Sketch Card Mania: How to Create Your Own Original Collectible Trading Cards

In this age of digital everything, presenting someone with an original, hand-drawn piece of art makes a big impression. So it's no wonder sketch cards (trading cards featuring one-of-a-kind artwork) are such a sensation. Packed with cool examples from various artists, Sketch Card Mania shows you how to create your own personal and professional-looking cards with guidance from long-time veteran of the trading card industry Randy Martinez.

• Basic technique instruction for sketching in pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, colored markers, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media
• The mechanics of designing and constructing sketch cards, from what to include on the back to printing, cutting and mounting them just right
• 20 step-by-step demonstrations featuring a range of styles and subjects - heroes, villains, athletes, aliens, wizards, elf warriors and more
• Expert tips for connecting with other artists, promoting yourself and sharing your work online
• Plus awesome inside tips on breaking into the business from five industry professionals

Whether your goal is to generate fans, get commissions or just have fun, this book will show you how to make stand-out cards that really say something about you as an artist.

Randy Martinez is a freelance illustrator and a drawing instructor at conventions, schools and conferences. He's an officially licensed artist for Lucasfilm Ltd. and has worked in production for films and television. His clients include Lucasfilm, Topps Trading Cards, Inkworks among many others. He's been published in the magazines including Star Wars Insider, Cracked, Gag and Cinescape; as well as StarWars.com, Los Angeles Times and Ventura County Star. He's done hundreds of sketch cards and is featured in game credits with top entertainment companies. Martinez is also the author of IMPACT's Creature Features.