly hope you get paid. But what happens with the declined ones?

greetings

quote:

Originally posted by Peter cloet:
Allison,

when your cards are declined I certainly hope you get paid. But what happens with the declined ones?

greetings

I have the good fortune of not having had cards declined. I know of an instance recently, with the Heroes set, of one artist's cards being declined. That artist was paid thier full wages for the work done. And as far as I know, the declined images are detroyed.

quote:

Originally posted by Allison Sohn:

quote:

Originally posted by CaptainMal:
I think it was bold for Scifi_Collector to say what he said, as many of us are thinking the same thing.

The problem is not with the artists, it is with Topps and the pitiful amount they pay per sketch. If I was an artist I'd be inclined to do a dozen quick sketches if I had higher paying commissions to work on. When you look at releases from Inkworks and RA the sketches are always top notch. I've seen some cards from LOTR Masterpieces that are nothing but shaded triangles

This is not the case for ALL artists, as many have created some beautiful pieces of art. But from a collectors perspective, if I buy a box for $50 I don't want some scribble on a piece of card. I'd much rather get a commission done for the same price, but then where is the fun in buying a box?

I want to add that compared to releases from years ago, sketch cards have really come a long way and many artists have created some beautiful artwork. I just wish that Topps, and any other companies at fault, start to reward the artists for their time and talent.

We ARE being rewarded for our work, just not in the traditional fashion. No thier pay isn't the best; I just did a set where the pay was actually worse. Hard to believe, but true. But those six cards back from Topps are for some of us worth thier weight in gold.

Let me explain. If I did 100 cards at $5 a piece, I'd make $500.

If I did 100 cards for Topps at $1.50 a piece, I'd make $150 plus 6 cards back. Now lets say I sell those 6 back for a modest $300 a piece ( my Star Wars went for $450 a piece) then what I REALLY made on this set was $1800 plus that $150. Its a MUCH better deal, and why I draw so loyally for Topps.

There are other rewards as well; but that will be revealed soon enough...

*add sinister music here*

Thankyou Allison!! I wasnt even going to respond after Sci Fi's comment for fear the board would erupt with my defending the 6-back system, but at least you put the point I was trying to make across (and as an artist yourself they wont fight much with you)

All I was trying to say is that at least with Topps, artists whose artwork deserves to be recognised ends up doing so through the 6 back process. I admit that the artists pick the best 6 they drew (Who Wouldn't?) as sci fi said but I thought it was useless to fight against this because I know where he is coming from with regards to certain artists drawing triangles etc, but these artists who put no time and effort into cards will get no money back usually. The only point I was putting forward is that at least Topps can reward artists whp out effort into their cards as we the fans know this and will pay for it.

I know where you are coming from Sci Fi and understand your frustration at horrible sketch cards (And to this I am completely confused as to how they make it through the selection processif they are so bad?? It seems that they are just box fillers...) and with regards to my comment the artist who I was trying to put forward as this applying to was Sean Pence (who I will defend to the Hills if anyone attacks his work) who I personally know works his absolute butt off to keep the fans happy and because of this deserves the extra money.

Keep up the good work Allison, can't wait to see your heroes cards and hopefully get one and hope your six back do very well for you!!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: KISS_FAN_24,

quote:

Well there are more male actors to female. But there definitely needs to be autos signed by the ladies

I agree totally!! Who do you guys think is the most likely female to sign if they do end up getting a female to sign?

I would love to see at least two more female autos added to this set.....

Possibilities.......

Hayden Panettiere ... Claire Bennet
Ali Larter ... Niki Sanders
Ashley Crow ... Sandra Bennet
Cristine Rose ... Angela Petrelli
Tawny Cypress ... Simone Deveaux
Elizabeth Lackey ... Janice Parkman
Nora Zehetner ... Eden McCain
Adair Tishler ... Molly Walker
Clea DuVall ... Audrey Hanson
Missy Peregrym ... Candice Wilmer
Danielle Savre ... Jackie Wilcox
Missi Pyle ... Hope (signed for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Rusty Schwimmer ... Dal Smithers (signed for Six Feet Under)

There are quite a few more I am sure I am missing.

Can anyone please help add to this list and also can you please mark next to names if they have signed for other sets already and what set it was if you know this info.

Thanks

Several people here feel that paying the artists more money per sketch will translate into a better quality sketch being drawn.
I really wish they would take the time to think through what they are saying as it just doesn't hold water.

How is it that a number of artists can get paid x amount and produce miniature masterpieces time and time again, and another group of artists are paid that same amount yet their works aren't anywhere near as good? To be quite honest a number of them are down right lousy.

Isn't the issue quality control? If Inkworks and Rittenhouse can screen each and every sketch, then why can't Topps do the same?

I laughed at the original 6 back comment, because while the 6 back are going to be killer cards, unfortunately that doesn't guarantee the rest of an artist's body of work will be up to the collecting communities standard. Let's remember the cards are being made for collectors.

quote:

Originally posted by KISS_FAN_24:

quote:

Well there are more male actors to female. But there definitely needs to be autos signed by the ladies

I agree totally!! Who do you guys think is the most likely female to sign if they do end up getting a female to sign?

I would love to see at least two more female autos added to this set.....

Possibilities.......

Hayden Panettiere ... Claire Bennet
Ali Larter ... Niki Sanders
Ashley Crow ... Sandra Bennet
Cristine Rose ... Angela Petrelli
Tawny Cypress ... Simone Deveaux
Elizabeth Lackey ... Janice Parkman
Nora Zehetner ... Eden McCain
Adair Tishler ... Molly Walker
Clea DuVall ... Audrey Hanson
Missy Peregrym ... Candice Wilmer
Danielle Savre ... Jackie Wilcox
Missi Pyle ... Hope (signed for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Rusty Schwimmer ... Dal Smithers (signed for Six Feet Under)

There are quite a few more I am sure I am missing.

Can anyone please help add to this list and also can you please mark next to names if they have signed for other sets already and what set it was if you know this info.

Thanks

A while ago I looked up and posted the prime autograph potential, top 10, from those actors who aren't considered main cast, or at least weren't until season 2. I only did big names or those with a good number of episodes under their belt. 6 were female.

Clea Duvall - Det. Audrey Hanson (7 eps.)
Nora Zehetner- Eden McCain (8 eps)
Rena Sofer- Heidi Petrelli (4 eps)
George Takei- Kaito Nakamura (5 eps)
Elizabeth Lackey- Janice Parkman (9 eps)
Stan Lee- Bus Driver (1 ep)
Malcolm McDowell- Mr. Lindermann (3 eps)
Missy Peregrym- Candice Wilmer (6 eps)
Christine Rose- Angela Petrelli (12 eps)

I would like at least 1 of the big 2 main cast females to sign, Ali or Hayden (in that order for my tastes)

quote:

Originally posted by Arvin Sloane:
Several people here feel that paying the artists more money per sketch will translate into a better quality sketch being drawn.
I really wish they would take the time to think through what they are saying as it just doesn't hold water.

How is it that a number of artists can get paid x amount and produce miniature masterpieces time and time again, and another group of artists are paid that same amount yet their works aren't anywhere near as good? To be quite honest a number of them are down right lousy.

Isn't the issue quality control? If Inkworks and Rittenhouse can screen each and every sketch, then why can't Topps do the same?

I laughed at the original 6 back comment, because while the 6 back are going to be killer cards, unfortunately that doesn't guarantee the rest of an artist's body of work will be up to the collecting communities standard. Let's remember the cards are being made for collectors.

I agree totally with you. If my original comment came across wrong all I meant was that at least through Topps artists of a high calibre who exert themselves time and time again for the fans actually have an incentive to do so as they can sell some of their work.

And also you are 100% right with regards to quality control for Topps.... Maybe Topps should let the artists who have exerted so much to make the cards perfect have six of their choice back and for artists who seem to have done 300 in two seconds and 6 twelve hour masterpieces should make them take a lucky dip as to what they get back, then I wonder how many would rush their cards.

I look at the sketchs allison sohn and people like her did, and i think "why arent you on a regular comic book as an artist?" maybe you are now, but its sort of a shock that you havent been turned into a comic artist, getting that 100+ page rate. As i said on another board, artists like you really did it right. You spent your time, and made actual works of art on your sketch cards. You made some insane fan loyalty, and you showed you take pride in your work. Thats the type of **** i would be looking for as an editor at marvel or DC. Just my two cents. I wish all sketch artists looked at their job the way you did. I wish all realized, that it hurts you in the long run to be "that guy" that no one wants to pull, and it stigmatizes you (sp?)no matter what later on. Anywho, sorta off subject but oh well.

well i got the list from warp9

quote:

Originally posted by Arvin Sloane:
Several people here feel that paying the artists more money per sketch will translate into a better quality sketch being drawn.
I really wish they would take the time to think through what they are saying as it just doesn't hold water.

How is it that a number of artists can get paid x amount and produce miniature masterpieces time and time again, and another group of artists are paid that same amount yet their works aren't anywhere near as good? To be quite honest a number of them are down right lousy.

Isn't the issue quality control? If Inkworks and Rittenhouse can screen each and every sketch, then why can't Topps do the same?

I laughed at the original 6 back comment, because while the 6 back are going to be killer cards, unfortunately that doesn't guarantee the rest of an artist's body of work will be up to the collecting communities standard. Let's remember the cards are being made for collectors.

Everyone approaches the 6 back a little bit differently. On Lord of the Rings Masterpieces and Star Wars 30th, I let the first 6 fans tht conacted me PICK THIER OWN cards from my batch. So my 6 back weren't my best; they were the one that the collectors wanted to pay for. In fact on the Star Wars set, a couple of the choicese were NOT those cards I'd have asked for back.

On Heroes? On Heroes you will all hate me. I did all of my Heroes cards in Black and White and my 6 back are my only colors cards. I'd never done this before, so wanted to give it a try. I also thought, for whatever collectors buy those six back, they'd have a REALLY special card.

However, my black and white cards are still really strong, artistically. I didn't hack them out. IN FACT, they are good enough that my sample made the cut on the first promo sheet, then one of my actual cards made it to the second one.

quote:

Originally posted by zhamlau:
I look at the sketchs allison sohn and people like her did, and i think "why arent you on a regular comic book as an artist?" maybe you are now, but its sort of a shock that you havent been turned into a comic artist, getting that 100+ page rate. As i said on another board, artists like you really did it right. You spent your time, and made actual works of art on your sketch cards. You made some insane fan loyalty, and you showed you take pride in your work. Thats the type of **** i would be looking for as an editor at marvel or DC. Just my two cents. I wish all sketch artists looked at their job the way you did. I wish all realized, that it hurts you in the long run to be "that guy" that no one wants to pull, and it stigmatizes you (sp?)no matter what later on. Anywho, sorta off subject but oh well.

we all have our reasons. I don't do comic because I've yet to master the art of storytellng. I can't do sequentials (yet). But some of us HAVE moved in that direction. I heard Katie Cook was doing something with Dark Horse, and I know DC loves her stuff. Otis Frampton has his book, Tom Hodgeesis doing a book with the new Red 5 Comics For some its a matter of time. As for others... someone asked why everyone doesn't put in the same amount of effort. Maybe we do, and those sketches people consider less desireable? Maybe thats the best that artist has to offer.

Unlike Allison and Katie and Co, my sketch cards haven't lead to too many bigger things, but that's only because I haven't done any art director chasing in a while. I've got to work on some self promotion in my niche, which is children's illustration, and I know that these sketch cards, as pro work, will open a TON of doors once I'm willing to chase things. I also have a day job (So does Katie, I don't know WHERE she gets all that energy!)

Why aren't all of my cards 'masterpieces'? Because I enjoy the livliness of my sketches. My pencil cards have a lot more life than my inks and colours, but they get thrown into the 'I didn't pull a colour caaaaaard' pile.

Now I don't do a few scribbles on a card and pull it a day, but the next time you guys pull something YOU think isn't finished, it doesn't mean the artist didn't think it was.

*drops 2 cents in the jar*